Analysis of the role of copper impregnated composite hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns in reducing healthcare-associated infection rates

Author(s):  
Gene H Burke ◽  
Jacqueline P Butler

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of copper-impregnated composite hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). We took in account potentially confounding factors of new construction and Det Norse Veritas Managing Infection Risk (DNV MIR) certification to mitigate risk of HAIs, multi drug resistant organisms (MDRO) and Clostridium difficile HAIs. The study was conducted in the acute care units from three hospitals within a regional healthcare system and these were assessed retrospectively. Facility 1 and Facility 2 shared the circumstance of new construction. Facility 1 and Facility 3 shared the processes of DNV-MIR. Only Facility 1 undertook the intervention of copper-impregnated hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns. We compared infection rates (IR) following their normalization per 10,000 patient hospitalization days before and after complete implementation of copper-impregnated composite hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns. Facility 1 had a 28% reduction in total C. difficile and MDRO IR, while Facilities 2 and 3 had 103% and 48% increases in total IR respectively. Although the rate changes per facility were not statistically significantly changed from baseline (p>0.05), there was consistent divergence between the IR at the copper enabled facility and the others. As this divergence occurred when other pertinent factors were constant between them, including new construction and new processes for mitigation of infection risks, these outcomes support the contention that copper-impregnated linens and composite hard surfaces were shown to reduce HAI rates.

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Hannachi ◽  
A Ben Cheikh ◽  
S Bhiri ◽  
H Ghali ◽  
S Khefacha ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Healthcare -associated infections has become a worldwide public health problem. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of healthcare- associated infections in a university hospital of Tunisia. Methods This was a cohort study conducted in six intensive care units in a university hospital of Tunisia during three months (from august to October 2018). Data was provided from patients’ files. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Multivariate analysis was used in order to identify independent risk factors for healthcare associated infection. Results A total of 202 patients were enrolled in this study. The incidence rate of healthcare-associated infections was 53,96%(109/202). The ratio infection/infected was estimated to 1.65(109/66). The incidence of multi-drug resistant pathogens was 21,28% (43/202). The most common resistant pathogens included pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to cefdazidime in 13,76%(15/109) followed by those resistant to extended spectrum cephalosporin 11.92% (13/109), followed by carbapenem-resistant acinetobcater baumanii 6,42%(7/109) then by carbapenem resistant pathogens and enterococcus resistant to vancomycin 2.75%(3/109) and finally staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin 2.1%(2/1.83). The multivariate analysis showed that long duration of central line catheterisation (RR = 7.44; 95%CI[2.79-19.82]), tracheotomy(RR = 8.61;95%CI[2.09-35,39]) and length of stay (RR = 1.08; 95%CI[1.04-1.13]) were found as independent risk factors for healthcare -associated infection. Conclusions The emergence of mutli-drug resistant pathogens needs to be deeply studied and effective measures have to be taken in order to detect and prevent transmission of resistant strains and/or their resistance determinants, especially those with phenotypes having the fewest viable treatment options. Key messages The incidence of healthcare associated infection in the intensive care unit was high. Effective measures have to be taken in the intensive care unit to detect and prevent transmission of resistant pathogens.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moti Tolera ◽  
Dadi Marami ◽  
Degu Abate ◽  
Merga Dheresa

Background. Healthcare-associated infection is a major public health problem, in terms of mortality, morbidity, and costs. Majorities of the cause of these infections were preventable. Understanding the potential risk factors is important to reduce the impact of these avoidable infections. The study was aimed to identify factors associated with healthcare-associated infections among patients admitted at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 433 patients over a period of five months at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from a patient admitted for 48 hours and above in the four wards (surgical, medical, obstetrics/gynecology, and pediatrics) using a structured questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to identify predictors of healthcare-associated infections. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Fifty-four (13.7%) patients had a history of a previous admission. The median length of hospital stay was 6.1 days. Forty-six (11.7%) participants reported comorbid conditions. Ninety-six (24.4%) participants underwent surgical procedures. The overall prevalence of healthcare-associated infection was 29 (7.4%, 95% CI: 5.2–10.6). Cigarette smoking (AOR: 5.18, 95% CI: 2.15–20.47), staying in the hospital for more than 4 days (AOR: 4.29, 95% CI: 2.31–6.15), and undergoing invasive procedures (AOR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.11–7.52) increase the odds of acquiring healthcare-associated infections. Conclusion. The cumulative prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in this study was comparable with similar studies conducted in developing countries. Cigarette smoking, staying in the hospital for more than 4 days, and undergoing invasive procedures increase the odds of healthcare-associated infections. These factors should be considered in the infection prevention and control program of the hospital.


2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (suppl 5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliézer Farias de Mello ◽  
Bárbara Alessandra Tibério ◽  
Mitzy Tannia Reichembach ◽  
Letícia Pontes

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the development of a website about the main healthcare-associated infections and the respective bundles to prevent these diseases, oriented toward intensive care unit nursing. Methods: experience report describing the development of technological innovation by nurses, using computational tools and technological production methodological research and following the product development process. Results: nurses developed an educational website which can be accessed through computers, tablets, and smartphones at the electronic address irastis.com and focuses on healthcare-associated infections. Final considerations: digital technologies have contributed to fulfill demands in health care, research, and education. The developed website has the potential to support reduction in healthcare-associated infection rates, since it makes preventive measures for these infections available and refers users to publication environments that systematize the implementation of the bundles.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-43
Author(s):  
Lærke Vinberg Rasmussen ◽  
Enna Sengoka ◽  
Eusebius Maro ◽  
Godfrey Kisigo ◽  
Vibeke Rasch ◽  
...  

Background: Healthcare associated infections is a global burden and is one of the main causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality during the time of labour when admitted to the hospital. Healthcare workers´ hands are in most cases the vehicle for transmission of microorganisms from patient to patient.Good hand hygiene practices at the bedside are a simple way of reducing healthcare associated infections. The objective was to assess the impact of a criterion-based audit on infection prevention performance and knowledge during vaginal delivery at a hospital in Tanzania. The quantitative findings were discussed with staff to identify barriers and solutions to quality improvement. Methods: A mixed-method uncontrolled, before and after intervention study by criterion-based audit was performed at the labour ward at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Criteria for best practice were established together with key staff based on national and international guidelines. Sixty clean procedures during vaginal birth were observed and assessed by a structured checklist based on the audit criteria. Baseline findings were discussed with staff and an intervention performed including a short training and preparation of alcohol-based hand rub. Hereafter another 60 clean procedures were observed, and performance compared to the care before the intervention. Furthermore, a knowledge test was performed before and after the intervention. Results: Hand washing increased significantly after a procedure from 46.7% to 80% (RR=1.71 95% CI; 1.27 to 2.31), the use of alcohol-based hand rub before a procedure from 1.7% to 33.3% (p<0.001), and the use of alcohol-based hand rub after procedure from 0% to 30% (p<0.001). After the intervention the mean score for the knowledge test increased insignificantly from 59.3% to 65.3%, (mean difference = 6.1%, 95% CI; -4.69 to 16.88). Conclusion: The criterion-based audit process identified substandard care for infection prevention at the labour ward. An intervention of discussing baseline findings and a short training session and introducing alcohol-based hand rub resulted in improvements on infection prevention performance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. e200436
Author(s):  
Tácio Pinheiro Bezerra ◽  
Clarissa Sales de Paula Campêlo ◽  
Francisco Artur Forte Oliveira ◽  
Clarissa Pessoa Fernandes Forte ◽  
Aghata Kelma Palácio Gomes ◽  
...  

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one ofthe most prevalent healthcare-associated infections (HAI) andcauses of death in intensive care units (ICUs), and studies haveshown its relation to oral health. Aim: To report the impact ofthe incorporation of dental professionals into multidisciplinaryICU staff on the incidence of VAP. Methods: A retrospectiveobservational study was carried out to collect and analyzehealth indicators of patients in the ICUs from 2011 to 2018 andto differentiate these indicators between the periods beforeand after the participation of dental staff in the ICU. This studywas approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results:The average number of monthly ICU admissions was 105.89 ±169.72, and the discharge was 105.21 ± 168.96, with a monthlyaverage number of deaths within 24 h of 38.61 ± 62.27. Theaverage number of monthly HAI-related deaths decreasedfrom 2011 to 2018, followed by a reduction in cases of HAIper month. The average monthly number of HAIs relatedto mechanical ventilation (MV) decreased, and the samewas observed for the infection density of HAIs related to MV(p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, there was a significantdecrease in the number of HAIs related to MV (p = 0.005).Conclusion: Although a reduction in the number of admissionsor complexity of cases was not observed in the study period,multidisciplinary staff practices were essential for controllingHAIs and the presence of dental professionals can assist in thecontrol of HAIs related to MV.


2009 ◽  
Vol 10 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. S18-S23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Rowley ◽  
Simon Clare

septic technique is a critical last line of defence between patients and clinical staff. Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) recognises this and is based on the premise that reducing the variables in aseptic practice across large clinical workforces by standardising aseptic technique will improve quality of practice and subsequently infection rates. The scale of adoption of ANTT in the National Health Service (NHS) continues to grow, with uptake currently estimated at between 150—250 NHS hospitals using ANTT as a standard aseptic technique. To better understand how effectively the implementation process was working in different trusts a convenience sample of acute trusts (n=7) was reviewed. The trusts used the recommended ANTT implementation framework and applicable audit tools. Feedback was requested regarding the implementation process as well as healthcare associated infection (HCAI) trends mapped before and after ANTT implementation. All seven trusts had found the ANTT implementation process an effective tool for standardising aseptic practice across large clinical workforces. Data reviewed from five of the trusts suggests the process impacted positively on HCAI trends. Limitations include appreciating ANTT implementation alongside other infection control interventions. More controlled studies appear to be warranted, especially now that ANTT is the most common standard aseptic technique in NHS hospitals.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1667
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Cesarelli ◽  
Rita Petrelli ◽  
Carlo Ricciardi ◽  
Giovanni D’Addio ◽  
Orjela Monce ◽  
...  

The reduction of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is one of the most important issues in the healthcare context for every type of hospital. In three operational units of the Scientific Clinical Institutes Maugeri SpA SB, a rehabilitation hospital in Cassano delle Murge (Italy), some corrective measures were introduced in 2017 to reduce the occurrence of HAIs. Lean Six Sigma was used together with the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) roadmap to analyze both the impact of such measures on HAIs and the length of hospital stay (LOS) in the Rehabilitative Cardiology, Rehabilitative Neurology, Functional Recovery and Rehabilitation units in the Medical Center for Intensive Rehabilitation. The data of 2415 patients were analyzed, considering the phases both before and after the introduction of the measures. The hospital experienced a LOS reduction in both patients with and without HAIs; in particular, Cardiology had the greatest reduction for patients with infections (−7 days). The overall decrease in HAIs in the hospital was 3.44%, going from 169 to 121 cases of infections. The noteworthy decrease in LOS implies an increase in admissions and in the turnover indicator of the hospital, which has a positive impact on the hospital management as well as on costs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-72
Author(s):  
Herlin Hamimi ◽  
Abdul Ghafar Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Hasbi Zaenal

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam which has a function of faith, social and economic functions. Muslims who can pay zakat are required to give at least 2.5 per cent of their wealth. The problem of poverty prevalent in disadvantaged regions because of the difficulty of access to information and communication led to a gap that is so high in wealth and resources. The instrument of zakat provides a paradigm in the achievement of equitable wealth distribution and healthy circulation. Zakat potentially offers a better life and improves the quality of human being. There is a human quality improvement not only in economic terms but also in spiritual terms such as improving religiousity. This study aims to examine the role of zakat to alleviate humanitarian issues in disadvantaged regions such as Sijunjung, one of zakat beneficiaries and impoverished areas in Indonesia. The researcher attempted a Cibest method to capture the impact of zakat beneficiaries before and after becoming a member of Zakat Community Development (ZCD) Program in material and spiritual value. The overall analysis shows that zakat has a positive impact on disadvantaged regions development and enhance the quality of life of the community. There is an improvement in the average of mustahik household incomes after becoming a member of ZCD Program. Cibest model demonstrates that material, spiritual, and absolute poverty index decreased by 10, 5, and 6 per cent. Meanwhile, the welfare index is increased by 21 per cent. These findings have significant implications for developing the quality of life in disadvantaged regions in Sijunjung. Therefore, zakat is one of the instruments to change the status of disadvantaged areas to be equivalent to other areas.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 46-59
Author(s):  
A.G. Salmanov ◽  
O.M. Verner ◽  
L.F. Slepova

Species of the Acinetobacter represent opportunistic bacteria with a growing clinical significance for Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). In this literature review, we focus on the current role of Acinetobacter in infectious pathology and describe taxonomy, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance of these bacteria. Pathogenesis and regulation of virulence factors in Acinetobacter spp. are described in detail. The majority of acinetobacterial infections are associated with A. baumannii and occur predominantly in an immunocompromised host. Usually, acinetobacterial  infections  are characterized by local purulent inflammation; in severe cases, meningitis and sepsis may develop. Antibiotic resistance of Acinetobacter is a major clinical problem; therefore we give special attention to laboratory testing of resistance to antibiotics as well as identification of Acinetobacter.


Author(s):  
IV Petrov ◽  
TKh Amirova ◽  
LV Petrova ◽  
FS Petrova

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections are of great socio-economic importance and are characterized by a large number of different pathogens. Nontuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous microorganisms that can circulate in a medical organization. The purpose of this review of epidemiologic studies was to establish the main features of mycobacteriosis as a healthcare-associated infection, taking into account the significance of the results and the compliance of the reviewed studies with the criteria of evidence-based medicine. Methods: We did a key word search for “nontuberculous mycobacteria”, “healthcare-associated infections”, and “mycobacteriosis” in several electronic bibliographic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, eLIBRARY, and ResearchGate and selected 127 out of 342 search results. Having analyzed the selected articles, we decided to include 34 of them in this study according to the topic of work. We established that nontuberculous mycobacteria can be found in various objects of health facilities, e.g. water supply systems, medical products and equipment. We also found that mycobacterial infection of nosocomial etiology could have various clinical manifestations (arthritis, keratitis, circulatory and skin diseases, etc.) determined by various aspects, such as heterogeneity of the group of nontuberculous mycobacteria, portals of entry (surgical procedures on various organs and systems of the human body, etc.), pathways of exposure and transmission factors. Resistance of nontuberculous mycobacteria to a number of disinfectants is a special question defining the importance of profound research in terms of ensuring sanitary and anti-epidemic (disinfection) safety within health facilities. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that mycobacterial infection can be considered as a healthcare-associated infection requiring an in-depth assessment from various perspectives including a microbiological monitoring of medical objects, statistical accounting of nosocomial infections, and clinical alertness in the diagnosis of mycobacteriosis by attending physicians and bacteriologists, etc.


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