Control Link Nurses Research Articles

Effectiveness of implementing of an infection control link nurse program to improve compliance with standard precautions and hand hygiene among nurses: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundStandard precautions (SPs) including hand hygiene are considered fundamental protective measures to manage health care-associated infections (HCAIs) and to reduce occupational health hazards. The purpose of this research was to examine the effectiveness of an infection control link nurse (ICLN) program on compliance with SPs and hand hygiene among nurses.MethodsA quasi-experimental study with a pretest-post-test design was conducted with participating of 154 clinical nurses who worked in different wards of a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Iran. The intervention group (n = 77) had 16 infection control link nurses nominated. The control group (n = 77) received only the standard multimodal approach used in the hospital. Pre- and post-test assessment of compliance with standard precautions and hand hygiene compliance was performed via the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (CSPS) and the World Health Organization observational hand hygiene form. Two independent sample t-tests were used to examine differences between Compliance with Standard Precautions and hand hygiene Compliance among nurses in intervention and control group. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the effect size.ResultsAfter developing and implementing the infection control link nurse program, no statistically significant improvement was found in the Compliance with Standard Precautions (β = 5.18; 95% CI= -0.3–10.65, p = 0.064). An improvement in hand hygiene compliance was observed among nurses in the intervention group that improved statistically significant from 18.80% before the program to 37.32% 6 months after the program (β = 20.82; 95% CI 16.40–25.25, p < 0.001).ConclusionsGiven the continuing level of interest that exists in improving health care workers’ hand hygiene practices, the findings of this study provide significant practical implications for hospitals seeking to improve compliance with hand hygiene among nurses, showing the effectiveness of using infection control link nurse program. Further research is needed to assess effectiveness of using infection control link nurse program to improve compliance with standard precautions.

Incidence, accuracy, and barriers of diagnosing healthcare-associated infections: a case study in southeast Iran

BackgroundHealthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a threat to patients. Accurate surveillance is required to identify and prevent HAIs. To estimate the incidence rate, report the accuracy and identify the barriers of reporting HAIs using a mixed-method study.MethodsIn this quantitative study, we externally evaluated the incidence rate and accuracy of the routine surveillance system in one of the main hospitals by an active follow-up of patients from September to December 2021. We used in-depth interviews with 18 experts to identify the barriers of the routine surveillance system.ResultsAmong 404 hospitalized patients, 88 HAIs were detected. The estimated rate of HAIs was 17.1 (95% Confidence Intervals 95: 14.1, 21.1) per 1000 patient-days follow-up. However, in the same period, 116 HAIs were reported by the routine surveillance system, but the agreement between the two approaches was low (sensitivity = 61.4%, specificity = 82.6%, negative predictive value = 89.7%, and positive predictive validity = 46.5%). The minimum and maximum positive predictive values were observed in urinary tract infection (32.3%) and surgical site infection (60.9%). The main barrier of reporting HAIs was lack of cooperation in reporting HAIs by infection control link nurses and laboratory supervisors.ConclusionsThe discrepancy between the longitudinal study findings and the routine surveillance might be related to the inaccessibility of the surveillance system to clinical information of patients. In this regard, decreasing the barriers, increasing the knowledge of infection control nurses and other nurses, as well as the development of hospital information systems are necessary.

Evaluation of an infection control link nurse program: an analysis using the RE-AIM framework

BackgroundImportant elements of programs that train and support infection control link nurses (ICLN) are the engagement of stakeholders, support from hospital and ward management and a structure for iterative improvement. The effects of programs, that combine all these elements, are unknown. We evaluated such a comprehensive program to explore its impact on link nurses and infection prevention practices and routines.MethodsWe used the RE-AIM framework, a robust, evidence-based framework within the field of Implementation Science, to evaluate the impact of our ICLN training and support program. We used a mixed methods approach and organized the outcomes along its five dimensions: Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance.ResultsBetween 2014 and 2018, on average 91% of the inpatient wards and 58% of the outpatient clinics participated in the program (Reach) and impacted guideline adherence in inpatient wards. Link nurses felt engaged and empowered, and perceived their contribution to these results as pivotal. Ward managers confirmed the value of ICLN to help with implementing IPC practices (Effectiveness). The program was adopted both at the hospital and at the ward level (Adoption). Based on ongoing evaluations, the program was adapted by refining education, training and support strategies with emphasis on ward specific aspects (Implementation). The ICLN program was described as a key component of the infection prevention policy to sustain its effects (Maintenance).ConclusionsOur infection control link nurse program helped ICLN to improve infection prevention practices, especially in inpatient wards. The key to these improvements lay within the adaptability of our link nurse program. The adjustments to the program led to a shift of focus from hospital goals to goals tailored to the ward level. It allowed us to tailor activities to align them with the needs specific to each ward.

Correlation of Individual Perceptions with Infection Prevention Control Link Nurse (IPCLN) Performance During the Covid-19 Pandemic at Cicendo Eye Hospital

Correlation of Individual Perceptions with Infection Prevention Control Link Nurse (IPCLN) Performance During the Covid-19 Pandemic at Cicendo Eye Hospital

Comparing Personal Protective Equipment Practice among Health Worker's Job Role and Hospital Unit

Health workers have the highest risk exposure that can increase the pathogen infection risk during the Covid-19 pandemic. The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the most significant prevention, but mistakes while using PPE may occur in the donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) process. This study compares the practice of using PPE among groups of health providers and hospital service units. The study design was a cross-sectional study conducted on non-infectious hospital employees in one specific hospital in Surabaya, totaling 102 employees. The Infection Prevention and Control Link Nurse (IPCLN) of the hospital conducted observations and analyses of health personnel in inpatient and triage units, treatment units, and support units. Based on the job roles, the employees were divided into health providers, healthcare support workers, and other health workers. Work units were categorized into inpatient units, outpatient and triage units, treatment units, and support units (cashier and registration areas). The results of the assessment were measured using One-Way ANOVA. Based on the job role, significant errors occurred when removing masks (p=0.048) made by health workers (38%). Meanwhile, in the hospital unit category, significant errors occurred in removing masks (p=0.000) and the use of gloves (p=0.002). Most mistakes were made in the outpatient and triage units, 92% and 42%, respectively. The complexity of wearing and removing PPE requires increased awareness and updated training on the correct use of PPE for all health workers who work in hospitals based on WHO recommendations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ketersediaan APD (Alat Pelindung Diri) dan Pengawasan IPCLN (Infection Prevention and Control Link Nurse) terhadap Pelaksanaan Kewaspadaan Standar Rumah Sakit

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the availability of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and IPCLN (Infection Prevention and Control Link Nurse) supervision in the implementation of hospital standards. This type of quantitative research uses a descriptive correlation and observational design with cross-sectional observations. The results showed that the availability of PPE and IPCLN supervision were significantly related to standard precautions. The variable of PPE availability is 24,363, while the IPCLN supervision variable is the regression coefficient value of OR 27,904. In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between the availability of PPE and IPCLN in implementing standard precautions in private hospitals in the city of Medan.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Availability of PPE, Standard Precautions, IPCLN Supervision

The Impact of Workplace Support on Role Acceptance and Work Motivation of Infection Control Link Nurses

The Impact of Workplace Support on Role Acceptance and Work Motivation of Infection Control Link Nurses

Effectiveness of using online surveillance in reporting healthcare-associated infections

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using online surveillance form in reporting healthcare associated infections. This research is a quantitative research with a pre-experimental one group pre-test – post-test design method. The intervention given is giving the form manually and giving the form online. Respondents in this study were Infection Prevention and Control Link Nurses in the inpatient, intensive, and operating rooms at the Bali Mandara General Hospital with a total of 37 nurses. Data collection was carried out from January 2020 to December 2021 using the healthcare associated infections reporting form developed by the hospital infection control team. Data were analysed using paired T-test with 95% confidence level. Phlebitis reported significantly increase after the application of online surveillance form. The nurses’ compliance on filling the form both device-related and surgical site infection surveillance as the enactment of online form is 100%, with on time reporting increasing from 73,2% to 98,8%. Nurses assume that the accessible and simplicity of the online forms encourage them to fill the forms completely. Delays in reporting surveillance still occur and need encouragement from supervisor to improve compliance.

Role perception of infection control link nurses; a multi-centre qualitative study.

BackgroundInfection control link nurses (ICLN) disseminate knowledge on infection prevention topics to their peers. Little is known about how they succeed and thereby contribute to infection prevention in daily practise.AimTo explore the experiences of infection control link nurses regarding their role in acute care hospitals and identify perceived facilitators and best practices.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study with semi-structured individual and focus group interviews with ICLN. The effect of COVID-19 on the ICLN role was added as a topic in focus group interviews during the pandemic.ResultsTwenty-six ICLN working in acute care hospitals were interviewed. ICLN perceived their role as to identify, monitor, facilitate and inform their colleagues on infection prevention topics related to their ward. Their experiences vary from feeling challenged and wonder how to get started, to feeling confident and taking initiatives that lead to ward-based improvements. When inspired by each other and supported by infection control practitioners or managers, ICLN feel empowered to initiate more activities to improve practice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ICLN felt their responsibilities were magnified. When transferred to another ward, the focus on the ICLN role seemed dispersed.DiscussionEmpowered ICLN adjust and operationalize infection prevention policies to fit the conditions of their specific wards and provide practical instructions and feedback to their peers which enable better compliance to infection prevention policies. Support and inspiration from other ICLN, infection control practitioners and management contribute to this empowerment and consequently to taking impactful initiatives to improve practice.

The Role of The Infection Control Link Nurse in Hospital Settings: Challenges and Opportunities

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is considered one of the most critical components in every health care organisation. Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are the most frequent adverse event in health care delivery worldwide (1, 2). The consequences of HCAIs result in prolonged hospital stays, long-term disability, increased resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobials, massive additional costs for health systems, and high costs for patients and their families and even unnecessary deaths (3). However, poor compliance and lack of knowledge in infection control among healthcare workers have been identified as one of the many reasons causing healthcare-associated infections.

Low compliance, limited facilities, and insufficient budget funds become obstacles in the implementation of infection and prevention control programs: A phenomenology study

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of Infection and Prevention Control Nurses (IPCNs) and Infection and Prevention Control Link Nurses (IPCLNs) in implementing the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program. The study used a qualitative method with a phenomenology approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine nurses working as IPCNs and IPCLNs. Participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method. Five main themes from this study emerged, indicating that low compliance, limited facilities, and insufficient budget funds become obstacles in the implementation of IPC programs. IPCNs are the driving force in the implementation of IPC programs. In carrying out their duties for IPC, IPCNs and IPCLNs must develop appropriate knowledge and competences. With the help of IPCLNs and full support from hospital management, the goal of reducing HAIs is expected to be achieved.

The Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and infection Control link nurse as a strategy to face them: review of literature

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are the most common adverse event in hospitals and a major public health problem with a negative impact on morbidity, mortality and quality of life. Governmental and non-governmental organizations are developing and strengthening plans to improve Infection and Prevention Control (IPC) programmes. Adopting reliable, effective and integrated IPC programmes can prevent 50% of HAIs. Implementation of a Infection Control Link Nurse (ICLN) system at the health care facility level is one of these. To obtain from a literature review evidence-based recommendations and practical instruments for developing and implementing a training course for ICLN. A literature review was conducted by searching the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Cinahl without time limits, until July 2019. PICO methodology was adopted to build the research question and the Prisma Flow Diagram chosen for the selection of studies. Results The final review included 4 studies which dealt with the following main topics: selection of the personnel, profile, educational pathway, activities and factors that affects ICLN. Even though there is no accordance on duration and contents of LN training courses, its usefulness is well accepted. Using expert clinical nurses on prevention, control and management of HAIs for LN programmes is useful when they are capable of being opinion leaders and trainers among their teams, as well as a formal connection to management areas and administrators.

HUBUNGAN PERSEPSI PERAWAT TENTANG SUPERVISI IPCLN DENGAN KEPATUHAN KEWASPADAAN STANDAR PENGGUNAAN APD DI RSUD dr. SOEKARDJO KOTA TASIKMALAYA

Pendahuluan: IPCLN (Infection Prevention and Control Link Nurse) sebagai pelaksana dari Program Pencegahan dan Pengendalian Infeksi (PPI) di rumah sakit diharuskan mampu melaksanakan tugasnya dalam memonitor kepatuhan perawat melakukan kewaspadaan standar. PPI penting dilaksanakan di rumah sakit dalam melindungi pasien, petugas, pengunjung, dan keluarga dari risiko tertularnya infeksi. Tujuan: Mengidentifikasi hubungan persepsi perawat pelaksana tentang supervisi IPCLN dengan kepatuhan kewaspadaan standar penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri (APD) di RSUD dr. Soekardjo Kota Tasikmalaya. Metode: Metoda penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain deskriptif korelasi serta menggunakan pendekatan cross sectional, populasinya seluruh perawat pelaksana dari 16 ruang rawat inap dengan jumlah sampel yang diambil sebanyak 152 perawat, pengambilan data variabel persepsi perawat pelaksana tentang supervisi dengan kuesioner dan untuk kepatuhan kewaspadaan standar dengan observasi tindakan penggunaan APD. Penelitian dilaksanakan bulan Mei sampai Juni 2019 di RSUD dr. Soekardjo Kota Tasikmalaya. Analisis data hasil penelitian dengan statistik nonparametric dan uji mann whitney. Hasil: Persepi perawat pelaksana tentang supervisi IPCLN berada pada nilai rata-rata 73,11, jadi lebih dari setengahnya perawat pelaksana mempersepsikan pengawasan oleh IPCLN yang efektif. Hasil observasi berdasarkan kewaspadaan standar penggunaan APD perawat dengan nilai rata-rata 65,86%. Adanya hubungan persepsi perawat pelaksana tentang supervisi IPCLN dengan kepatuhan penggunaan APD ρ- value 0,002 &lt; dari alpha 0,05.&#x0D; Diskusi: Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa persepsi perawat pelaksana tentang supervise yang efektif dilaksanakan akan dapat meningkatkan kepatuhan kewaspadaan standar perawat saat melakukan tindakan asuhan keperawatan. Manajemen rumah sakit perlu adanya peningkatan sosialisasi pemahaman IPCLN tentang pentingnya melakukan supervise pada perawat pelaksana saat memberikan asuhan dengan resosialisasi tugas dan fungsi IPCLN serta penerapan reward and punishment.

Effectiveness of implementing link nurses and audits and feedback to improve nurses’ compliance with standard precautions: A cluster randomized controlled trial

To prevent health care-associated infections, health organizations recommend that health care workers stringently observe standard precautions (SPs). Nevertheless, compliance with SPs is still suboptimal, emphasizing the need for improvement interventions. A cluster randomized controlled trial with a pretest-post-test design was conducted with 121 clinical nurses who worked in different wards of a university hospital. The intervention group (n = 61) had 3 infection control link nurses nominated and attended systematic audits and feedback. The control group (n = 60) received only the standard multimodal approach used in the hospital. Pre- and post-test assessment of SPs compliance was performed via the World Health Organization observational hand hygiene form and Compliance with Standard Precaution Scale Italian version. At the post-test, nurses in the intervention group reported significantly increased compliance with hand hygiene, whereas no significant improvement was found in the control group. Nurses in both groups reported significantly increased Compliance with Standard Precaution Scale Italian version scores; however, a higher increase and practical significance was observed in the intervention group. Participants who improved their scores were also compared between groups, showing a significantly greater increase of individual scores in intervention group compared to the control group. The findings of this study provide significant practical implications for hospitals seeking to improve compliance with SPs among nurses, showing the effectiveness of using infection control link nurses combined with systematic audits and feedback.

Quality Audit Analysis of the Implementation of Hand Washing 5 Moments 6 Steps for Doctors and Nurses with the Incidence of Plebitis in the Hospital

Background: Health professionals in hand washing are often associated with efforts to prevent cross-infection in hospitals. Compliance of health professionals in doing hand washing on average is still below 40%. This situation is very risk cause nosocomial infections in service to patients in the hospital. The incidence of phlebitis in infusion is one indicator that must be considered in the quality of infection prevention and control target with indicators below 1.5 per mile. Methods: This study uses a quantitative analytical approach that aims to analyze the relationship between the audit of the quality of the implementation of hand washing of health professionals with the incidence of phlebitis in hospitals. Compliance with health professionals hand washing was observed by auditing the quality of hand washing 5 moments and 6 steps carried out by the Infection Prevention Control Nurse (IPCN) consisting of doctors n = 30 and nurses n = 70. Phlebitis was measured through daily recordings and monitoring by the Infection Prevention Control Link Nurse (IPCLN) in 4 rooms the results were validated by the IPCN and the hospital's control and prevention committee. Data analysis using SEM WarpPLS. Results: There is a significant relationship between the audit of nurses hand washing with the incidence of phlebitis with p value: 0.007 (highly significant), obtained R-Square determinant or R² = 0.19 meaning that 19% of nurses hand washing is at risk of causing phlebitis. There is no relationship between the audit of the doctor’s hand washing with the incidence of phlebitis p value: 0.416 (Not significant). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between the audit of the implementation of hand washing 5 moment 6 steps nurses with the incidence of phlebitis.

Relationship Between Nurses Percerptions IPCLN Supervision with Adherence towards Hand Hygiene at the Hospital in Tasikmalaya City

Background: Infection Prevention and Control Program (ICP) is very important to be implemented in hospitals to protect patients, officers, visitors, and families from the risk of infection. IPCLN (Infection Prevention and Control Link Nurse) as a PPI program implementer in a hospital is expected to be able to carry out its duties to monitor health personnel compliance with standard precautions.&#x0D; Objectives:This study aims to identify the relationship between nurses’ perceptions of IPCLN supervision and compliance withhandhygieneofnursesattheHospitalinTasikmalayaCity.&#x0D; Methods:The research method used is quantitative research with descriptive correlation design usinga cross sectional approach with a population of implementing nurses in 16 inpatients with a totalsampleof152implementingnurses.Analysisofresearchdatawithnonparametric statistics, with Mann Whitney’s test.&#x0D; Results: Results nurse’s perception of effective IPCLN supervision was 50.7%, and adhrence hand hygiene is mean 69.96%. The relationship between IPCLN supervision and compliance with hand hygiene ρ-value 0.006.&#x0D; Conclusion: The implications of this study indicate that nurses ’perceptions of effective supervision will be able to improve compliance with nurses’ hand hygiene when taking nursing care actions. To hospital management, there needs to be an increase in understanding of IPCLN about the importance of supervising implementing nurses when providing care with resocialization of tasks and IPCLN functions.&#x0D;

Value of big data: Data relevant to the health of individuals or populations

To prevent health care-associated infections, health organizations recommend that health care workers stringently observe standard precautions (SPs). Nevertheless, compliance with SPs is still suboptimal, emphasizing the need for improvement interventions.A cluster randomized controlled trial with a pretest-post-test design was conducted with 121 clinical nurses who worked in different wards of a university hospital. The intervention group (n = 61) had 3 infection control link nurses nominated and attended systematic audits and feedback. The control group (n = 60) received only the standard multimodal approach used in the hospital. Pre- and post-test assessment of SPs compliance was performed via the World Health Organization observational hand hygiene form and Compliance with Standard Precaution Scale Italian version.At the post-test, nurses in the intervention group reported significantly increased compliance with hand hygiene, whereas no significant improvement was found in the control group. Nurses in both groups reported significantly increased Compliance with Standard Precaution Scale Italian version scores; however, a higher increase and practical significance was observed in the intervention group. Participants who improved their scores were also compared between groups, showing a significantly greater increase of individual scores in intervention group compared to the control group.The findings of this study provide significant practical implications for hospitals seeking to improve compliance with SPs among nurses, showing the effectiveness of using infection control link nurses combined with systematic audits and feedback.

Health care–associated infection surveillance system in Iran: Reporting and accuracy

Valid data are a crucial aspect of infection prevention and control programs. The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of routine reporting in the Iranian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System in intensive care units. A blinded retrospective review of general intensive care unit medical records was performed with a standard case-finding form. Infection control nurses (ICNs) were also interviewed to explore possible reasons for differences. The results of 951 events in 856 medical records were assessed. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of routine surveillance were 27.5%, 97.2%, 69%, and 85.3%, respectively. The results indicate 82.2%, 68.4%, 62.7%, and 57.3% under-reporting of surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia, respectively. Over-reporting of approximately 8%-15% was detected in 4 types of health care-associated infections (HAIs). Misinterpretation of HAI definition, high ICN workload, and inactivity of infection control link nurses were the main causes of inaccurate reporting. Under and over-reporting of HAIs are main challenges of HAIs reporting in Iran. Developing guidelines, empowering ICNs through specialized training and activating infection control link nurses are necessary to achieve more accurate data in the Iranian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System.

HUBUNGAN PENGAWASAN INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL LINK NURSE (IPCLN) TERHADAP KEPATUHAN PERAWAT MELAKUKAN CUCI TANGAN DI RUANG RAWAT INAP MURNI TEGUH MEMORIAL HOSPITAL MEDAN

Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs)/ Nosocomial infections is a mayority problem in Hospital caused by hand contact. Hand washing is a one of the effective simple strategy to prevent Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs)/Nosocomial Infection. Hospital and the other care facilities are required to have a IPCN (Infection Prevention and Control Link Nurese). In IPCN work assisted by several IPCLN (Infection Prevention and Control Link Nurse). Strategy to improve a quality of nursing services is very important to do optimize the compliance of nurse by hand washing supervision or suvervisi wich focuses to improving a quality of nursing care. This study aims to determine the relationship of control Infection Prevention and Control Link Nurse 9IPCLN) to compliance of handwasing nurse to patinet room in Murni Teguh Memorial Hospital Medan. The results showed that IPCLN survalliance at Murni Teguh Memorial Hospital Medan was generally poor is 24 respondents (70,59%)less good an dgood is 7 respondent (20,59%). The conclution of this study is the controlof Infrction Prevention and Control Link Nurse (IPCLN) has significant relationship to the compliance of nurse perform handwashing in the inpatient room at Murni Teguh Memorial Hospital Medan.

Roles of Infection Prevention and Control Nurses (IPCNs) in Preparing for Emerging Infectious Diseases

Background: Infectious diseases have become one of the world’s serious problems including in Indonesia. Infectious diseases can originate from the community and hospital environment. Health workers performing inappropriate medical procedures could also be a cause of transmission of infectious diseases. Infection prevention and control nurses (IPCNs) as the pioneers of prevention and infection control in hospitals have not optimally played their roles. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the roles of IPCNs and their constraints in preparing for emerging infectious diseases. Methods: The present study employed a qualitative design with the hermeneutic phenomenological approach. The samples were seven IPCNs for the primary participants, and two Infection Prevention and Control Officers (IPCOs) and 13 Infection Prevention and Control Link Nurses (IPCLNs) as the triangulation participants. The data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews analyzed using a content analysis technique. Results: The results identified two themes: (1) IPCNs played roles as clinical practitioners, activity coordinators, administrators, and educators, and (2) the roles of IPCNs had not been optimal due to the lack of support from the hospital management, insufficient infrastructure, weak monitoring and evaluation, and the unavailability of appropriate rewards and punishment.Conclusion: The majority of participants in this study agreed that IPCNs had tried well to play their roles. However, various obstacles were encountered, which hindered the IPCNs in performing their roles.