scholarly journals COVID-19 Outbreak Perception in Italian Dentists

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto De Stefani ◽  
Giovanni Bruno ◽  
Sabrina Mutinelli ◽  
Antonio Gracco
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Infection Transmission ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Economic Basis ◽  
Mode Of Transmission ◽  
Α Level ◽  
Chi2 Test

The aim of this study is an evaluation of the Italian dentists’ knowledge regarding COVID-19 and their perception of the risks associated with COVID-19, their attitude in resuming their activities, and how they judge the institutional intervention on a health and economic basis. Methods: This research evaluated Italian dentists from 11 to 18 April 2020, using a questionnaire submitted via Google Forms (Alphabet, Mountain View, CA, USA). It consisted of different investigations about sociodemographic aspects, profession-related characteristics, knowledge about COVID-19 infection transmission modalities, symptoms, and attitude in treating potentially infected patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson chi2 test and Student t-test. The α-level was fixed at p = 0.05. All data were analyzed with STATA 16 (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA). Results: 1500 dentists (664 men and 836 women) completed the questionnaire. The majority of respondents declared having been trained in infection prevention procedures (64.3%) but not specifically to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (48.7%). A total of 57.2% declared that they were not trained sufficiently to restart working after lockdown, with a significantly higher prevalence (Pearson chi2 test, p < 0.001) among women (62.3%) than men (50.9%). Conclusion: Italian dentists were informed correctly on the mode of transmission but partially missed COVID-19 symptoms. Dentists considered the virus infection highly dangerous, and they were not confident in being able to work safely. The lack of precise operating guidelines creates uncertainties on infection control measures and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) use. The participants revealed apprehension for their health and the current and future economic situation of their practices.

scholarly journals Universal Masking to Control Healthcare-Associated Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Eliza R. Thompson ◽  
Faith S. Williams ◽  
Pat A. Giacin ◽  
Shay Drummond ◽  
Eric Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Index Patient ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Point Prevalence ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Va Health Care System ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Abstract Objective: To assess extent of a healthcare-associated outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 and evaluate effectiveness of infection control measures, including universal masking Design: Outbreak investigation including 4 large-scale point-prevalence surveys Setting: Integrated VA Health Care System with 2 facilities and 330 beds Participants: Index patient and 250 exposed patients and staff Methods: We identified exposed patients and staff and classified them as probable and confirmed cases based on symptoms and testing. We performed a field investigation and assessment of patient and staff interactions to develop probable transmission routes. Infection prevention interventions implemented included droplet and contact precautions, employee quarantine, and universal masking with medical and cloth facemasks. Four point-prevalence surveys of patient and staff subsets were conducted using real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2. Results: Among 250 potentially exposed patients and staff, 14 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were identified. Patient roommates and staff with prolonged patient contact were most likely to be infected. The last potential date of transmission from staff to patient was day 22, the day universal masking was implemented. Subsequent point-prevalence surveys in 126 patients and 234 staff identified 0 patient cases and 5 staff cases of Covid-19, without evidence of healthcare-associated transmission. Conclusions: Universal masking with medical facemasks was effective in preventing further spread of SARS-CoV-2 in our facility in conjunction with other traditional infection prevention measures.

scholarly journals Retrospective Study on Personal Protective Equipment During Pandemic Link to Outbreak of Carbpenem-Resistant Enterobacteriace

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s9-s10
Author(s):  
Kenisha Evans ◽  
Jennifer LeRose ◽  
Angela Beatriz Cruz ◽  
Lavina Jabbo ◽  
Teena Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
The Impact

Background: In 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), had cost the lives of >35,000 patients, particularly the most virulent plasmid-mediated New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM). Although healthcare systems normally have strict surveillance and infection control measures for CRE, the rapid emergence of novel SAR-CoV-2 and COVID-19 led to a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies. As a result, routine infection practices, such as contact precautions, were violated. Studies have shown this depletion and shift in resources compromised the control of infections such CRE leading to rising horizontal transmission. Method: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare system in Detroit, Michigan, to determine the impact of PPE shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic on NDM infection rates. The following periods were established during 2020 based on PPE availability: (1) pre-PPE shortage (January–June), (2) PPE shortage (July–October), and (3) post-PPE shortage (November–December). Rates of NDM per 10,000 patient days were compared between periods using the Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test. Isolates were confirmed resistant by NDM by molecular typing performed by the Michigan State Health Department. Patient characteristics were gathered by medical chart review and patient interviews by telephone. Results: Overall, the average rate of NDM infections was 1.82 ±1.5 per 10,000 patient days. Rates during the PPE shortage were significantly higher, averaging 3.6 ±1.1 cases per 10,000 patient days (P = .02). During this time, several infections occurred within patients on the same unit and/or patients with same treating team, suggesting possible horizontal transmission. Once PPE stock was replenished and isolation practices were reinstated, NDM infection rates decreased to 0.77 ±1.1 per 10,000 patient days. Conclusion: Control of CRE requires strategic planning with active surveillance, antimicrobial constructs, and infection control measures. The study illustrates that in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the burden of effective infection control requires much more multidisciplinary efforts to prevent unintentional lapses in patient safety. A swift response by the state and local health departments at a tertiary-care healthcare center conveyed a positive mitigation of the highest clinical threats and decreased horizontal transmission of disease.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

scholarly journals An anaesthetic and intensive care perspective on infection control measures for the prevention of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 81 (9) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Hazel R O'Mahony ◽  
Daniel S Martin
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Airborne Transmission ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Current Guidance

Guidance regarding appropriate use of personal protective equipment in hospitals is in constant flux as research into SARS-COV-2 transmission continues to develop our understanding of the virus. The risk associated with procedures classed as ‘aerosol generating’ is under constant debate. Current guidance is largely based on pragmatic and cautious logic, as there is little scientific evidence of aerosolization and transmission of respiratory viruses associated with procedures. The physical properties of aerosol particles which may contain viable virus have implications for the safe use of personal protective equipment and infection control protocols. As elective work in the NHS is reinstated, it is important that the implications of the possibility of airborne transmission of the virus in hospitals are more widely understood. This will facilitate appropriate use of personal protective equipment and help direct further research into the true risks of aerosolization during these procedures to allow safe streamlining of services for staff and patients.

scholarly journals Changes in Emergency Department Responses Between SARS and COVID-19 in Taiwan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia Wei Lin ◽  
Kuan-Ho Lin ◽  
Hong-Mo Shih ◽  
Kai-Wei Yang ◽  
Kao-Pin Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Hospital Level ◽  
Fever Patient ◽  
Infection Control Measures

Abstract Background: After SARS outbreak, infectious control polices had been reformed in Taiwan, but there was no evidence to prove its effectiveness. This study compared emergency department (ED) responses to the SARS and COVID-19 epidemics and investigate how policy changes affect infection prevention.Methods: A 2003 questionnaire regarding the responses of EDs to SARS was resent to EDs during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementation of infection control measures (ICMs), and difficulties in performance were compared. Data collection included hospital level, different PPE types provided and ICMs implemented, timing for using PPE and ICMs, and a difficulty rating scale for ICM implementation.Results: In total, 100 EDs responded to the questionnaire in 2003 was reviewed and compared with 131 EDs in 2020. In COVID-19 epidemic, the use of basic PPEs and ICMs was mostly significantly improved, but the percentage of preparedness in high grade PPEs was still low. Quarantine of fever patients outside of EDs was less performed in small to medium sized hospitals (p=0.008 and 0.004). All of the additional ICMs were significantly less implemented in local hospitals. The timing to use PPE and implement ICMs were simultaneously and significantly performed at early stage. Instituting a fever triage ward and restricting fever patient admission became less necessary. The closure of EDs remained the most difficult to perform in both outbreaks. Conclusion: After the policy reforms, ED responses became earlier and more consistent. However, inadequate quarantine resources at EDs in low- and middle-grade hospitals may lead to breaches in future epidemics.

scholarly journals Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on provision of electroconvulsive therapy

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Richard Braithwaite ◽  
Robert Chaplin ◽  
Vimal Sivasanker
Keyword(s):  
Electroconvulsive Therapy ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Service Disruption ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Virus Testing

Aims and method COVID-19 has had a heavy impact on healthcare provision worldwide, including delivery of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A survey was completed in the UK and Republic of Ireland in April and July 2020 by 95 and 89 ECT clinics respectively. Results In April 2020, 53% of the clinics provided only emergency treatment and 24% had closed. Reasons included unavailability of anaesthetists, infection control measures and staff sickness. Restrictions persisted in July, with disruption to an estimated 437 individuals’ treatment and poor outcomes, including clinical deterioration and readmission. Clinical implications Risk stratification, longer clinic sessions, improvements in ventilation, regular virus testing, pragmatic staff rostering and availability of personal protective equipment will protect against service disruption in subsequent waves of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Implementation of an infection prevention bundle and increased physician awareness improves surgical outcomes and reduces costs associated with spine surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitin Agarwal ◽  
Prateek Agarwal ◽  
Ashley Querry ◽  
Anna Mazurkiewicz ◽  
Zachary J. Tempel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Spine Surgery ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Physician Awareness

OBJECTIVEPrevious studies have demonstrated the efficacy of infection prevention protocols in reducing infection rates. This study investigated the effects of the development and implementation of an infection prevention protocol that was augmented by increased physician awareness of spinal fusion surgical site infection (SSI) rates and resultant cost savings.METHODSA cohort clinical investigation over a 10-year period was performed at a single tertiary spine care academic institution. Preoperative infection control measures (chlorohexidine gluconate bathing, Staphylococcus aureus nasal screening and decolonization) followed by postoperative infection control measures (surgical dressing care) were implemented. After the implementation of these infection control measures, an awareness intervention was instituted in which all attending and resident neurosurgeons were informed of their individual, independently adjudicated spinal fusion surgery infection rates and rankings among their peers. During the course of these interventions, the overall infection rate was tracked as well as the rates for those neurosurgeons who complied with the preoperative and postoperative infection control measures (protocol group) and those who did not (control group).RESULTSWith the implementation of postoperative surgical dressing infection control measures and physician awareness, the postoperative spine surgery infection rate decreased by 45% from 3.8% to 2.1% (risk ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.32–0.93; p = 0.03) for those in the protocol cohort, resulting in an estimated annual cost savings of $291,000. This reduction in infection rate was not observed for neurosurgeons in the control group, although the overall infection rate among all neurosurgeons decreased by 54% from 3.3% to 1.5% (risk ratio 0.46; 95% CI 0.28–0.73; p = 0.0013).CONCLUSIONSA novel paradigm for spine surgery infection control combined with physician awareness methods resulted in significantly decreased SSI rates and an associated cost reduction. Thus, information sharing and physician engagement as a supplement to formal infection control measures result in improvements in surgical outcomes and costs.

scholarly journals Awareness and knowledge of undergraduate dental students about the signs and symptoms of Corona viral infection (COVID-19), and the required infection control measures to prevent its spread

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasha F. Sharaf ◽  
Nihal Kabel
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is considered a highly contagious disease with flu-like symptoms and causing relatively high level of death. It can be transmitted from a person to another through droplets and that makes the dentists at high risk of infection. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of dental students about the signs and symptoms of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and to evaluate their awareness about the required infection control measures during the dental treatment to control the spread of the disease. A questionnaire was formed using Google forms and distributed among dental students and interns in different universities in Cairo, Egypt. Questions were about signs and symptoms of COVID-19, attitude of the dentists toward dental treatment of suspected patients and the required personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control measures at the dental clinic. Results The majority of the participants strongly agreed/agreed that COVID-19 is a highly dangerous disease, Participants reported that the most common symptom is difficulty in breathing (89.4%) followed by fever (84.4%). Face shield was the most recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) during dental treatment (98.6%) followed by disposable gown (96.3%). The majority of participants (84.8%) recommended using 70% ethyl alcohol as the first method to disinfect surfaces in between dental visits, followed by sodium hypochlorite. Conclusions Dental students and interns in Cairo, Egypt, have good knowledge and awareness about COVID-19 and the necessary precautions required to provide adequate dental treatment for the patients during the pandemic COVID-19; however, the importance of infection control should be highlighted for both clinical and preclinical dental students, to provide safe dental treatment to the patients as well as protection of the dentists and healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Prevention of COVID-19 Infection with Personal Protective Equipment

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-69
Author(s):  
Noriko Shimasaki ◽  
Hideaki Morikawa ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Modes Of Transmission ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Urban Disaster ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

A new infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread rapidly worldwide in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic in Japan can be viewed as an urban disaster because transmission of this respiratory disease tends to occur in densely populated areas. A scientific understanding of the pathogen itself, the cause of the disaster (infectious disease), as well as infection control measures, are important to implement robust and appropriate countermeasures. This review discribes the features, especially the modes of transmission, of COVID-19 and the principles by which infection control is possible using one of the most effective infection control measures – personal protective equipment (PPE). Because COVID-19 is often transmitted to others by asymptomatic individuals through droplets, even those who are unaware of their infection should wear masks to prevent the spread of droplets that may contain the virus and effectively control the spread of disease. However, given the worldwide competition for masks and the urgent requirement of effective controls, it is necessary to conduct further research to establish a system that can supply adequate numbers of masks to regions where many people are infected in the country, with no shortage of masks, in order to make the country more resilient to disasters caused by infectious diseases in the future.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and ophthalmology- Challenges and mitigation of disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-288
Author(s):  
Pravin M Bhat ◽  
Sunil S Kewat
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Surface Disinfection ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Contagious Nature ◽  
The World ◽  
Respiratory Hygiene

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a global health crisis with an uprising trend of infection and death in the world. Considering the contagious nature and the human to human transmission of the disease, it is utmost important to follow the infection control measures in the ophthalmic practice. The pink eye or conjunctivitis is the associated symptom reported along with the respiratory illness and fever in patients of COVID-19. So the triage policy, using noncontact procedures, understanding the risk factors of the disease, postponement of routine ophthalmic patient’s visit, following respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene, using personal protective equipment (PPE) are some of the measures to keep the infection in control are explained in this article. The surface disinfection, equipment disinfection are also important considering the environmental contamination nature of the disease. So in order to minimize the infection every ophthalmologist should work as per the guidelines and measures and work with the local designated infection control authorities.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Psychological response toward COVID-19 among Nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak in Northern Ethiopia, 2020

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Degena Bahrey Tadesse ◽  
Gebremeskel Tukue Gebrewahd ◽  
Gebre Teklemariam Demoz
Keyword(s):  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Response ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Response Score

Abstract Background: The Coronavirus Disease in 2019 (COVID-19) is not only the deadly outbreak disease but also it affects the mental status of the population including the nurses. Nurses play a vital role in dealing with COVID-19 victims. Nurse’s infection control measures is affected by their knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP), and psychological responses towards COVID-19. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, practice, and psychological response among nurses toward the COVID-19 outbreak in Northern Ethiopia. The hospital-based cross-sectional study design was employed. The data were collected from March to April 2020. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire.The data were entered into Epi-data manager version 4.2 and exported to SPSS 23 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was reported to describe the demographic, mean knowledge, attitude practice, and psychological response score of nurses.Results: A total of 415 nurses were participated in this study making that 100% response rate. Of the participants 241(58.1%) were female. From the 415 nurses 307(74%), 278(67%), 299(72%%), and 354(85.3%) were had good knowledge, good infection prevention practice, a favorable attitude, and disturbed psychological response towards COVID-19 respectively.

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