scholarly journals Overcoming Current and Preventing Future Nosocomial Outbreaks during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned at Three Hospitals in Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10226
Author(s):  
Makiko Komasawa ◽  
Myo Nyein Aung ◽  
Kiyoko Saito ◽  
Mitsuo Isono ◽  
Go Tanaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Health Care Delivery Systems ◽  
And Control

Hospitals are increasingly challenged by nosocomial infection (NI) outbreaks during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although standardized guidelines and manuals regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are available worldwide, case-studies conducted at specified hospitals that are required to cope with real settings are limited. In this study, we analyzed three hospitals in Japan where large-scale NI outbreaks occurred for hints on how to prevent NI outbreaks. We reviewed openly available information from each hospital and analyzed it applying a three domain framework: operation management; identification of infection status; and infection control measures. We learned that despite having authorized infection control teams and using existing standardized IPC measures, SARS-CoV-2 may still enter hospitals. Early detection of suspected cases and confirmation by PCR test, carefully dealing with staff-to-staff transmission were the most essential factors to prevent NI outbreaks. It was also suggested that ordinary training on IPC for staff does not always provide enough practical knowledge and skills; in such cases external technical and operational supports are crucial. It is expected that our results will provide insights into preventing NI outbreaks of COVID-19, and contribute to mitigate the damage to health care delivery systems in various countries.

scholarly journals Outbreak of clonal complex 22 Panton–Valentine leucocidin-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 224-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark I. Garvey ◽  
Craig W. Bradley ◽  
Kerry L. Holden ◽  
Beryl Oppenheim
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Clinical Specimen ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Spa Typing ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
And Control

Aims: We describe the investigation and control of a nosocomial outbreak of Sequence Type (ST) 22 MRSA containing the Panton–Valentine leucocidin (PVL) toxin in an acute multispecialty surgical ward at University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Methods: A patient was classed as acquiring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) if they had a negative admission screen and then had MRSA isolated from a subsequent screen or clinical specimen. Spa typing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was undertaken to confirm MRSA acquisitions. Findings: The Infection Prevention and Control Team were alerted to the possibility of an outbreak when two patients acquired MRSA while being on the same ward. In total, five patients were involved in the outbreak where four patients acquired the PVL-MRSA clone from an index patient due to inadequate infection control practice. Two patients who acquired the strain developed a bloodstream infection. Infection control measures included decolonisation of affected patients, screening of all patients on the ward, environmental sampling and enhanced cleaning. Discussion: Our study highlights the potential risk of spread and pathogenicity of this clone in the healthcare setting. Spa typing and PFGE assisted with confirmation of the outbreak and implementation of infection control measures. In outbreaks, microbiological typing should be undertaken as a matter of course as without specialist typing identification of the described outbreak would have been delayed.

scholarly journals Two cases of cholera O1 in South Batinah, Oman, April 2019: lessons learned

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. e2019033
Author(s):  
Zayid K. Al Mayahi ◽  
Nasser Al-Shaqsi ◽  
Hamid A. Elmutashi ◽  
Ali Al-Dhoyani ◽  
Azza Al Hattali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Care Level ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Primary Care Level ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Detection Point

Cholera represents an ongoing threat to many low-income and middle-income countries, but some cases of cholera even occur in high-income countries. Therefore, to prevent or combat cholera outbreaks, it is necessary to maintain the capacity to rapidly detect cholera cases, implement infection control measures, and improve general hygiene in terms of the environment, water, and food. The 2 cases, 1 imported and 1 secondary, described herein are broadly indicative of areas that require improvement. These cases were missed at the primary health care stage, which should be the first detection point even for unusual diseases such as cholera, and the absence of strict infection control practices at the primary care level is believed to contribute to secondary cases of infection. This report also encourages countries to ensure that rapid diagnostic stool tests are available to enable quick detection, as well as to provide information to people travelling to areas where cholera is endemic.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of a Comprehensive Device Associated Healthcare-Associated Infections Prevention and Control Program: results of a 3-year program in the Republic of Cyprus

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stelios Iordanou ◽  
Nicos Middleton ◽  
Elizabeth Papathanassoglou ◽  
Lakis Palazis ◽  
VASILIOS RAFTOPOULOS
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Infection Control Program ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Republic Of Cyprus ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background: Device-associated health care-associated infections (DA-HAIs) are a major threat to patient safety, particularly in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a bundle of infection control measures to reduce DA-HAIs in the ICU of a General Hospital in the Republic of Cyprus, over a three-year period. Methods: We studied 599 ICU patients with length of stay (LOS) for at least 48 hours. Our prospective cohort study was divided into three surveillance phases. VAP, CLABSI, and CAUTI incidence rates, LOS and mortality were calculated before, during and after the infection prevention and control program. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the number of DA-HAI events during the surveillance periods, associated with DA-HAIs prevention efforts. In 2015 (prior to program implementation), the baseline DA-HAIs instances were 43: 16 VAP (10.1/1000 Device Days), 21 (15.9/1000DD) CLABSIs and 6 (2.66/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=198). During the second phase (2016), CLABSIs prevention measures were implemented and the number of infections were 24: 14 VAP (12.21/1000DD), 4 (4.2/1000DD) CLABSIs & 6 (3.22/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=184). During the third phase (2017), VAP and CAUTI prevention measure were again implemented and the rates were 6: (3 VAP: 12.21/1000DD), 2 (1.95/1000DD) CLABSIs & 1 (0.41/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=217). There was an overall reduction of 87% in the total number of DA-HAIs instances for the period 01/01/15 to 31/12/17. Conclusions: The significant overall reduction in DA-HAI rates, indicates that a comprehensive infection control program can affect DA-HAI rates.

scholarly journals Infection prevention and control measures currently applied in South African audiology

2014 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katerina Ehlert ◽  
Alida M. Naude
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Opportunistic Infections ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Work Settings ◽  
And Control

Background: To counter the global increase in infection-related deaths, infection control has recently developed into an active area of research. Many diseases can be prevented by infection control. In the confines of the audiology clinic, cross-contamination by micro-organisms associated with opportunistic infections remains a real concern.Objective: The primary aim of the study was to ascertain the methods that audiologists in South Africa use to prevent and control the spread of infections during and after consultation with clients.Method: A survey study was conducted, using a self-administered questionnaire. Fifty currently practising audiologists participated in the study.Results: The majority (84%; n = 42) of respondents acknowledged the importance of hand hygiene for the purpose of infection control, with 76% (n = 38) making use of no-rinse hand sanitisers. Approximately a third of audiologists wear gloves during procedures such as otoscopy and immittance, and while handling hearing aids. Disinfecting audiological equipment seem to be the preferred choice of infection control, with only 60% (n = 30) of respondents sterilising audiological equipment after each individual patient consultation. Less than half of the respondents disinfected touch surfaces and toys in the reception area.Conclusions: Based on the results, further education and training should focus on measures implemented in infection control, awareness of possible risk factors at work settings, and vaccination as an effective means of infection control.

scholarly journals The Saudi Infection Control Guidance for Re-opening Dental Services in Governmental and Private Sectors During Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-70
Author(s):  
Ali AlAhdal ◽  
Haila Al-Huraishi ◽  
Ahmad Almalag ◽  
Adel Alrusayes ◽  
Saud M Orfali
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Dental Services ◽  
And Control

Objective: Novel newly discovered coronavirus, also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, is a recently emerging virus that has been rapidly spreading globally since December 2019. Due to the vicinity inoro-dental treatment and aerosol production, people inside the dental office are at high risk of being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. This guideline aims to protect the dental health-care workers during their plans to re-open and increasingly continue their routine services until further notice from their governing body. Methods: A panel of experts in dentistry and infection prevention and control reviewed the local and global research and guidelines related to infection prevention and control during coronavirus disease-2019, along with the re-opening guidance provided by different entities. Results: Such a document might either be adopted or adapted to any regional and international organization that wishes to use a revised professional guideline in infection prevention and control dental services. Conclusion: A careful re-opening plan should be developed and implemented, including strict infection control measures before resuming the dental practice.

scholarly journals NURSES’ COMPLIANCE WITH INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES AND BARRIERS TO PRECAUTIONS IN THE DELIVERY ROOM

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-110
Author(s):  
Inaam Abdelati ◽  
Maha Ali ◽  
Yousif A ◽  
Amany El-berdan
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Emergency Situation ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Delivery Room ◽  
Standard Precautions ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Collection Data ◽  
Training Courses ◽  
And Control

Background: Nurses play crucial role in avoiding hospital procured infections, by guaranteeing that all viewpoints of their nursing practice is prove based, and also through nursing inquire research and understanding instruction. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the nurse's compliance with infection control measures and-barrier precautions in delivery room. Methods: Research design: An exploratory design had been chosen for carrying out our paper. Setting: The study was carried out in four hospitals in Damietta governorate. Subjects: 51 on duty nurses were taken at the time of the study. Tools of data collection: Data were collected using self-administers questioners. Results: Findings revealed the existence of poor standard precautions (100%). There is connection between age, education level, work involvement experience, and compliance with standard safety measures and precautions at p<0.05. At the same time significant relation between training courses and compliance to standard precautions was p<0.05. Conclusion: The nurses in the current study faced a lot of barriers that posed a hindrance in implementing the infection control measures, such as in situations like: emergency situation, lack of equipment & supplies, lack of infection control measures, lack of periodical infection and control training course. Recommendations: Strategic plan to overcome obstacles & barriers that hinder nurses to compliance with infection control measures should be conducted. It is essential to consider the national standards of infection prevention adopted by the ministry of health in delivery room of all hospital in Damietta governorate.

scholarly journals Point-of-care training program on COVID-19 infection prevention and control for pediatric healthcare workers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingzi Ye ◽  
Peng Shi ◽  
Yonghao Gui ◽  
Albert M. Li ◽  
Guoying Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of training on knowledge and practices of infection prevention and control (IPC) among pediatric health care workers (HCW) in Shanghai, China, in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online training program was designed by the Shanghai Pediatric Clinical Quality Control Center (SPQCC) during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic on disease knowledge and practice of IPC. Training took place in the 81 partner hospitals affiliated with SPQCC. A 25-item self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge gained from the training. Stratified-random sampling was used to select HCW according to three professionals (i.e., pediatricians, nurses and administrators) within each partner hospital. Awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 and its related infection control and practice was assessed by comparing survey results between different types of hospitals, professionals and professional ranks. A higher survey score meant that the respondent was more prepared and knowledgeable about COVID-19 and its infection control measures. Results: Completed questionnaires were returned from 1,062 subjects (385 pediatricians, 410 nurses, and 267 administrators), giving a response rate of 96.5%. Overall, awareness of clinical information related to COVID-19, importance of personal hygiene and isolation policy was high among the respondents. No statistical difference of scores on knowledge of COVID-19, IPC and relevant practice between the tertiary and peripheral hospitals. Among all respondents, middle-ranked health care personnel were most knowledgeable and achieved the highest score. Conclusions: Majority of pediatric HCW showed good recognition and practice in infection protection and control measures. The online training was able to achieve its aim to enhance knowledge and awareness and could have contributed to the zero infection rate among HCW caring for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shanghai.

scholarly journals Attitudes, knowledge and practices of healthcare workers regarding occupational exposure of pulmonary tuberculosis

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley T. Bhebhe ◽  
Cornel Van Rooyen ◽  
Wilhelm J. Steinberg
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
And Control

Background: Healthcare-associated tuberculosis (TB) has become a major occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs). HCWs are inevitably exposed to TB, due to frequent interaction with patients with undiagnosed and potentially contagious TB. Whenever there is a possibility of exposure, implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) practices is critical.Objective: Following a high incidence of TB among HCWs at Maluti Adventist Hospital in Lesotho, a study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of HCWs regarding healthcare-associated TB infection and infection controls.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed in June 2011; it involved HCWs at Maluti Adventist Hospital who were involved with patients and/or sputum. Stratified sampling of 140 HCWs was performed, of whom, 129 (92.0%) took part. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used.Results: Most respondents (89.2%) had appropriate knowledge of transmission, diagnosis and prevention of TB; however, only 22.0% of the respondents knew the appropriate method of sputum collection. All of the respondents (100.0%) were motivated and willing to implement IPC measures. A significant proportion of participants (36.4%) reported poor infection control practices, with the majority of inappropriate practices being the administrative infection controls (> 80.0%). Only 38.8% of the participants reported to be using the appropriate N-95 respirator.Conclusion: Poor infection control practices regarding occupational TB exposure were demonstrated, the worst being the first-line administrative infection controls. Critical knowledge gaps were identified; however, there was encouraging willingness by HCWs to adapt to recommended infection control measures. Healthcare workers are inevitably exposed to TB, due to frequent interaction with patients with undiagnosed and potentially contagious TB. Implementation of infection prevention and control practices is critical whenever there is a possibility of exposure.

scholarly journals Detection of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Genome in an Air Sample Originating from a Camel Barn Owned by an Infected Patient

mBio ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esam I. Azhar ◽  
Anwar M. Hashem ◽  
Sherif A. El-Kafrawy ◽  
Sayed Sartaj Sohrab ◽  
Asad S. Aburizaiza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Air Sample ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
Animal Exposure ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a novel betacoronavirus that has been circulating in the Arabian Peninsula since 2012 and causing severe respiratory infections in humans. While bats were suggested to be involved in human MERS-CoV infections, a direct link between bats and MERS-CoV is uncertain. On the other hand, serological and virological data suggest dromedary camels as the potential animal reservoirs of MERS-CoV. Recently, we isolated MERS-CoV from a camel and its infected owner and provided evidence for the direct transmission of MERS-CoV from the infected camel to the patient. Here, we extend this work and show that identical MERS-CoV RNA fragments were detected in an air sample collected from the same barn that sheltered the infected camel in our previous study. These data indicate that the virus was circulating in this farm concurrently with its detection in the camel and in the patient, which warrants further investigations for the possible airborne transmission of MERS-CoV. IMPORTANCE This work clearly highlights the importance of continuous surveillance and infection control measures to control the global public threat of MERS-CoV. While current MERS-CoV transmission appears to be limited, we advise minimal contact with camels, especially for immunocompromised individuals, and the use of appropriate health, safety, and infection prevention and control measures when dealing with infected patients. Also, detailed clinical histories of any MERS-CoV cases with epidemiological and laboratory investigations carried out for any animal exposure must be considered to identify any animal source.

scholarly journals Economic Impact of Outbreaks of Norovirus Infection in Hospitals

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Y. Lee ◽  
Sarah M. McGlone ◽  
Rachel R. Bailey ◽  
Zachary S. Wettstein ◽  
Craig A. Umscheid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Johns Hopkins Hospital ◽  
Computer Simulation Model ◽  
Hospital Administrators ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Hospital Stays ◽  
And Control

Norovirus is highly infectious and can spread rapidly in healthcare settings, consuming resources and resulting in longer hospital stays. Although the economic impact of specific past outbreaks has been reported (eg, a 2007 outbreak of norovirus infection at Johns Hopkins Hospital cost an estimated $650,000), these costs may not be generalizable. We developed an economic computer simulation model to assist policy makers, hospital administrators, infection control professionals, and other healthcare workers in determining how much to invest in norovirus prevention and control interventions above and beyond existing infection control measures.

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