scholarly journals Strategies for Prevention of COVID-19 Transmission in Hospitals: a Nationwide Survey of Controversial Issues Related to Infection Control and Prevention in Korea

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wooyoung Jang ◽  
Bongyoung Kim ◽  
Eu Suk Kim ◽  
Kyoung-Ho Song ◽  
Song Mi Moon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
National Level ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Medical Institutions ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
Control And Prevention

Abstract Background: Infection-control measures against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) within a hospital are often based on expert experience and intuition due to the lack of clear guidelines. This study aimed to survey the current strategies for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in medical institutions.Methods: In a systematic review of national-level guidelines, 13 key topics were selected. Six hospitals were provided an open survey between August 11 and 25, 2020, to assess their responses to these topics. Using these data, an online questionnaire was developed and sent to the infection-control teams of 46 hospitals in South Korea. The survey was conducted between January 31, 2021, and February 20, 2021.Results: All 46 hospitals responded to the survey. All hospitals operated screening clinics, while 89.1% (41/46) allowed symptomatic patients without COVID-19-associated symptoms to visit the general outpatient clinics. Most hospitals (87.2%; 34/39) conducted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for all hospitalised patients. Moreover, 35 (76.1%) hospitals had preemptive isolation policies for hospitalised patients, of which 97.1% (34/35) released patients from isolation after a single negative PCR test. Most hospitals (76.9%; 20/26) allowed shared-room accommodation for patients who met the national criteria for release from isolation but showed positive PCR results with cycle threshold values above a certain threshold (34.6%; 9/26) or after a certain period that satisfied the national criteria (26.9%; 7/26). Conclusions: Various guidelines were being applied by each medical institution, but an explicit set of national guidelines to support these guidelines was unavailable.

scholarly journals Infant Case of Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and Citrobacter koseri Urinary Infection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyppolite K Tchidjou ◽  
Bernard Romeo
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Urinary Infection ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Infant Case

Abstract Since 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is highly contagious with a high mortality rate. France has taken strict infection control measures. According to the report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, children are less affected with COVID-19 and seem to have less severe disease than adults. We reported the first confirmed infant case of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and Citrobacter koseri urinary infection in 6-week-old child admitted on 25 March 2020 with mild symptoms in the Pediatric COVID Unit of Amiens University Hospital, France.

scholarly journals COVID-19 infection control measures and outcomes in urban dialysis centers in predominantly African American communities

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibironke W. Apata ◽  
Jason Cobb ◽  
Jose Navarrete ◽  
John Burkart ◽  
Laura Plantinga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Dialysis Facility ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Dialysis Facilities

Abstract Background Emory Dialysis serves an urban and predominantly African American population at its four outpatient dialysis facilities. We describe COVID-19 infection control measures implemented and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in the Emory Dialysis facilities. Methods Implementation of COVID-19 infection procedures commenced in February 2020. Subsequently, COVID-19 preparedness assessments were conducted at each facility. Patients with COVID-19 from March 1–May 31, 2020 were included; with a follow-up period spanning March–June 30, 2020. Percentages of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were calculated, and characteristics of COVID-19 patients were summarized as medians or percentage. Baseline characteristics of all patients receiving care at Emory Dialysis (i.e. Emory general dialysis population) were presented as medians and percentages. Results Of 751 dialysis patients, 23 (3.1%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. The median age was 67.0 years and 13 patients (56.6%) were female. Eleven patients (47.8%) were residents of nursing homes. Nineteen patients (82.6%) required hospitalization and 6 patients (26.1%) died; the average number of days from a positive SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) test to death was 16.8 days (range 1–34). Two patients dialyzing at adjacent dialysis stations and a dialysis staff who cared for them, were diagnosed with COVID-19 in a time frame that may suggest transmission in the dialysis facility. In response, universal masking in the facility was implemented (prior to national guidelines recommending universal masking), infection control audits and re-trainings of PPE were also done to bolster infection control practices. Conclusion We successfully implemented recommended COVID-19 infection control measures aimed at mitigating the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Most of the patients with COVID-19 required hospitalizations. Dialysis facilities should remain vigilant and monitor for possible transmission of COVID-19 in the facility.

scholarly journals Clinical Experience, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Turkish Pediatric Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
pp. 1140
Author(s):  
Yelda Koç ◽  
Serap Akyüz ◽  
Damla Akşit-Bıçak
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
P Value ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Pediatric Dentists

Background and Objectives: “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19) is a critical public health problem that has affected all fields, including dentistry. The dental management of children has become even more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current knowledge, attitudes and practices of Turkish pediatric dentists who have been providing dental treatments to children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: After receiving ethical approval, this cross-sectional study was conducted using the Google Forms online survey instrument. An online questionnaire link was sent to all the members of the Turkish Society of Paediatric Dentistry by e-mail and through social media. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test; a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 200 pediatric dentists participated in this study and most of them (82%) only performed emergency dental treatments, whereas 18.5% performed both emergency and routine dental practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority (72.5%) of pediatric dentists prescribed antibiotics and analgesics to their patients who were not cooperative with non-pharmacological behavior management techniques. The findings of the current study showed that the Turkish pediatric dentists had a good level of knowledge about COVID-19, satisfactorily conducted most of the infection control measures before and after the dental treatments, and attached importance to the use of PPEs; however, infection control measures during the dental treatments could be implemented better. Conclusions: Along with all precautions, the vaccination of healthcare workers and requesting a recent test result from patients showing a lack of COVID-19 disease before dental appointments could be used as effective infection control measures. Additionally, pediatric dentists should continue to follow local and universal guidelines, and education programmes should be frequently implemented in order to keep their COVID-19 management strategies up to date.

scholarly journals Behavioural changes during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of a nationwide survey in Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria JE Long ◽  
Jean CJ Liu
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Behavioural Changes ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Behaviour Changes

Introduction: As part of infection control measures for COVID-19, individuals have been encouraged to adopt both preventive (such as handwashing) and avoidant behavioural changes (e.g. avoiding crowds). In this study, we examined whether demographics predicted the likelihood that a person would adopt these behaviours in Singapore. Methods: A total of 1,145 participants responded to an online survey conducted between 7 March and 21 April 2020. We collected demographic information and asked participants to report which of 17 behaviour changes they had undertaken because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Regression analyses were performed to predict the number of behavioural changes (preventive, avoidant, and total) as a function of demographics. Finally, we sought to identify predictors of persons who declared that they had not undertaken any of these measures following the outbreak. Results: Most participants (97%) reported at least one behavioural change on account of the pandemic, with changes increasing with the number of local COVID-19 cases (P<0.001). Additionally, women and those who were younger adopted more preventive behaviours (gender: P<0.001; age: P=0.001). Women were more likely to increase handwashing frequency, and younger individuals were more likely to wear face masks prior to legislation. Finally, women and those who were married adopted more avoidant behaviours (gender: P<0.001; marital status: P<0.001), with both groups avoiding crowded areas and staying home more than usual. Women also voluntarily reduced physical contact, whereas those who were married preferentially chose outdoor venues and relied on online shopping. Conclusion: Our characterisation of behavioural changes provides a baseline for public health advisories. Moving forward, health authorities can focus their efforts on encouraging segments of the population who do not readily adopt infection control measures against COVID-19.

scholarly journals Dentists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Awareness of Infection Control Measures during COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (23) ◽  
pp. 9016
Author(s):  
Ruba M. Mustafa ◽  
Ruwaida Z. Alshali ◽  
Dalea M. Bukhary
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infection Control Measures

As antiviral vaccines are still pending for the COVID-19 disease, improving dentists’ knowledge and prevention measures is important. This study aimed to assess dentists’ knowledge, attitude, and perception of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia during the early outbreak period. In addition, infection control measures for dental setting were also assessed. Online questionnaire was distributed to dentists in different regions of Saudi Arabia when COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia was at its beginning. The questionnaire was assessing demographic variables, knowledge, attitude, risk perception, and preparedness towards COVID-19. Questions regarding infection control measures were also included. The correct incubation period of the virus was recognized by 43% of participants. Fever, cough, and shortness of breath were the mostly recognized symptoms for COVID-19 (98.9%, 95.5%, and 93.3% respectively). Participants in age groups ≥60, 50–59, and 20–29 years old were more likely to perceive COVID-19 as a very dangerous disease compared to 30–39 and 40–49 age groups. Dentists in Saudi Arabia showed satisfactory knowledge and positive attitude towards COVID-19. Improving dentists’ level of knowledge could be achieved through increasing their accessibility to materials provided by dental health care authorities, which specifies the best and safest approaches for dealing with patients during and after the outbreak.

Eye in COVID-19: A Brief Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Mohsin Ali ◽  
Qudsia Anwar Dar ◽  
Zahid Kamal ◽  
Alishba Khan
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Transmission Route ◽  
Ocular Manifestation ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Infection Control Measures

This is a brief review covering the currently available literature on ocular manifestations of COVID-19, andprevention strategies for ophthalmologists. A literature search was carried out of Pubmed, Google Scholar andWHO database of publications on COVID. Keywords used in the search were eye, ocular manifestations,ophthalmology, COVID-19, nCoV-2019, and coronavirus disease. All available articles were reviewed and thosepertinent to the study topic were included. Considering the dearth of information available, ophthalmology journals were also searched separately for relevant articles. Major ocular manifestation of COVID reported in literature is red eye, which usually presents before the onset of respiratory symptoms. Since the eye can be a possible transmission route for SARS-CoV-2, infection control measures should be undertaken by ophthalmologists, including use of personal protection equipment and eye/face covering. A framework for structuring ophthalmological services during the COVID pandemic is also presented in this review.

scholarly journals Estimating the consequences of a COVID-19 super spreader: A stochastic model of a night on the town

2021 ◽  
pp. 140349482110314
Author(s):  
Nils Henrik Kolnes ◽  
Snorre Nilsen Eikeland ◽  
Tor Albert Ersdal ◽  
Geir Sverre Braut
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Stochastic Model ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Local Municipality ◽  
The Town

A stochastic model estimated the consequences of a COVID-19 super spreader event occurring in the local municipality of Stavanger, Norway as a result of a night on the town. The model imposed different infection control regulations and compared these different scenarios. For Stavanger’s 161 locations of service, secondary transmissions from a super spreader event was estimated to infect a median of 37, requiring the quarantining of 200 guests given no infection control regulations, 23 and 167 when imposing social distancing regulations and other hygienic infection control measures, 7 infected and 63 quarantined guests with restrictions placed on the guest capacity, and 4 infected and 57 quarantined guests with both forms of restriction in use.

scholarly journals Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections?

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3444
Author(s):  
Joji Abraham ◽  
Kim Dowling ◽  
Singarayer Florentine
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Copper Alloys ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Infection Control Measures

Pathogen transfer and infection in the built environment are globally significant events, leading to the spread of disease and an increase in subsequent morbidity and mortality rates. There are numerous strategies followed in healthcare facilities to minimize pathogen transfer, but complete infection control has not, as yet, been achieved. However, based on traditional use in many cultures, the introduction of copper products and surfaces to significantly and positively retard pathogen transmission invites further investigation. For example, many microbes are rendered unviable upon contact exposure to copper or copper alloys, either immediately or within a short time. In addition, many disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, hospital superbugs, and several viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) are also susceptible to exposure to copper surfaces. It is thus suggested that replacing common touch surfaces in healthcare facilities, food industries, and public places (including public transport) with copper or alloys of copper may substantially contribute to limiting transmission. Subsequent hospital admissions and mortality rates will consequently be lowered, with a concomitant saving of lives and considerable levels of resources. This consideration is very significant in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming epidemics, as it is becoming clear that all forms of possible infection control measures should be practiced in order to protect community well-being and promote healthy outcomes.

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