Surveillance of Infection Control Measures among All Hospitals Collecting Infection Prevention Medical Fees in Gifu Prefecture

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.

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Nosocomial Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in a Non-COVID Zone of a Tertiary Care Hospital of North India: Need to Upgrade Infection Control Practices

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health ◽

10.1177/21501327211050753 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 215013272110507

Author(s):

Kirtan Rana ◽

Bhawna Sharma ◽

Pinnaka Venkata Maha Lakshmi ◽

ManharPreet Kaur ◽

Mini P. Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Tertiary Care Hospital ◽

Ventilation System ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Control Measures ◽

North India ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Infection Control Measures

Background Hospital acquired infections are preventable cause for morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the current pandemic era proper implementation of infection control measures can prevent the spread of such infections including SARS-CoV 2. The study was done to identified the source and reason for spread of COVID-19 infection and devise recommendations to halt the progress of infection in a non-COVID area. Methods An outbreak in a non-COVID area of a tertiary care hospital was investigated by the infection control team along with the epidemiologist when they were notified about the rising cases of COVID-19 from Advanced Trauma Center’s (ATC) disaster ward. The time, place and person distribution of the cases were studied. Recommendations based on gaps identified were developed onsite and implemented to control the outbreak. Results The outbreak lasted from 19th December 2020 to 12th January 2021, affecting 34 people (25 patients and 9 health care workers). The attack rate was 9.2%. We identified the causes of current outbreak as compromises in infection prevention measures, high bed patient ratio, irregularities in the ventilation system, overcrowding by patient attendants and communication gaps between nursing officers and doctors. Measures required to control the outbreak were implemented and no cases were reported for 2 weeks following the last positive case. Conclusion Non-COVID areas of hospitals are also at risk of nosocomial outbreaks of SARS-CoV 2 and therefore strict infection prevention measures those designated to COVID areas should be followed in non-COVID zones also to prevent such outbreaks.

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Infection prevention measures for patients undergoing hemodialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a nationwide questionnaire survey

Renal Replacement Therapy ◽

10.1186/s41100-021-00350-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuka Sugawara ◽

◽

Masao Iwagami ◽

Kan Kikuchi ◽

Yoko Yoshida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Questionnaire Survey ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Control Measures ◽

Nosocomial Transmission ◽

Third Wave ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Before And After ◽

Dialysis Facilities

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a global pandemic affecting a variety of medical treatments, including hemodialysis. This study aims to investigate the implementation of infection control measures, to examine the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectants, and to quantify the number of nosocomial COVID-19 transmissions in hemodialysis facilities in Japan during the pandemic. Methods We conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey between 20 October and 16 November 2020 (i.e., between the “second wave” and “third wave” in Japan) in the 4198 dialysis facilities of the Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians and the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy. A total of 2227 facilities (53.0%) responded. The questionnaire consisted of (i) characteristics of facilities, (ii) infection prevention measures in routine dialysis practices, (iii) shortage of PPE, (iv) feasibility of various isolation measures, and (v) nosocomial transmission. Results Half of the responding facilities were hospitals with multiple departments, and the other half were clinics specialized in dialysis. Several infection prevention measures such as health checks of staff and patients, donning of masks before and after hemodialysis, and disinfection of frequently contacted areas were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant improvement in the implementation rate of these measures during the pandemic, compared to before it, which reached over 90%. More than half of the facilities reported a shortage of disposable masks (67.2%) and hand sanitizer alcohol (56.7%). Isolation of COVID-19 patients in private rooms was possible only in 52.7% of the facilities. The majority of facilities (73.3%) could not accept COVID-19 dialysis patients due to lack of space and manpower. Nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 occurred in 4.0% of the facilities. Of those infected, 51.9% were staff. Conclusions This survey revealed that most hemodialysis facilities in Japan had improved implementation of infection control measures and had shortage of PPEs and disinfectants, though some facilities did not implement infection prevention measures adequately, mainly due to the limited space of the facility. It may be recommended that each facility immediately establishes isolation measures to prepare for the pandemic of COVID-19.

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Association between Preventive Measures against Workplace Infection and Preventive Behavior against Personal Infection

10.1101/2021.06.08.21258584 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mika Kawasumi ◽

Tomohisa Nagata ◽

Hajime Ando ◽

Ayako Hino ◽

Seiichiro Tateishi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Control Measures ◽

Emerging Infections ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Prevention Behavior ◽

Personal Understanding ◽

The Relationship ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire

Objectives: To prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, it is necessary for each individual to adopt infection prevention behavior. We investigated the effect of infection control measures implemented in the workplace on personal infection prevention behavior. Methods: We conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey through the Internet from December 22 to 25, 2020, during which period COVID-19 was spreading. Among respondents aged 20 to 65 years (n=27,036), a total of 21,915 workers were included in the analysis after excluding self-employed workers (n=2,202), workers in small/home offices (n=377), and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries workers (n=212), etc., whose personal infection prevention behavior was almost the same as infection control measures taken in the workplace. Results: The results showed that as the number of infection control measures in the workplace increased, implementation of infection prevention behavior by individuals also significantly increased. However, the relationship differed depending on the type of personal infection prevention behavior. Specifically, infection control measures against COVID-19 in the workplace may affect personal infection prevention behavior. Conclusion: Implementation of infection control measures in the workplace appears to deepen personal understanding of infection prevention behaviors, and increases awareness of the importance of individual infection prevention behavior and its implementation by all individuals. These findings may be applicable not only to COVID-19 measures but also to responses to other emerging infections and seasonal influenza.

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Basic Infection Control Measures Backed for H1N1

Hospitalist News ◽

10.1016/s1875-9122(09)70202-0 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 2 (9) ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

HEIDI SPLETE

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Control Measures

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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Infection Control Measures and it’s Correlation among Dental Students in Bhopal city, Central India

International Journal of Infection Control ◽

10.3396/ijic.v7i1.007.11 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Abhinav Singh ◽

Bharathi Purohit

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Central India ◽

Dental Students ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

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Eye in COVID-19: A Brief Review

Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.36351/pjo.v36i3.1040 ◽

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.

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

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1177/14034948211031400 ◽

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.

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

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14133444 ◽

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

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2021.127 ◽

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.

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