Control and Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Outbreaks among Healthcare Workers from 129 Healthcare Facilities in Mexico

Few reports have shared the workflows to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infections among risk groups, including healthcare workers (HCWs). This study describes an occupational health program implemented to reduce the incidence of COVID-19 and establishes a back-to-work algorithm in HCWs of 129 Salud Digna outpatient care clinics in Mexico. This program was composed of training plans, screening SARS-CoV-2 infections, the containment of infections, follow-up COVID-19 cases, and continuing supervision in addition to the steady supply and training for the correct use of PPE. From 16 April 2020 to 15 April 2021, 7376 individuals were enrolled, of which 423 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria or refused the follow-up. In the cohort studied, we found a COVID-19 incidence of 35.4% (2610 individuals), lower hospitalization (0.11%), ICU (0.04%) and lethality rate (0.04%). Additionally, 85.9% of COVID-19 cases tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 after 14 days of the first positive test with an average isolation time of 26–33 days. Finally, 99% of people received personal protective equipment and adequate training to use it. Our results show that the program implemented reduced the hospitalization ICU admission and lethality in HCWs; we consider this workflow to help other workplaces offer safe conditions for HCWs and patients.

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Needle Stick and Sharp Injuries Among Healthcare Workers: A retrospective six-year study

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal [SQUMJ] ◽

10.18295/squmj.2020.20.01.008 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 54

Author(s):

Rami Saadeh ◽

Khaled Khairallah ◽

Hussein Abozeid ◽

Lama Al Rashdan ◽

Mahmoud Alfaqih ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Medical Center ◽

National Level ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Self Report ◽

Medicine Department ◽

Needle Stick ◽

Job Title ◽

Hospital Wards ◽

And Training

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the proportion of needle stick and sharp injuries (NSSIs) among healthcare workers at King Hussein Medical Center (KHMC), Amman, Jordan. Methods: All NSSI reports referred from departments at KHMC to the Preventive Medicine Department between 2013–2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Proportion of NSSIs were calculated and stratified according to age, gender, job title, place and site of injury and the procedure/task during which the injury occurred. Results: There were a total of 393 NSSIs. A significant association was found between the proportion of NSSIs and all tested variables (P <0.001). The reported proportion of NSSIs was highest among nurses (39.7%) followed by cleaners (36.3%), physicians (10.4%), other workers (7.4%) and lab technicians (5.9%) during the study’s six-year period. Hospital wards were the most common locations (46.1%) where injuries took place. Injuries also occurred most frequently during medical waste collection (38.2%). Conclusion: The proportion of NSSIs was highest among nurses and cleaners. Safety policies and training among high-risk groups should be reviewed to reduce the risk of NSSIs. Multicentre studies at a national level should be conducted to examine whether this study’s findings reflect national trends.Keywords: Needlestick Injuries; Safety; Self Report; Nurses; Accident Prevention; Jordan.

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A systematic review of outbreaks of bloodborne infections (hepatitis B and C, HIV) transmitted from patient to patient in healthcare settings

Journal of microbiology epidemiology immunobiology ◽

10.36233/0372-9311-112 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 98 (3) ◽

pp. 319-330

Author(s):

A. V. Sacuk ◽

G. G. Solopova ◽

A. A. Ploskireva

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C ◽

High Risk ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Risk Groups ◽

The United States ◽

Hepatitis B Vaccination ◽

Diabetes Diagnosis ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Bloodborne Infections

Healthcare facilities have always played an important role in transmission of bloodborne infections. Procedures involving blood and blood fluids pose a risk of transmitting hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV not only to healthcare workers, but also to patients. To assess the role of healthcare facilities in transmission of bloodborne infections and to identify risk groups among patients as well as transmission factors, a total of 75 outbreaks of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV have been analyzed with reference to the data published in different countries in 2008–2020. The comparative analysis was conducted for the outbreaks in the United States during 1992–2008 and 2008–2019. Most of the outbreaks of bloodborne infections at healthcare facilities were caused by non-adherence to standard precautions among healthcare workers: Reusing disposable items; improper handwashing; reusing gloves; non-disinfecting surfaces, reusable equipment and devices; non-sterilizing reusable instruments. In terms of bloodborne infections, high-risk facilities include hemodialysis centers, oncohematology clinics, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, residential care facilities, and diabetes treatment centers. High-risk groups include patients undergoing hemodialysis, oncohematological patients, and patients with diabetes. Diagnosis of bloodborne infections on a regular basis, hepatitis B vaccination among high-risk patients, investigation of outbreaks, adoption of rules and procedures combined with training and compliance control of healthcare workers contribute to solution of the problem associated with nosocomial transmission of bloodborne infections.

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Availability and use of personal protective equipment and satisfaction of healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Archives of Public Health ◽

10.1186/s13690-021-00668-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 79 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wakgari Deressa ◽

Alemayehu Worku ◽

Workeabeba Abebe ◽

Muluken Gizaw ◽

Wondwossen Amogne

Keyword(s):

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are at the frontline in the fight against COVID-19 and are at an increased risk of becoming infected with coronavirus. Risk of infection can be minimized by use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE). The aim of this study was to assess the availability and use of PPE, and satisfaction of HCPs with PPE in six public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1134 HCPs in June 2020. A systematic random sampling and consecutive sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data and Chi-square test was used to assess the association between the groups. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with satisfaction of healthcare workers. Results The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 30.26 ± 6.43 year and 52.6% were females. Nurses constituted about 40% of the overall sample, followed by physicians (22.2%), interns (10.8%), midwives (10.3%) and others (16.7%). The majority (77%) of the HCPs reported that their hospital did not have adequate PPE. A critical shortage of N95 respirators was particularly reported, it only increased from 13 to 24% before and during COVID-19, respectively. The use of N95 increased from 9 to 21% before and during COVID-19, respectively. Almost 72% of the respondents were dissatisfied with the availability and use of PPE in their hospital. The independent predictors of the respondents’ satisfaction level about PPE were healthcare workers who reported that PPE was adequately available in the hospital (adjusted OR = 7.65, 95% CI:5.09–11.51), and preparedness to provide care to COVID-19 cases (adjusted OR = 2.07, 95% CI:1.42–3.03). Conclusions A critical shortage of appropriate PPE and high level of dissatisfaction with the availability and use of PPE were identified. Therefore, urgent efforts are needed to adequately supply the healthcare facilities with appropriate PPE to alleviate the challenges.

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Evaluation of serum antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 in healthcare workers who participated in the operation of charter flights for the evacuation of Japanese residents from Hubei Province

10.1101/2021.03.17.21251964 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tetsuya Suzuki ◽

Kayoko Hayakawa ◽

Akira Ainai ◽

Naoko Iwata-Yoshikawa ◽

Kaori Sano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Serum Antibody ◽

Hubei Province ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Control And Prevention ◽

Antibody Titers ◽

Prevention Guidelines ◽

Japanese Residents ◽

Selection Of

There are several recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, the selection of appropriate PPE for the current situation remains controversial. We measured serum antibody titers for SARS-CoV-2 in 10 participants who were engaged in the operation of charter flights for the evacuation of Japanese residents from Hubei Province. All participants wore PPE in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. A total of 17 samples were tested, and all were seronegative. Hence, we conclude that the current PPE recommendation is effective to protect healthcare workers from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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eHBB: a randomised controlled trial of virtual reality or video for neonatal resuscitation refresher training in healthcare workers in resource-scarce settings

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048506 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. e048506

Author(s):

Rachel Umoren ◽

Sherri Bucher ◽

Daniel S Hippe ◽

Beatrice Nkolika Ezenwa ◽

Iretiola Bamikeolu Fajolu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Neonatal Resuscitation ◽

Pass Rates ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of mobile virtual reality (VR) simulations using electronic Helping Babies Breathe (eHBB) or video for the maintenance of neonatal resuscitation skills in healthcare workers in resource-scarce settings.DesignRandomised controlled trial with 6-month follow-up (2018–2020).SettingSecondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.Participants274 nurses and midwives assigned to labour and delivery, operating room and newborn care units were recruited from 20 healthcare facilities in Nigeria and Kenya and randomised to one of three groups: VR (eHBB+digital guide), video (video+digital guide) or control (digital guide only) groups before an in-person HBB course.Intervention(s)eHBB VR simulation or neonatal resuscitation video.Main outcome(s)Healthcare worker neonatal resuscitation skills using standardised checklists in a simulated setting at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.ResultsNeonatal resuscitation skills pass rates were similar among the groups at 6-month follow-up for bag-and-mask ventilation (BMV) skills check (VR 28%, video 25%, control 22%, p=0.71), objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) A (VR 76%, video 76%, control 72%, p=0.78) and OSCE B (VR 62%, video 60%, control 49%, p=0.18). Relative to the immediate postcourse assessments, there was greater retention of BMV skills at 6 months in the VR group (−15% VR, p=0.10; −21% video, p<0.01, –27% control, p=0.001). OSCE B pass rates in the VR group were numerically higher at 3 months (+4%, p=0.64) and 6 months (+3%, p=0.74) and lower in the video (−21% at 3 months, p<0.001; −14% at 6 months, p=0.066) and control groups (−7% at 3 months, p=0.43; −14% at 6 months, p=0.10). On follow-up survey, 95% (n=65) of respondents in the VR group and 98% (n=82) in the video group would use their assigned intervention again.ConclusioneHBB VR training was highly acceptable to healthcare workers in low-income to middle-income countries and may provide additional support for neonatal resuscitation skills retention compared with other digital interventions.

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Saudi Healthcare Facilities Risk Management and Infection Control Preparedness to Overcome Covid-19 Pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-59561/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Fadilah Sfouq Aleanizy ◽

Fulwah Yahya Alqahtani

Keyword(s):

Risk Management ◽

Infection Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Good Practice ◽

Management Plan ◽

Risk Management Plan ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Control And Prevention ◽

Infection Control And Prevention

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how well prepared Saudi healthcare facilities to overcome COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using online-administered English questionnaire that distributed throughout Saudi commission for health specialities at Saudi hospital during the period of April-June 2020. The questionnaire represent a minimum level of knowledge and practices for all components of risk management and infection control and prevention program which should be known and practiced by all healthcare workers. The study population included all healthcare workers in Saudi hospitals designated to deal with COVID-19 cases. Results: The study revealed that the overall knowledge of risk management plan and infection prevention control was found to be comparatively excellent (80.4%), and there were no discrepancies among the participants according to gender, education, occupation, however, some differences and variation according to age group and the years of experience. Most responses were from hospital located in central province (72.7%), governmental hospital (88%), and mostly provide family services (68%). The majority of hospitals have isolation units (88.2%) either under the authority of Ministry of health or not. Also there were enough training for medical staff which is considered as a base for good practice of risk management and infection control and prevention procedures, policies and guidelines. Conclusion: The study concluded that outstanding knowledge of all healthcare workers at Saudi hospitals regarding risk management plan and pandemic sub-plan of infection control and prevention policies procedures and principles, regardless the variations among the staff, however these base knowledge have helped Saudi Arabia health authority to successfully overcome COVID-19.

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A Cluster of Primary Varicella Cases Among Healthcare Workers With False-Positive Varicella Zoster Virus Titers

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/502187 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 202-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Amy Behrman ◽

D. Scott Schmid ◽

Anne Crivaro ◽

Barbara Watson

Keyword(s):

Varicella Zoster Virus ◽

False Positive ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Screening Program ◽

Varicella Vaccine ◽

Varicella Zoster ◽

Control And Prevention ◽

Serologic Screening ◽

Positive Results

AbstractBackground:Five cases of primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) were diagnosed among hospital healthcare workers (HCWs). All had complied with a pre-employment VZV screening program and had been considered immune.Objectives:To summarize the investigation of VZV among un-immunized HCWs and to provide recommendations for avoiding false-positive serologic tests.Design:Risk of transmission of VZV to susceptible HCWs is minimized through serologic screening. Varicella vaccine is recommended for susceptible HCWs. A commercially available latex bead agglutination assay (LA) is widely used because it is rapid and easy to perform. LA was compared with the whole-cell varicella ELISA standardized in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Herpes Laboratory.Setting/Population:Large inner-city, tertiarycare hospital with a diverse employee population.Results:In a year, 5 HCWs presented with laboratory-confirmed primary varicella infection. Four had VZV exposures 2 weeks prior to presentation. All had documented positive VZV titers by LA performed at hire. None were offered VZV vaccination. The original LAs were judged false-positives.Intervention/Follow-Up Investigation:Fifty-three consecutive VZV LA samples from the hospital laboratory were retested at the CDC. Forty-four samples concurred. Of the remaining 9, 4 were positive by hospital LA but negative by CDC IgG ELISA. Four were equivocal by hospital LA but negative by CDC IgG ELISA and LA. One was positive by hospital LA but negative by LA and equivocal by ELISA at the CDC.Conclusion:LA may be prone to false-positive results and inappropriate for screening hospital HCWs.

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Prevention and Control of Varicella-Zoster Infections in Healthcare Facilities

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/s0195941700003076 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 17 (10) ◽

pp. 694-705 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

David J. Weber ◽

William A. Rutala ◽

Holli Hamilton

Keyword(s):

Disease Control ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Control Measures ◽

Immunocompromised Patients ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Varicella Zoster ◽

Mild Disease ◽

Control And Prevention ◽

And Control

AbstractVaricella-zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of two diseases: varicella (chickenpox) and zoster (shingles). Although varicella generally is a mild disease in children, serious morbidity and mortality are common if infection occurs in neonates, pregnant women, adults, or immunocompromised patients. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all the hospitals institute control measures. Healthcare workers should be screened for VZV immunity and, if susceptible, should receive the recently licensed Oka/Merck vaccine (unless contraindicated). This article reviews nosocomial outbreaks associated with VZV and provides detailed algorithms for preexposure immunization and postexposure management of healthcare workers exposed to VZV.

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We must rigorously follow basic infection control procedures to protect our healthcare workers from SARS-CoV-2

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2020.394 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (12) ◽

pp. 1438-1440 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Samuel W. Dooley ◽

Thomas R. Frieden

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Source Control ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Environmental Controls ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Control Procedures ◽

Respiratory Coronavirus ◽

Established Infection

AbstractBecause severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spreads easily and healthcare workers are at increased risk of both acquiring and transmitting infection, all healthcare facilities must rapidly and rigorously implement the full hierarchy of established infection controls: source control (removal or mitigation of infection sources), engineering and environmental controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.

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Interventions to decrease skin cancer risk in outdoor workers: update to a 2007 systematic review

10.32920/14636523.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Caitlin Horsham ◽

Josephine Auster ◽

Marguerite Sendall ◽

Melissa Stoneham ◽

Philippa Youl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skin Cancer ◽

Cancer Risk ◽

Risk Group ◽

Sun Protection ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Skin Cancer Risk ◽

Outdoor Workers ◽

Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure

Background Outdoor workers are at high risk of harmful ultraviolet radiation exposure and are identified as an at risk group for the development of skin cancer. This systematic evidence based review provides an update to a previous review published in 2007 about interventions for the prevention of skin cancer in outdoor workers. Results This review includes interventions published between 2007-2012 and presents findings about sun protection behaviours and/or objective measures of skin cancer risk. Six papers met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Large studies with extended follow-up times demonstrated the efficacy of educational and multi-component interventions to increase sun protection, with some higher use of personal protective equipment such as sunscreen. However, there is less evidence for the effectiveness of policy or specific intervention components. Conclusions Further research aimed at improving overall attitudes towards sun protection in outdoor workers is needed to provide an overarching framework.

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