Improve Infection Control Practices Research Articles

A study on clinico-demographic and microbiological profile of surgical site infection (SSI) in a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata: An alarming trend

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates surgical site infections SSI is major contributor of healthcare associated infections (HAI). Multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli are emerging pathogens. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of SSI and identify predominant pathogens with their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. It is a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study including 2070 suspected SSI specimens from 25809 surgeries between 1July 2021 to 30 June 2023. Organisms’ identification and AST was done by both conventional and automated methods. Data was collected and analysed on MS-Excel sheet with various charts and tables. In our study SSI rate was 6.3%, much higher than previous study (2.83%) from this institution. SSI rate was highest in plastic surgery (8.2%). Major pathogens of SSI were Gram-negative bacilli e.g., (26.34%), (25.59%) and (74.69%) was predominant among Gram-positive cocci. Gram-negative bacilli including enterobacterales and non-fermenter and showed resistance to major classes of broad- spectrum antibiotics. Methicillin resistance (MRSA) was 43.9%, which indicates need to improve infection control practices. Our study showed significant higher proportion of SSI as compared to previous studies from the same institute with alarming number of isolated MDR Gram-negative bacilli. So, this study focusses the need of robust infection control practices and strict implementation of antimicrobial stewardship to overcome challenges of antimicrobial resistance.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Jamaican healthcare workers on nosocomial infection control

Objectives The emergence of deadly infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and COVID-19 ( SARS-CoV-2) highlights the need for effective infection control (IC) procedures in healthcare facilities. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare workers (HCWs) on IC procedures. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCWs in western Jamaica from May to August 2015. A questionnaire based on the Jamaican Health Facilities Infection and Control Policies and Procedures Manual was used to collect data on staff training in IC, and their KAP of IC. Summary statistics, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were applied for data analyses. Results Among 227 participants, the mean knowledge scores were statistically higher among the younger HCWs, Physicians/Nurses, and those in clinical units. Older HCWs, non-physicians/nurses, non-clinical unit workers, HCWs at Western Regional Hospital A, and those who received ongoing IC training scored higher on attitude. The practice scores were significantly correlated with the attitude scores but not the knowledge scores. The attitude score was a significant predictor for IC practices. Conclusions Six knowledge and three attitude variables were significant predictors of IC practices that the Western Regional Health Authority Officials can use to implement measures to improve IC practices among HCWs.

Assessment of prevalence and risk factors associated with Hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors in Mogadishu Somalia

BackgroundThe Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through contaminated blood or bodily fluids. Globally, over 81 million blood units are donated annually, a crucial therapeutic procedure without alternatives. However, blood-borne infections, including HBV, pose a significant hurdle to safe transfusions, especially in HBV-endemic regions like Somalia with limited screening. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection and identify risk factors associated with it among blood donors in Mogadishu, Somalia.MethodA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2023. Research tools included a 5-ml blood sample and a structured questionnaire. The presence or absence of HB markers was determined using a multi-HB rapid test and CDC’s HB marker interpretation guideline. Logistic regression was used in univariate and multivariate models to identify risk factors associated with HBV infection, with significance set at a p-value < 0.05 in the final model.ResultA total of 494 blood donors were recruited for this study; 93.9% were male, with a mean age of 31.5 (SD = 8.11). The prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among blood donors was 9.7%, with a 95% CI of 7.1–12.3. In multivariable logistic regression, those with a monthly income of less than 200 USD (AOR = 5.20, 95% CI = 1.61–16.79), those with an income between 200 and 400 (AOR = 3.59, 95% CI = 1.38–9.34), Jobless blood donors (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI = 1.17–12.20), those in business occupations (AOR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.24–9.08), those with a history of STDs (AOR = 4.83, 95% CI = 2.03–11.50), those without a history of HB vaccine (AOR = 13.81, 95% CI = 2.46–77.41), those with a history of tooth extraction (AOR = 6.90, 95% CI = 2.66–17.88), and those who shared sharp equipment (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.07–7.82) were more likely to become infected with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) compared to their counterparts.ConclusionThis study highlights a high prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Implementation efforts against HBV infection should specifically focus on low-income individuals, the jobless, and donors with a history of STD to mitigate the burden of HBV infection and promote safer blood donation. In addition, discouraging the sharing of sharp equipment, improving infection control practices during tooth extraction procedures, and enhancing HB vaccination uptake, particularly among individuals lacking a history of HB vaccine, is highly recommended.

Risk factors of multidrug-resistant organisms neonatal sepsis in Surabaya tertiary referral hospital: a single-center study

BackgroundBacterial organisms causing neonatal sepsis have developed increased resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health problem. The spread of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for developing MDRO neonatal sepsis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), dr. Ramelan Navy Central Hospital, in 2020–2022.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed on 113 eligible neonates. Patients whose blood cultures were positive for bacterial growth and diagnosed with sepsis were selected as the study sample. Univariate and multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression were performed to find the associated risk factors for developing multidrug-resistant organism neonatal sepsis. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsMultidrug-resistant organisms were the predominant aetiology of neonatal sepsis (91/113, 80.5%). The significant risk factors for developing MDRO neonatal sepsis were lower birth weight (OR: 1.607, 95% CI: 1.003 − 2.576, p-value: 0.049), history of premature rupture of the membrane (ProM) ≥ 18 (OR: 3.333, 95% CI: 2.047 − 5.428, p-value < 0.001), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.512 − 3.717, p-value < 0.001), longer hospital stays (OR: 5.067, 95% CI: 2.912 − 8.815, p-value < 0.001), lower Apgar scores (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.442 − 3.512, p-value < 0.001), and the use of respiratory support devices, such as invasive ventilation (OR: 2.687, 95% CI: 1.514 − 4.771, p-value < 0.001), and non-invasive ventilation (OR: 2, 95% CI: 1.097 − 3.645, p-value: 0.024).ConclusionsOur study determined various risk factors for multidrug-resistance organism neonatal sepsis and underscored the need to improve infection control practices to reduce the existing burden of drug-resistant sepsis. Low-birth-weight, a maternal history of premature rupture of the membrane lasting more than 18 hours, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, longer hospital stays, a low Apgar score, and the use of ventilators were the risk factors for developing drug-resistant neonatal sepsis.

Post Operative Surgical Site Infection: A Narrative Review

Background: Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are a critical concern in postoperative care, significantly affecting patient outcomes and healthcare resources globally. These infections arise from the proliferation of microorganisms at the site of surgical intervention and are classified into early-onset (within 30 days of surgery) and late-onset (occurring more than 30 days post-surgery). Objective: This review aims to comprehensively analyze the prevalence, risk factors, and broader impact of SSIs, with an emphasis on the disparity between high-income and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. The focus was on studies that detailed the incidence, risk factors, and prevention strategies of SSIs. Results: The review highlights a notably higher incidence of SSIs in LMICs compared to high-income countries. SSIs are a predominant cause of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and are more frequently observed in emergency surgeries than elective procedures. Prominent risk factors identified include patient's age, type of surgery, specific microbial agents, blood transfusions, and comorbid conditions. Diabetes mellitus, reduced postoperative hematocrit levels, significant weight loss within six months prior to surgery, and ascites are strongly associated with an increased risk of SSI. In contrast, tobacco use, steroid use, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were not found to be significant predictors. The role of surgical departments in reducing SSI occurrence through stringent antimicrobial protocols and thorough preoperative evaluations is also highlighted. Conclusion: SSIs present a significant challenge in global health, particularly in LMICs. Effective management of SSIs necessitates a multifaceted approach, incorporating improved infection control practices, individualized patient risk assessments, and international initiatives to reduce disparities. This review calls for increased awareness and targeted strategies to minimize the prevalence and impact of SSIs.

2233. Burden of Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance in United States in 2019: A Systematic Analysis

Abstract Background The burden of AMR in the United States (US) is significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 2.8 million people in the United States acquire antibiotic-resistant infections each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result. Methods Using the Global Burden of Disease, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) methodology, data were obtained on deaths and DALYs attributable to and associated with bacterial AMR for 23 pathogens in the US in 2019. Results In the US, there were 60,813 deaths (95% uncertainty interval [UI]:32,520-102,231) associated with and 14,987 deaths (95% UI:7,712-25,156) attributable to bacterial AMR in blood stream infection highest in 2019. Staphylococcus aureus (61,011) and E Coli (41,656) accounted for the majority of deaths attributable to and associated with AMR in 2019, and resistance was high among multiple types of antibiotic class. There is a significant burden of AMR in Staphylococcus aureus, with up to 50% of the resistance attributed to macrolides, 38% attributable to fluoroquinolones. Deaths associated and attributable to bacterial antimicrobial resistance by pathogen in USA, in 2019 A) All age-counts B) Age-standardized Rate Deaths Associated with and attributable to bacterial Antimicrobial resistance by syndrome in USA, in 2019 A) All age counts B) Age-Standardized Rate DALYs attributable to and associated with bacterial antimicrobial resistance in USA, in 2019 A) Age-standardized DALY by Infectious Syndrome B) Age-Standardized DALY by Pathogen Conclusion AMR is a serious burden in the United States, with millions of people acquiring antibiotic-resistant infections each year and tens of thousands dying as a result. Preventing the spread of AMR requires a multifaceted approach that includes improved infection control practices, more judicious use of antimicrobial drugs, increased surveillance and monitoring of resistance patterns, and the development of new antibiotics and other treatment options. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Incidence of Microbial Pattern Pre and Post Infection Control Training at Newly Established Teaching Centre; Experience from Pakistan

Abstract Introduction Healthcare associated infection (HAI) is global health problem and main reasons behind these infections are suboptimal infection control practices along with excessive antibiotics consumption [1]. On the other hand, environmental factors including inadequate ventilation, bed spacing, contaminated water supply, environmental surfaces and improper disposal of waste are other concerns. The HAI risk can be minimized by implementation of infection prevention and control program, which is comprised of activities directed to dig out problems and applying various techniques to bring about a change in healthcare workers attitude in order to improve infection control practices [2].In the last decade infection prevention and control at hospital has been significantly improved globally. Measures such as hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, culture based screening are implemented in order to minimize hospital stay, morbidity and mortality. Objective The study was conducted to compare the difference in infection control at our hospital before and after taking measurement at our newly established centre. Material and Method It was an analytical cross-sectional study carried out at our new campus. The study was conducted from February 2018 to January 2019.Ethical approval was taken from research committee prior to the study and informed consent was taken from the patients and staff. The study was fabricated in two phases i.e. initial and later six months of hospital establishment. Based on the results obtained in the initial six months, we assigned an infection control team, along with facilitation of training sessions for our staff. Culture samples were taken from patients, patient’s rooms, patient’s wards, accessories inside the patient’s room, from counters and corridors. Blood cultures were performed using the BACTEC blood culture system. Organisms were identified according to routine bacteriological procedures and disc diffusion method was used for interpreting antibiotic susceptibility. Data were included cultures reports taken from the laboratory. For statistical analysis, SPSS version 23.0 was used. Descriptive statistics was applied for categorical variables and Chi square test was used to observe the association with significance level as p=&amp;lt;0.05. Results A total of 1151 cultures were sent including patients, staff and environmental cultures. Out of which 681 (59%) were sent in initial phase and 470 (41%) were sent in later phase. The number of samples sent in initial and later phase and its distribution is depicted in Table 1. The growth of organisms was observed in initial and later phase from the samples and it was found out that there was increased rate of fungal growth in environment cultures in initial and later phase. In majority of the patient’s samples, no bacterial growth was reported in initial and later phase. (Table 2)Overall, absence of any organisms was found to be statistically same in both phases. However, bacterial and fungal growth reduced in later than the initial phase and the reduction in fungal growth was statistically significant as shown in Table 3 The samples taken from the patients and environment in initial and later phase were compared and are depicted in table 4. The growth of organism from the environment, accessories inside the patient’s room, nursing counter, and patients was found statistically non-significant. Conclusion Our study revealed that the number of organisms isolated in initial phase was greater than the later phase but the reduction was not significant. Bringing about a change in healthcare workers attitude is always a big challenge. Constant reinforcement is impending for compliance of healthcare professionals towards infection control and prevention. Referernces 1) Shelanah A. Fernando GT, Thomas G. Healthcare-acquired infections: prevention strategies. Int J Gen Med 2017; 47:1341-51. 2) Lee MH, Lee GA, Lee SH, Park YH. Effectiveness and core components of infection prevention and control programmes in long-term care facilities: a systematic review. J Hosp Infect 2019; 102: 377-393

Epidemiologic and microbiologic evaluation of catheter-line bloodstream infection in a pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant center

Children who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) transplants are at high risk of developing central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The present study aimed to identify possible risk factors for mortality by analyzing the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients diagnosed with CLABSI in our pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant unit. The initial CLABSI episodes of 102 children were analyzed. Medical records of the patients were evaluated by preformed standardized surveys. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for mortality. Thirty-five patients (34.3%) were female. The median age was 48 months (3-204). The median time to onset of CLABSI was 19 days (4-150). The gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria ratio among the causative agents was 57.8% to 34.3%. The mortality rate was 12.6%. The presence of severe neutropenia, initiation of inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, the presence of hypotension, persistent bacteremia, pediatric intensive care unit admission, growth of carbapenemase-positive gram-negative microorganism and multidrug-resistant bacteria were significantly high in the mortality group when compared to survivors. The presence of hypotension, inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, and persistent bacteremia were found to be independent risk factors for mortality. Rational use of antibiotics, active surveillance and screening of patients together with improved infection control practices may reduce the incidence and the consequences of CLABSIs.

Interventions to Enhance Nursing Student Compliance With Infection Control: A Systematic Review.

The purpose of this review was to identify effective strategies for improving infection control practices among prelicensure nursing students. Infection control practices are fundamental skills taught to prelicensure nursing students. The most effective teaching strategy to support infection control behaviors has yet to be determined. A systematic search of peer-reviewed English literature published before October 2021 was conducted in three databases, followed by critical appraisal. Outcomes included either observed or self-reported infection control behaviors. Twelve eligible studies met inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Studies with integrated simulation or multimodal interventions generally achieved higher infection control compliance than those with greater emphasis on traditional education. The appraisal noted intervention/instrument heterogeneity and limited control. Didactic infection control education should be supplemented with other modalities, but further controlled studies are needed to identify which specific approach is most effective.

Prevalence of nosocomial infection Pre- and Post-COVID 19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi.

Objective: To evaluate the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in the prevalence of nosocomial infections in patients admitted to the Ziauddin University Hospital, Clifton Campus, Karachi. Study Design: Retrospective Cross-sectional study. Setting: Ziauddin University Hospital, Clifton Campus, Karachi. Period: Pre-COVID: Feb 1, 2019 – Jan 31, 2019 Post-COVID: May 1 2020- Apr 30, 2021. Material &amp; Methods: Clinicians retrospectively reviewed all Infectious Disease Department medical records for a list of all patients who developed a NI after 48 hours of admission to the hospital. The diagnosis of NI had been formulated by clinicians on the basis of clinical, radiological and microbiological findings. Results: We found an increase in certain types of NIs, and stability in the infection rate for many other organisms, which may be due to improved infection control practices during COVID. This information will lead to a better understanding of infection control practices in the future, and will better guide clinical decision making. Conclusion: The strict and proper implementation of infection control protocols during the COVID-19 outbreak has reduced the rate of NIs. It has been evident that NIs can be minimized by creating a positive attitude, improving awareness and staff hygiene practices and behaviours, and the provision of facilities to comply with the of infection control protocols’ standards.

Impact of improving infection control and antibiotic stewardship practices on nosocomial infections and antimicrobial resistance in an oncology centre from India

BackgroundImproving basic infection control (IC) practices, diagnostics and anti-microbial stewardship (AMS) are key tools to handle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective study done over 6 years (2016–2021) in an oncology centre in North India with many on-going interventions to improve IC practices, diagnostics and AMS. This study looked into AMR patterns from clinical isolates, rates of hospital acquired infections (HAI) and clinical outcomes. ResultsOver all, 98,915 samples were sent for culture from 158,191 admitted patients. Most commonly isolated organism was E. coli (n ​= ​6951; 30.1%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n ​= ​5801; 25.1%) and Pseudomonas aeroginosa (n ​= ​3041; 13.1%). VRE (Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus) rates fell down from 43.5% in Jan–June 2016 to 12.2% in July–Dec 2021, same was seen in CR (carbapenem resistant) Pseudomonas (23.0%–20.6%, CR Acinetobacter (66.6%–17.02%) and CR E. coli (21.6%–19.4%) over the same study period. Rate of isolation of Candida spp. from non-sterile sites also showed reduction (1.68 per 100 patients to 0.65 per 100 patients). Incidence of health care associated infections also fell from 2.3 to 1.19 per 1000 line days for CLABSI, 2.28 to 1.88 per 1000 catheter days for CAUTI. There was no change in overall mortality rates across the study period. ConclusionThis study emphasizes the point that improving compliance to standard IC recommendations and improving diagnostics can help in reducing the burden of antimicrobial resistance.

Evaluation of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Molecular Typing of Acinetobacter baumannii in Comparison with Orthogonal Methods.

Colonization and subsequent health care-associated infection (HCAI) with Acinetobacter baumannii are a concern for vulnerable patient groups within the hospital setting. Outbreaks involving multidrug-resistant strains are associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality and poorer overall outcomes. Reliable molecular typing methods can help to trace transmission routes and manage outbreaks. In addition to methods deployed by reference laboratories, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) may assist by making initial in-house judgments on strain relatedness. However, limited studies on method reproducibility exist for this application. We applied MALDI-TOF MS typing to A. baumannii isolates associated with a nosocomial outbreak and evaluated different methods for data analysis. In addition, we compared MALDI-TOF MS with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as orthogonal methods to further explore their resolution for bacterial strain typing. A related subgroup of isolates consistently clustered separately from the main outbreak group by all investigated methods. This finding, combined with epidemiological data from the outbreak, indicates that these methods identified a separate transmission event unrelated to the main outbreak. However, the MALDI-TOF MS upstream approach introduced measurement variability impacting method reproducibility and limiting its reliability as a standalone typing method. Availability of in-house typing methods with well-characterized sources of measurement uncertainty could assist with rapid and dependable confirmation (or denial) of suspected transmission events. This work highlights some of the steps to be improved before such tools can be fully integrated into routine diagnostic service workflows for strain typing. IMPORTANCE Managing the transmission of antimicrobial resistance necessitates reliable methods for tracking outbreaks. We compared the performance of MALDI-TOF MS with orthogonal approaches for strain typing, including WGS and FTIR, for Acinetobacter baumannii isolates correlated with a health care-associated infection (HCAI) event. Combined with epidemiological data, all methods investigated identified a group of isolates that were temporally and spatially linked to the outbreak, yet potentially attributed to a separate transmission event. This may have implications for guiding infection control strategies during an outbreak. However, the technical reproducibility of MALDI-TOF MS needs to be improved for it to be employed as a standalone typing method, as different stages of the experimental workflow introduced bias influencing interpretation of biomarker peak data. Availability of in-house methods for strain typing of bacteria could improve infection control practices following increased reports of outbreaks of antimicrobial-resistant organisms during the COVID-19 pandemic, related to sessional usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).

간호대학생을 위한 신종감영병 간호교육 프로그램 효과

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to develop and apply an infection control education program and its effect on the knowledge, attitude, and the performance related Self confidence of nursing students. Method : The infection control education program was applied for session 6 from June 20 through July 30, 2021. The education program was developed by one infection control nurse and two professors of nursing department with reference to the previous studies. The educational program was consisted of 30 students in the experimental group and 27 students in the control group. The knowledge, attitude, and the performance related Self confidence about infection control were measured before and after the program for the students who participated in the educational program and those who did not. Result : The two groups were confirmed to be homogeneous as there was no significant difference among the homogeneity test results in all variables. After the education program, the experimental group was found to be statistically significantly higher than the control group in infection control related knowledge(t＝19.60, p＝.045) and attitude(t＝57.00, p＝.002). Conclusion : This study showed that the hospital infection control education program was effective for nursing college students who will become nurses who will perform infection control roles in the future, and confirmed the need for an education system to improve infection control practice competency to increase performance Self confidence.

Perceptions of Infection Control Practices and the use of Vignettes to Alter Infection Control Behavior: A Feasibility Study.

To explore the perceptions of infection control practices among healthcare personnel and evaluate the use of authentic vignettes as a means to alter infection control behavior. Four authentic vignettes were used as a part of reflective dialogues with healthcare personnel. An evaluation of the dialogues was performed with six healthcare personnel using the focus group technique. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. The mind-set to help one another and do one's best in every situation was described as a core aspect in preventing the transmission of microorganisms. Having support, taking personal responsibility, being knowledgeable about infection control practices, and having a reasonable workload were seen to play decisive roles in controlling the spread of infection. Discussing authentic comprehensible vignettes with colleagues during the allotted time was considered a valuable method for improving infection control practices. Meaningful insights on how best to use vignettes as a means to improve infection control practice were gained. These findings should be considered when designing theory-driven interventions in different contexts, which are aimed at improving infection control practices in health care.

Infection Control Practice: A cross-sectional Survey on Dental Laboratory Technicians in Benghazi, Libya

Objectives: Infection control represents the main concern in dental laboratories in recent years regarding the perceived risk of patients and professionals from getting infected. Even if the dental technicians do not come in direct contact with the patient's oral cavity, there is a risk of contamination from the prosthetic items coming from the dental office. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental lab technicians toward infection control protocols at the dental laboratories of Benghazi, Libya.&#x0D; Materials and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among prosthodontic dental technicians in the city of Benghazi, Libya. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed as a hard copy to the dental lab technicians working at both governmental and private dental laboratories (3 governmental and 7 private dental laboratories). The data was conducted using the SPSS program (SPSS 16 for windows, SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA); a P-value of 0.05 or less was considered significant.&#x0D; Results: The response rate among dental technicians was 93%. The major age group of participants was (21-40 years) who work in a private dental laboratory with less than ten years of experience. 60.2% of the technicians had a valid hepatitis B vaccination, and 46.2% had received infection control training courses as part of their orientation, when respondents were asked about the most dangerous steps in the dental laboratory 60.1% of them answered dealing with impressions.&#x0D; Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, the respondents demonstrated varying levels of knowledge, attitude and infection control practices. More efforts are needed to improve infection control practices and to apply appropriate policies in order to ensure the safety of the technicians and patients.

Factors influencing emergency nurses’ infection control practices related to coronavirus disease 2019 in Korea

BackgroundWhen an infectious disease breaks out, emergency nurses are the front-line specialists. Infection control by emergency nurses is important to minimize the risk of infectious disease and to improve the infection control practices of emergency nurses. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the factors influencing infection control practice related to COVID-19. MethodsFor this cross-sectional study design used survey methods for data collection, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 161 emergency nurses working in five hospitals selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected from November 10 to November 26 in 2020. ResultsInfection control practice related to COVID-19 was affected by the infection prevention environment (β = 0.24, p = .002), monitoring of wearing Personal Protective Equipment (β = 0.19, p = .006), knowledge about COVID-19 (β = 0.18, p = .009), perceived severity related to COVID-19 (β = 0.18, p = .010), and perceived barrier related to COVID-19 (β = −0.15, p = .033). ConclusionCreating safe infection prevention measures and revitalizing personal protective equipment monitoring are necessary to improve infection control practices. A systematic infection control education program is needed to improve knowledge about COVID-19, emphasize its perceived severity, and identify and eliminate perceived barriers.

Engagement in Assisted Living During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Promising Practices.

The “lockdown” in assisted living (AL) from the COVID-19 pandemic has physically isolated residents from the outside world and affected resident and family engagement in care. This presentation outlines a content analysis of qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews conducted from April 2020 with 105 AL staff, residents, and family members exploring COVID-19 experience/restrictions and engagement during the pandemic. Analysis revealed AL families and residents expressed difficulties with COVID-19 visiting and distancing restrictions, reduced family visitations, discontinuity of care, and worries about COVID-19 infection. Staff/administrators expressed uncertainty about lack of knowledge about COVID-19, worries about transmission, and if staff will get exposed outside of work. Promising factors include enhanced communication between staff and families regarding care, improved virtual communication, creative strategies to socially engage residents, and improved infection control practices and staff training. The presentation discusses the implications of the findings for future research, policy, and practice.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Home Dialysis Patients Compared with In-Center Dialysis Patients.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Home Dialysis Patients Compared with In-Center Dialysis Patients.

The pathogenesis and diagnosis of sepsis post burn injury.

Burn is an under-appreciated trauma that is associated with unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. Although the survival rate after devastating burn injuries has continued to increase in previous decades due to medical advances in burn wound care, nutritional and fluid resuscitation and improved infection control practices, there are still large numbers of patients at a high risk of death. One of the most common complications of burn is sepsis, which is defined as “severe organ dysfunction attributed to host's disordered response to infection” and is the primary cause of death in burn patients. Indeed, burn injuries are accompanied by a series of events that lead to sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, such as a hypovolaemic state, immune and inflammatory responses and metabolic changes. Therefore, clear diagnostic criteria and predictive biomarkers are especially important in the prevention and treatment of sepsis and septic shock. In this review, we focus on the pathogenesis of burn wound infection and the post-burn events leading to sepsis. Moreover, the clinical and promising biomarkers of burn sepsis will also be summarized.

A Situational Review of Comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines Aimed at Preventing the Nosocomial Spread of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world drastically by disrupting normal routines in society and healthcare facilities are no exception. Irrespective of a nationrsquos socio-economic background healthcare facilities are facing issues with shortage of skilled health workforce personal protective equipment PPE lack of oxygen supplies and adherence to multiple changes in infection prevention and control practices. Coronavirus disease COVID-19 caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2 is leading to greater challenges for infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings. Since the transmission can occur through droplets fomites airborne routes and from individuals who are asymptomatic or from individuals in the incubation phase the likelihood of spread of infection among the health care workers where there is close contact with infected individuals makes it very challenging. With guidelines being continuously updated as knowledge rapidly evolves and measures being taken even as there is unprecedented demand on healthcare facilities the authors felt the need to review and draw inferences from the relevant guidelines provided by the World Health Organization WHO International Health Organisations and respective Health Ministries which might serve to refresh and bring about better awareness among the health care workers and patients on tackling the nosocomial spread of COVID-19 and also highlight how the response to COVID-19 can in general help improve infection control practices and prevent nosocomial infection spread in healthcare settings in subsequent waves.nbsp