scholarly journals Assessment of Infection Prevention and Control Implementation in Primary and Secondary Health Care Facilities in Rivers State

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-114
Author(s):  
A. Dan-Jumbo ◽  
C.T. Briggs-Nduye ◽  
T.C. Uzosike

Background: Controlling infections in healthcare facilities is necessary for reducing infection transmission. There is limited data on the status of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programme in healthcare facilities in Rivers State. An assessment of IPC implementation in health facilities in Rivers State was therefore conducted.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, stratified sampling technique was applied to select 99 healthcare facilities. Health personnel in-charge of selected facilities were interviewed using the validated Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) tool. It was modified to focus on four out of eight core components areas and graded using the World Health Organization IPCAF guidelines.Results: Twenty (20.2%) facilities had IPC programmes with clearly defined objectives and activity plans. A copy of the IPC guidelines was available in 56 (56.6%) facilities, however, only 13 (13.1%) monitored implementation of the guidelines. Forty (40.4%) facilities had healthcare workers that were trained based on updated IPC guidelines. Supply of personal protective equipment was adequate in 29 (29.3%) facilities and a mixed method of healthcare waste disposal was practiced in 46 (46.4%) facilities. Overall, 56 (56.6%) of the facilities had scores within the basic IPC level of practice while 43 (43.4%) had scores within the intermediate level of IPC practice.Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate that IPC committees should be set up in all healthcare facilities with the obligation of updating IPC guidelines, training healthcare personnel, and implementing IPC activities in respective healthcare facilities.

2021 ◽  
pp. 175717742110127
Author(s):  
Salma Abbas ◽  
Faisal Sultan

Background: Patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities during outbreaks hinges on a prompt infection prevention and control response. Physicians leading these programmes have encountered numerous obstacles during the pandemic. Aim/objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate infection prevention and control practices and explore the challenges in Pakistan during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and administered a survey to physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes at 18 hospitals in Pakistan. Results: All participants implemented universal masking, limited the intake of patients and designated separate triage areas, wards and intensive care units for coronavirus disease 2019 patients at their hospitals. Eleven (61%) physicians reported personal protective equipment shortages. Staff at three (17%) hospitals worked without the appropriate personal protective equipment due to limited supplies. All participants felt overworked and 17 (94%) reported stress. Physicians identified the lack of negative pressure rooms, fear and anxiety among hospital staff, rapidly evolving guidelines, personal protective equipment shortages and opposition from hospital staff regarding the choice of recommended personal protective equipment as major challenges during the pandemic. Discussion: The results of this study highlight the challenges faced by physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes in Pakistan. It is essential to support infection prevention and control personnel and bridge the identified gaps to ensure patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities.


2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 948-950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wing Hong Seto ◽  
Fernando Otaíza ◽  
Carmen L. Pessoa-Silva ◽  

Under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO), the core components necessary for national and local infection prevention and control programs are identified. These components were determined by a network of international experts who are representatives from WHO regional offices and relevant WHO programs. The respective roles of the national authorities and the local healthcare facilities are delineated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (09) ◽  
pp. 1040-1046
Author(s):  
Saba Savul ◽  
Farida Khurram Lalani ◽  
Aamer Ikram ◽  
Muhammad Amjad Khan ◽  
Mumtaz Ali Khan ◽  
...  

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections represent a global public health challenge and are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is a neglected area in healthcare facilities across Pakistan. The objective of our study was to elucidate the current state of infection prevention and control practices in public sector hospitals of Islamabad to underscore potential areas for improvement. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November and December 2019 at five public sector hospitals of Islamabad. The World Health Organization’s Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) was used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of hospitals regarding infection prevention and control. Adapted tools derived from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Infection Prevention Society were used for detailed assessment of various departments. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: In all five hospitals, the total IPCAF score was less than 200 denoting that infection prevention and control implementation is deficient and significant improvement is needed. The median IPCAF score was 117.5 with an interquartile range of 53.75. With the exception of central sterile services unit at one hospital, departments at all hospitals failed to meet even 50% of required IPC standards. Conclusions: Significant change is needed to improve the existent situation of infection prevention and control in public sector hospitals of Islamabad. This would involve establishment of functional programs, development and implementation of infection prevention and control guidelines and provision of adequate supplies.


Author(s):  
Md Abdullah Al Jubayer Biswas ◽  
Md Zakiul Hassan ◽  
Mohammad Riashad Monjur ◽  
Md Saiful Islam ◽  
Aninda Rahman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Baseline assessment of standard precaution relating to infection prevention and control (IPC) preparedness to fight health crisis within healthcare facilities at different levels and its associated factors in Bangladesh remains unknown. Methods: We analyzed the nationally representative Bangladesh health facility survey (BHFS) data conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) during July–October 2017. We used the World Health Organization (WHO) Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) manual to determine the standard precautions related to the IPC readiness index. Using a conceptual framework and multivariable linear regression, we identified the factors associated with the readiness index. Results: We analyzed data for 1,524 surveyed healthcare facilities. On average, only 44% of the standard precaution elements were available in all facilities. Essential elements, such as guidelines for standard precautions (30%), hand-washing soap (29%), and pedal bins (38%), were not readily available in all facilities. The tuberculosis service area was least prepared, with 85% of elements required for standard precaution deficient in all facilities. Significantly lower readiness indexes were observed in the rural healthcare facilities (mean difference, −13.2), healthcare facilities administered by the MoHFW (mean difference, −7.8), and private facilities (mean difference, −10.1) compared to corresponding reference categories. Conclusions: Our study revealed a severe lack of standard precaution elements in most healthcare facilities, particularly in rural health centers. These data can provide a baseline from which to measure improvement in infection prevention and control (IPC) in these facilities and to identify areas of gaps for targeted interventions to improve IPC strategies that can improve the Bangladesh health system.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Alexander Wachholz ◽  
Ruth Caldeira de Melo ◽  
Alessandro Ferrari Jacinto ◽  
Paulo Jose Fortes Villas Boas

Objectives: To evaluate the adherence of Brazilian long-term care facilities(LTCFs) to the World Health Organization(WHO) infection prevention and control(IPC) guidance, and examine its association with LTCF size. Methods: Cross-sectional study of LTCF managers. We classified adherence using a global adherence score as (1)excellent for LTCFs following ≥14 recommendations, (2)good for those following 10-13, and (3)poor for those following <10 recommendations. LTCF size was established as small, medium, and large according to a 2-step cluster analysis. We used descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a 5% significance level. Results:308(85.1%) out of 362 facilities adhered to 14 or more recommendations. We found a lower adherence to screening visitors(p=0.037) and isolating patients until they have 2 negative laboratory tests(p=0.032) in larger facilities. Discussion: Preparedness for mitigating COVID-19 in Brazilian LTCFs was considered excellent for most recommendations, regardless of LTCF size. Maintaining a sufficient stock of materials, workforce management, and financial distress were the most prevalent difficulties.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement Kevin Edet ◽  
Anthony Ike Wegbom ◽  
Prof. Victor Alangibi Kiri

Abstract Introduction: The primary healthcare workers (PHCWs) face a higher risk of infection associated with their occupation, due to inadequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), inappropriate use of PPEs, and insufficient knowledge on infection prevention and control. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the preparedness for COVID-19 by PHCWs in Rivers State, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving the healthcare workers at the public primary healthcare facilities across the 23 local government areas (LGAs) of Rivers State, Nigeria. The descriptive statistics of mean ± standard deviation and percentage were used to present quantitative and categorical variables respectively. The preparedness for COVID-19 was measured by knowledge, attitude and preventive practices (KAP) towards the disease. The association between the KAP and demographic characteristics was tested with the Chi-square test, while the associations existing among the KAP constituents were evaluated with the Pearson correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was evaluated at P<0.05. Results: Out of 460 questionnaires distributed, 412 respondents participated in the survey, indicating a response rate of 89.6%. The proportion of respondents with good scores in knowledge, attitude, and COVID-19 related practices was 86.4% (10.66 ± 2.40), 85.0% (8.28 ± 1.94), and 97.3% (8.34 ± 1.39) respectively. Gender, occupation, and years of experience were associated with knowledge, while years of experience and marital status were associated with attitude and preventive practices. Knowledge score also had significant positive linear associations with both attitudes and practices ( scores toward COVID-19. Conclusion: Our findings revealed the level of PHCWs preparedness to fight COVID-19 in Rivers State. We suggest that public health education programs on infection prevention and control should be sustained. Furthermore, training should be tailored to meet the peculiarities of the different categories of healthcare workers and years of practice.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saiendhra Vasudevan Moodley ◽  
Muzimkhulu Zungu ◽  
Molebogeng Malotle ◽  
Kuku Voyi ◽  
Nico Claassen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Health workers are crucial to the successful implementation of infection prevention and control strategies to limit the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 at healthcare facilities. The aim of our study was to determine SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control knowledge and attitudes of frontline health workers in four provinces of South Africa as well as explore some elements of health worker and health facility infection prevention and control practices.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilised. The study population comprised both clinical and non-clinical staff working in the casualty and outpatient departments. A structured questionnaire was developed using the World Health Organization guidance as the basis for the knowledge questions. The questionnaire was self-administered, and COVID-19 protocols were observed during data collection.Results: A total of 286 health workers from 47 health facilities at different levels of care participated in the survey. The mean score on the 10 knowledge items was 6.3 (SD=1.6). Approximately two-thirds of participants (67.4%) answered six or more questions correctly while less than a quarter of all participants (24.1%) managed to score eight or more. A knowledge score of 8 or more was significantly associated with occupational category (being either a medical doctor or nurse), age (<40 years) and level of hospital (tertiary level). Only half of participants (50.7%) felt adequately prepared to deal with patients with COVD-19 at the time of the survey. The health workers displaying attitudes that would put themselves or others at risk were in the minority. Only 55.6% of participants had received infection prevention and control training. Some participants indicated they did not have access to medical masks (11.8%) and gloves (9.9%) in their departments.Conclusions: The attitudes of participants reflected a willingness to engage in appropriate SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control practices as well as a commitment to be involved in COVID-19 patient care. Ensuring adequate infection prevention and control training for all staff and universal access to appropriate PPE were identified as key areas that needed to be addressed. Interim and final reports which identified key shortcomings that needed to be addressed were provided to the provincial departments of health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Marc Sam Opollo ◽  
Tom Charles Otim ◽  
Walter Kizito ◽  
Pruthu Thekkur ◽  
Ajay M.V. Kumar ◽  
...  

Globally, 5%–15% of hospitalized patients acquire infections (often caused by antimicrobial-resistant microbes) due to inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. We used the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ‘Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework’ (IPCAF) tool to assess the IPC compliance at Lira University hospital (LUH), a teaching hospital in Uganda. We also characterized challenges in completing the tool. This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study conducted in November 2020. The IPC focal person at LUH completed the WHO IPCAF tool. Responses were validated, scored, and interpreted per WHO guidelines. The overall IPC compliance score at LUH was 225/800 (28.5%), implying a basic IPC compliance level. There was no IPC committee, no IPC team, and no budgets. Training was rarely or never conducted. There was no surveillance system and no monitoring/audit of IPC activities. Bed capacity, water, electricity, and disposal of hospital waste were adequate. Disposables and personal protective equipment were not available in appropriate quantities. Major challenges in completing the IPCAF tool were related to the detailed questions requiring repeated consultation with other hospital stakeholders and the long time it took to complete the tool. IPC compliance at LUH was not optimal. The gaps identified need to be addressed urgently.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (S1) ◽  
pp. 124-134
Author(s):  
Banerjee J ◽  
Bilolikar AK ◽  
Fatima R

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses an enormous burden on society, economic and healthcare systems worldwide. The various measures being taken to control its spread. It has no definitive treatment and vaccination till date. Therefore, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice in the healthcare facilities is the most important and essential to combat this health crisis. The increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases among healthcare professionals along with evidence of ongoing transmission in some healthcare settings suggest the gaps in the implementation of IPC practice. This need reviewing of all guidelines and their appropriate implementation. Strategic preparedness of preventive measures within health-care facilities; their proper implementation; the continuous, correct & consistent performance of IPC measures and use of tools to identify IPC gaps & to monitor progress are the key features to achieve success in reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV2 virus. Keywords: infection prevention and control (IPC); COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; pandemic, hand hygiene; cleaning and disinfection


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