Infection Prevention Education Research Articles

Development and Implementation of Learning Collaboratives for Infection Prevention and Control Education in Long-Term Care Facilities

Infections in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) pose a critical challenge, with one to three million serious infections annually and up to 380,000 associated deaths. The vulnerability of aging populations and inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) programs underscore the need for intervention. This initiative provided tailored continuing education through eight virtual learning collaboratives serving 541 infection preventionists. The project also developed nine IPC toolkits and a manual to further support LTCFs' infection prevention efforts.

Barriers to Effective Infection Prevention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study.

Infection prevention (IP) behaviors such as hand hygiene (HH) and mobile device disinfection are important to reduce the risk of infection transmission from both family members and hospital staff to critically ill neonates. To inform the design of educational interventions to improve both patient family and staff IP behaviors, we engaged separate groups of nurses and family members to understand perceptions about the spread of infection and barriers to implementing effective IP strategies. This was a qualitative study using focus groups to gather data from neonatal nurses and patient family members. Data were triangulated with hospital-wide survey data and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Twelve nurses and 4 patient family members participated. Themes related to communication about IP between staff and family members emerged: stakeholders expressed discomfort with the timing and nature of just-in-time HH education. These communication challenges contributed to stress levels within the neonatal intensive care unit. This finding was reflected in the hospital-wide survey. Steps should be taken to improve communication about IP behaviors between patient family members and frontline staff. Reducing nurse burden of providing just-in-time HH reminders to patient family members through increased IP education may decrease stress and facilitate IP behaviors. This has the potential to decrease infection spread and improve patient outcomes. The development of interventions targeting stakeholder communication is therefore warranted, but additional research is needed to understand the timing and process for delivery of the educational material.

Knowledge and attitude among Bangladeshi healthcare workers regarding the management and infection prevention and control of Nipah virus

BackgroundThe Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family. It can cause severe respiratory and neurological diseases in humans, with varying clinical symptoms. Recognized as a critical public health concern by the World Health Organization, it requires concerted efforts in research and development to prevent outbreaks. MethodologyAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 455 healthcare workers across four major regions in Bangladesh from April 2022 to May 2023. Using multistage convenient sampling and face-to-face interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire, we have examined the level of knowledge, attitudes, and individual perceptions of the preparedness for NiV. Data analysis included univariate and bivariate analyses, followed by binary logistic regression to ascertain the association with demographic factors. ResultsThe study identified a gender disparity favoring female healthcare workers (HCWs). Approximately 46.15 % of participants demonstrated a good knowledge about NiV, with doctors showing significantly higher knowledge odds (OR = 5.197, p < 0.001). Interestingly, graduate and post-graduate education levels did not yield a statistically significant correlation with knowledge. Specific training received was positively associated with knowledge levels (OR = 1.832, p = 0.014), highlighting the gap in routine infection prevention education. Regional differences were notable, with participants from Chittagong having a lower level of knowledge compared to Dhaka (OR = 0.307, p = 0.004). Attitudes towards NiV were predominantly positive, although higher education inversely correlated with positive attitudes, suggesting a potential gap between theoretical knowledge and practical attitudes. ConclusionWhile the attitude towards NiV is generally positive among Bangladeshi HCWs, there is a need to enhance knowledge levels, especially in primary care settings and certain regions. To effectively prepare for NiV outbreaks, it is crucial to prioritize continuous education and practical training. The study underscores the importance of implementing uniform educational strategies to equip HCWs across all categories and regions with adequate NiV knowledge and preparedness.

Current challenges in teaching healthcare-associated infections prevention and control in nursing education in Vietnam and Cambodia: a qualitative study.

Background: There is an insufficient understanding of factors that impede nursing students' learning of healthcare-associated infection prevention and control in developing countries. This study aimed to explore current challenges in healthcare-associated infection control and prevention education in the nursing curriculum in two Vietnamese and two Cambodian universities. Methods: Exploratory research was conducted through consultation of education programs and a qualitative study design utilizing interviews and focus group discussions. Data collection was conducted through interviews with university board members and focus group discussions with lecturers and tutors. The data were analyzed by using content analysis methods. Results: The research results indicated that there were three generic themes of challenges in teaching HAIs-PC in nursing education in Vietnam and Cambodia. They were Implementation of healthcare associated infections prevention and control education into nursing curriculum, Positive aspects fostering healthcare associated infections prevention and control learning, Negative aspects hindering healthcare associated infections prevention and control learning. Conclusions: The study results provided evidence of challenges in healthcare associated infections prevention and control education in some Asia higher education institutions. To improve professional safety, universities should pay more attention to developing appropriate teaching methods for healthcare-associated infections prevention and control education to improve students' practice outcomes.

ETC 42 - Adapting to the new age of infection prevention education via gamification

ETC 42 - Adapting to the new age of infection prevention education via gamification

ETC 48 - From Dull to Dynamic: How to Create Sticky and Flexible Infection Prevention Education Using Adult Learning Principles

ETC 48 - From Dull to Dynamic: How to Create Sticky and Flexible Infection Prevention Education Using Adult Learning Principles

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Education Using XR (Mixed Reality) for Small and Rural Healthcare Facilities

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Education Using XR (Mixed Reality) for Small and Rural Healthcare Facilities

Risk Factors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases from Western Romania.

Limited data are available in the existing literature regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection among cardiovascular patients. We aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors among Romanian cardiovascular patients. Serologic testing was conducted in 1205 patients with cardiovascular diseases to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies. An avidity test was performed in patients with detectable IgG and IgM antibodies. A structured questionnaire was designed to identify the potential risk factors associated with T. gondii. Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 52.1%, with the highest value observed in patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (66.66%) and the lowest in patients with myopericarditis (30.0%). The 11 patients found with detectable IgM and IgG antibodies had a high avidity test result. A patient's area of residence, gender, educational level, owning dogs, owning any pet, and toxoplasmosis awareness were significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity in multiple logistic regression analyses. This study provides novel and valuable insights into the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii among Romanian cardiovascular patients. Our findings reiterate the importance of toxoplasmosis awareness and health education for better control and prevention of infection with T. gondii.

Fibroid uterus: A case study

Fibroid uterus, also known as Uterine leiomyoma, represents a common gynecological disorder affecting women, particularly those in their reproductive years. This paper presents a case study focusing on the clinical manifestation, diagnosis, management, and nursing care of a 43-year-old woman with fibroid uterus. Fibroids, benign neoplasms of the uterine wall, are classified based on their location within the uterus. Risk factors for fibroid development include early puberty, obesity, genetic predisposition, and oral contraceptive use. Diagnosis often involves ultrasound imaging, revealing characteristic features such as heterogeneous hypoechoic lesions. Management options range from medical to surgical interventions, with considerations for patient age, fertility preservation, and symptom severity. Surgical procedures like myomectomy and hysterectomy may be necessary, while non-surgical alternatives such as uterine artery embolism and myolysis offer alternatives. Nursing care focuses on pain management, nutritional support, infection prevention, and patient education. Early detection and appropriate management are essential to mitigate the risk of complications and preserve fertility in affected women.

The role of nursing care in the management of post-burn epidermal cancer: A narrative review

Severe burns, affecting over 20% of the body, induce systemic dysfunction and immune suppression, correlating with increased cancer risk, especially skin cancer. Nurses play a crucial role in averting complications, which is explored in this study through a comprehensive literature review. The literature review focused on nursing care for post-burn skin cancer; a systematic search covered databases including Magiran, Scientific Information Database, and PubMed and Google Scholar search engine. Keywords "nursing", "skin cancer", and "burn" were strategically combined with Boolean operators. From an initial 580 articles, 10 met eligibility post-screening. The results have shown that optimal care for burn patients necessitates an interdisciplinary approach with the burn nurse at its core, coordinating patient care across multiple disciplines. The nurse's responsibilities encompass a comprehensive understanding of multisystem organ failure, critical care methodologies, diagnostic procedures, and psychosocial skills. Meticulous wound care, infection prevention, and pain management are pivotal, with the nurse actively engaging in nursing research. The origin of cancers within burns involves hypotheses of persistent cell proliferation, chronic inflammation, toxin exposure, and compromised immunological defense. Nursing care, particularly in detecting and treating wound inflammation, is pivotal in preventing cancer. Nurses contribute to patient education on skin cancer prevention, emphasizing lifestyle choices and providing crucial psychological support. Nursing diagnoses, based on symptomatology studies, include "risk for impaired skin integrity", "impaired skin integrity", "acute pain", "chronic pain", and "impaired comfort". These diagnoses guide tailored interventions to prevent skin cancer incidence.In sum, nurses are pivotal in comprehensive burn care, overseeing wound care, infection prevention, and patient education on UV radiation dangers. They advocate healthy lifestyles to reduce skin cancer risk, provide psychological support, and encourage commitment to prevention practices. Nursing diagnoses guide tailored interventions, contributing to ongoing improvements in burn care and enhancing the quality of life for survivors.

Current challenges in teaching HAIs-PC in nursing education in Vietnam and Cambodia: a qualitative study

Background: There is an insufficient understanding of factors that impede nursing students’ learning of healthcare-associated infection prevention and control in developing countries. This study aimed to explore current challenges in healthcare-associated infection control and prevention education in the nursing curriculum in two Vietnamese and two Cambodian universities. Methods: Exploratory research was conducted through consultation of education programs and a qualitative study design utilizing interviews and focus group discussions. Data collection was conducted through interviews with university board members and focus group discussions with lecturers and tutors. The data were analyzed by using content analysis methods. Results: The research results indicated that there were three generic themes of challenges in teaching HAIs-PC in nursing education in Vietnam and Cambodia. They were Implementation of healthcare associated infections prevention and control education into nursing curriculum, Positive aspects fostering healthcare associated infections prevention and control learning, Negative aspects hindering healthcare associated infections prevention and control learning. Conclusions: The study results provided evidence of challenges in healthcare associated infections prevention and control education in some Asia higher education institutions. To improve professional safety, universities should pay more attention to developing appropriate teaching methods for healthcare-associated infections prevention and control education to improve students’ practice outcomes.

1763. Attendance and Learning Outcomes of Statewide Infection Prevention and Control Education and Support Webinars Initiative During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Nebraska Experience

Abstract Background In October 2020, the Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion program (ICAP), funded by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) through a CDC grant, launched a statewide initiative providing infection prevention and control (IPC) education and guidance through weekly webinars to long-term care (LTC) facilities. In March 2021, this was expanded to include a twice monthly webinar for acute care (AC) and outpatient facilities. ICAP infection preventionists (IPs) and medical directors developed the content of webinars in collaboration with Nebraska DHHS. Webinar recordings and slides were posted for reference. Webinar reminders were shared with facilities through the ICAP email distribution list. We investigated factors driving attendance and learning outcomes for this initiative. Methods Attendance was recorded for each webinar and compared between LTC and AC considering webinar focus and known denominators of Nebraska LTC and acute facilities. A comprehensive survey regarding learning outcomes and factors driving participation was sent to webinar contacts in early 2023. Responses from IPs working in AC and LTC were compared by independent two-sample T-Test with Pooled and Satterthwaite distribution using SAS version 9.04.01 Results On average, 69 (range 42 to 110) facility IP leaders attended AC webinars and 160 (range 123 to 526) attended LTC webinars since the inception. Of the 96 AC and 429 LTC operational facilities, 50% AC and 25% LTC facilities responded to the survey. Of the 51 AC and 170 LTC respondents, IPs constituted 86% (n=44) and 25% (n=42) respectively. LTC IPs were more likely than AC IPs to join the webinars to learn about changes in regulatory requirements and national IPC guidance. More than 60% of IPs in both settings implemented a new policy or procedure based on the webinar, with LTC IP’s implementing 5% more general IP and 9% more COVID-19 specific policies. 83.3 % of LTC IPs and 52.3% of the AC IPs reported attending almost all webinars. IPs self-rated learning outcomes were high (AC 4.5-4.6 and LTC 4.3-4.6 on a 1-5 scale) Conclusion A statewide initiative to provide infection prevention education and guidance was well received by Nebraska facilities and led to just-in-time policy and procedure changes during COVID-19 pandemic. Disclosures Muhammad Salman Ashraf, MBBS, Merck: Grant/Research Support

Effects of organizational and individual factors on nurses’ practice of central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention

This study explored rarely investigated organizational factors (resource support and organizational culture) in conjunction with well-established individual factors (demographic characteristics, knowledge, and awareness) that impact nurses' practice of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention. Self-reported questionnaire data were collected from 173 nurses recruited from departments that use central venous catheters (ie, intensive care units, emergency rooms, hemodialysis rooms, and oncology wards) in tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the effects of individual and organizational factors. Organizational culture (ß=0.350) had the greatest association with CLABSI prevention practice, followed by awareness (ß=0.328) and department (ß=-0.217; all ps<0.01). These variables explained 41.1% of the variance in CLABSI prevention practice (F=20.996, P<.001). Higher self-reported CLABSI prevention practice was associated with a favorable organizational culture and higher awareness. Emergency room nurses' CLABSI prevention practice was notably inferior as compared to nurses in other departments. Organizational culture is the most significant factor affecting nurses' practice of CLABSI prevention. An organizational culture with environmental improvements and resource support as well as infection prevention education and awareness-building programs should be fostered.

Risk factors for catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients with intestinal failure undergoing home parenteral nutrition: a single-center study.

The incidence and risk factors of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in patients with intestinal failure (IF) have not been established, partly because catheter management methods vary from different facilities. This study aimed to identify the risk factors and incidence rate of CRBSIs in patients with IF who were given prophylactic treatment. Sixteen patients with IF who required home parenteral nutrition were enrolled in this study. Prophylactic management of CRBSI included monthly ethanol lock therapy and standardized infection prevention education. The outcomes included the incidence and risk factors of CRBSI. The median incidence rate of CRBSI was 1.2 per 1000 catheter days. Univariate analysis showed that the risk of developing CRBSI was significantly associated with short bowel syndrome (< 30cm) (p = 0.016). Other relevant findings included a significant negative correlation between serum albumin and CRBSI rate (r = -0.505, p = 0.046), and past history of mixed bacterial infections was significantly associated with increased CRBSI rate (p = 0.013). CRBSIs can still develop despite undergoing prophylactic management. Risk factors for CRBSI include the residual intestinal length, nutritional status, and susceptibility to certain microorganisms.

Mapping of infection prevention and control education and training in some countries of the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Region: current situation and future needs

BackgroundA strong understanding of infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures and comprehensive training among healthcare workers is essential for effective IPC programs. These elements play a crucial role in breaking the chain of nosocomial infections by preventing the transmission of resistant organisms to patients and staff members. This study mapped the components of IPC education and training across various member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) at national, academic, and healthcare institutional levels.MethodsA self-administered structured online questionnaire based on the WHO “Core Component 3” of IPC programs at the national and acute healthcare facility levels (IPC education and training) was given to national IPC focal persons in each of the WHO’s EMR countries between February and March 2023.ResultsFrom 14 of the 22 countries,15 IPC persons participated in the survey. Most countries have scattered nonhomogeneous IPC education programs in human health undergraduate majors without considering it a standalone module. Academic institutions are rarely involved, and elaborate and predefined undergraduate IPC education programs provided by universities are present in 21.4% of the countries. In 71.4% of these countries, postgraduate training targeting IPC professionals is provided by national IPC teams, primarily based on national IPC guidelines developed with the aid of the WHO. Generally, healthcare worker training relies heavily on healthcare facilities in 92.9% of the countries, rather than on a national training program. In 42.9% of the countries, practicing IPC physicians are not necessarily specialists of infectious disease or medical microbiologists and IPC nurses are not required to specialize in IPC. However, nonspecialized IPC professionals are expected to undergo training upon employment and before beginning practice. Nongovernmental organizations such as the WHO play a significant role in IPC education and in supporting national IPC authorities in establishing national IPC guidelines, as it is the case in 78.6% of these countries.ConclusionClear disparities exist in IPC education and training across different countries in the WHO’s EMR. Establishing a regional scientific network specializing in IPC would help bridge the existing gaps and standardize this education within individual countries and across countries in the region. This region needs to establish IPC certification standards and standardized education curricula.

Infection Prevention Education Simplified: The Pros and Cons of Using CDC’s Project Firstline

Education is an important component of a successful infection prevention program. Although most infection preventionists recognize the need for education, there is limited time to devote to this endeavor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an educational program to help educate frontline healthcare workers about infection prevention principles. It can be a useful resource to meet the educational needs in a healthcare organization or facility; however, there are some barriers to using the program as written.

Recognizing Local Champions in Infection Prevention and Control.

Recognizing Local Champions in Infection Prevention and Control.

Assessing Pathogen Transmission Opportunities: Variation in Nursing Home Staff-Resident Interactions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends implementing Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for all nursing home (NH) residents known to be colonized with targeted multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), wounds, or medical devices. Differences in health care personnel (HCP) and resident interactions between units may affect risk of acquiring and transmitting MDROs, affecting EBP implementation. We studied HCP-resident interactions across a variety of NHs to characterize MDRO transmission opportunities. 2 cross-sectional visits. Four CDC Epicenter sites and CDC Emerging Infection Program sites in 7 states recruited NHs with a mix of unit care types (≥30 beds or ≥2 units). HCP were observed providing resident care. Room-based observations and HCP interviews assessed HCP-resident interactions, care type provided, and equipment use. Observations and interviews were conducted for 7-8hours in 3-6-month intervals per unit. Chart reviews collected deidentified resident demographics and MDRO risk factors (eg, indwelling devices, pressure injuries, and antibiotic use). We recruited 25 NHs (49 units) with no loss to follow-up, conducted 2540 room-based observations (total duration: 405hours), and 924 HCP interviews. HCP averaged 2.5 interactions per resident per hour (long-term care units) to 3.4 per resident per hour (ventilator care units). Nurses provided care to more residents (n= 12) than certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and respiratory therapists (RTs) (CNA: 9.8 and RT: 9) but nurses performed significantly fewer task types per interaction compared to CNAs (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.61, P < .05). Short-stay (IRR: 0.89) and ventilator-capable (IRR: 0.94) units had less varied care compared with long-term care units (P < .05), although HCP visited residents in these units at similar rates. Resident-HCP interaction rates are similar across NH unit types, differing primarily in types of care provided. Current and future interventions such as EBP, care bundling, or targeted infection prevention education should consider unit-specific HCP-resident interaction patterns.

Infection prevention requires attention to patient and caregiver language: Removing language barriers from infection prevention education.

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Effects of school-level and area-level socio-economic factors on elementary school student COVID-19 infections: a population-based observational study

ObjectivesTo estimate the variability of the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections among elementary school students attributable to individual schools and/or their geographic areas, and to ascertain whether socio-economic characteristics of...