Infection Control Perspective Research Articles

A qualitative, multi-centre approach to the current state of digitalisation and automation of surveillance in infection prevention and control in German hospitals

BackgroundHealthcare associated infections (HAI) pose a major threat to healthcare systems resulting in an increased burden of disease. Surveillance plays a key role in rapidly identifying these infections and preventing further transmissions. Alas, in German hospitals, the majority of surveillance efforts have been heavily relying on labour intensive processes like manual chart review. In order to be able to identify further starting points for future digital tools and interventions to aid the surveillance of HAI we aimed to gain an understanding of the current state of digitalisation in the context of the general surveillance organisation in German clinics across all care-levels. The end user perspective of infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals was chosen to identify digital interventions that have the biggest impact on the daily surveillance work routines of IPC professionals. Perceived impediments in the advancement of surveillance digitalisation should be explored.MethodsFollowing the development of an interview guideline, eight IPC professionals from seven German hospitals of different care levels were questioned in semi- structured interviews between December 2022 and January 2023. These included questions about general surveillance organisation, access to digital data sources, software to aid the surveillance process as well as current issues in the surveillance process and implementation of software systems. Subsequently, after full transcription, the interview sections were categorized in code categories (first deductive then inductive coding) and analysed qualitatively.ResultsResults were characterised by high heterogeneity in terms of general surveillance organisation and access to digital data sources. Software configuration of hospital and laboratory information systems (HIS/LIS) as well as patient data management systems (PDMS) varied not only between hospitals of different care levels but also between hospitals of the same care level. Outside research projects, neither fully automatic software nor solutions utilising artificial intelligence have currently been implemented in clinical routine in any of the hospitals.ConclusionsAccess to digital data sources and software is increasingly available to aid surveillance of HAI. Nevertheless, surveillance processes in hospitals analysed in this study still heavily rely on manual processes. In the analysed hospitals, there is an implementation and funding gap of (semi-) automatic surveillance solutions in clinical practice, especially in healthcare facilities of lower care levels.

Evaluation of the practice of reprocessing ORs in German hospitals from an infection prevention and control perspective.

The aim of this study was to analyze the cleaning and disinfection of operating rooms (ORs) status quo focusing on hygiene plans in German hospitals. In 2016, a structured online survey was sent to infection prevention and control (IPC) specialists at the cost calculation hospitals of the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System (InEK) and all university hospitals in Germany (n = 365). With a response rate of 27.4%, 78% stated that written hygiene plans were available. After cleaning and disinfecting an OR with a "septic" patient, 55% waited until surfaces were dry before reusing in accordance with national recommendations, 27% waited > 30min. Additionally, 28% of hospitals had ORs only for "septic" patients. In 56% "septic" patients were only operated on at the end of the program. Postoperative monitoring of patients with bacteria with special IPC requirements took place in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) (29%), operating room (OR) (52%), intensive care unit (ICU) (53%), and in the intermediate care unit (IMC) (19%). Despite written hygiene plans in place the partly long duration of OR nonuse time following IPC measures, the consistent continued use of stratification for "septic" patients and the postoperative follow-up care of patients with colonizing/infecting bacteria with special IPC requirements in the OR and high care areas represent relevant potential for improvement.

P23 Rates, treatment and outcomes of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium bacteraemia at Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Abstract Background Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE-fm) bacteraemias represent important nosocomial infections with significant associated mortality and morbidity. Objectives To (i) describe the rates, treatments, and outcomes of VRE-fm bacteraemia at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in 2020–21 and compare to a cohort from 2006 to 2012 and (ii) describe rates of antibiotic resistance in VRE-fm bacteraemia isolates from 2015 to 2021. Methods 71 eligible adult patients with positive VRE-fm blood cultures from 2020 to 2021 were compiled, and electronic patient notes were reviewed retrospectively to obtain microbiological and clinical data. These were compared to a cohort of 187 patients from 2006 to 2012. A nine-person paediatric cohort from 2020 to 2021 was analysed separately. Antibiotic resistance rates were calculated among VRE-fm isolates from blood cultures collected from 2015 to 2021. Results A non-significant increase in VRE-fm bacteraemia cases was observed in 2020–2021. Patients were on average, older, with different spectrums of comorbidities. Despite similar Charlson Comorbidity Indices and Pitt Bacteraemia Scores, they also demonstrated a significant reduction in 30-day crude mortality from 34% to 18% (P = 0.015). This effect could be accounted for by a lower frequency of risk factors for mortality, such as renal and liver diseases in the 2020–21 cohort. Conversely, treatment with daptomycin was used more commonly among the 2020–21 cohort and was associated with greater survival. Conclusions Improved 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with VRE-fm bacteraemia were noted in 2020–21 compared with a historical 2006–12 cohort. High numbers of VRE-fm bacteraemia of nosocomial onset remain a significant concern from both an infection control and antimicrobial stewardship perspective.

Infection prevention and control perspective and practices among healthcare workers in Bangladesh: A multicenter cross section

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a critical feature of preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals. IPC practices are particularly important in resource-constrained and crowded hospital settings. The successful implementation of infection prevention measures depends on healthcare worker (HCW) knowledge of, attitude toward, and practice (KAP) of IPC. In this project, we assessed the KAP of HCWs and identified factors associated with IPC compliance at tertiary-care hospitals in Bangladesh. Methods: From September 2020 to January 2021, we conducted this hospital-based cross-sectional assessment at 11 tertiary-care hospitals. A semistructured questionnaire was used to conduct face-to-face interviews with physicians, nurses, and cleaning staff who were directly involved in patient care. Based on >75% of the total score, each KAP component was divided into adequate knowledge, favorable attitude, and safe practice. We performed descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression to determine the KAP score and associated factors influencing IPC compliance in hospital settings. Results: In total, 1,728 HCWs were interviewed; 76.8% of the participants had adequate knowledge on IPC and 54.6% reported safe practices. However, only 16.2% of HCWs had a favorable attitude toward IPC. Among the 3 HCW groups, nurses had the highest KAP scores (76.07±12.7) followed by physicians (69.8±16.2), and cleaning staff (34.4±27.3). Only 29.2% of HCWs reported having received IPC training, and they cited heavy workload as a barrier to IPC guideline adherence. HCWs having adequate knowledge showed 9 times higher odds of safe IPC practice (AOR, 9.36; 95% CI, 5.47–16.04). HCWs who had a favorable attitude toward IPC were 16 times as likely to perform safe practice toward IPC activities (AOR, 15.5; 95% CI, 10.27–23.42). Conclusions: Knowledge of safe practices and having a favorable attitude toward IPC are key components of a successful IPC program. Significant improvements are required among all levels of HCWs in Bangladesh tertiary-care hospitals, especially cleaning staff. Educational interventions to train on IPC guidelines, plus monitoring, could improve HCW safe practices.Disclosures: None

Development of an immunochromatographic lateral flow assay to rapidly detect OXA-23-, OXA-40-, OXA-58- and NDM-mediated carbapenem resistance determinants in Acinetobacter baumannii.

Introduction. Acinetobacter baumannii infections can be extremely challenging to treat owing to the worldwide prevalence of multidrug-resistant isolates, especially against carbapenems. Colonization with carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAb) requires rapid action from an infection control perspective because the organism is known for its propensity for epidemic spread. Hypothesis/Gap Statement. There is an unmet medical need to rapidly identify CRAb to enable appropriate antimicrobial treatment and to prevent transmission. Aim. Our aim was to expand the OXA-detection abilities of the rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) OXA-23 K-SeT (Coris BioConcept) to include OXA-40- and OXA-58-like carbapenemases, which together confer carbapenem resistance to more than 94 % of CRAb isolates worldwide. Methodology. We used hybridoma technology to generate mAbs against OXA-40 and OXA-58 and selected them for productivity and specificity against recombinant and endogenous OXA-40 and OXA-58. Combinations of the resulting mAbs were analysed in ICT format for their ability to detect recombinant rOXA-40His6 or rOXA-58His6, respectively. Subsequently, selected antibody pairs were implemented into single-OXA-40 or single-OXA-58 prototypes and the final OXA-23/40/58/NDM ICT and were evaluated on clinical Acinetobacter spp. isolates with well-defined carbapenem resistance mechanisms. Results. Five anti-OXA-40 and anti-OXA-58 mAbs were selected. Competition ELISA with combinations of these antibodies revealed that the anti-OXA-40 antibodies bind to one of two binding clusters on OXA-40, while anti-OXA-58 antibodies bind to one of four binding clusters on OXA-58. Direct binding to the corresponding antigen in an ICT format has left only three antibodies against rOXA-40His6 and rOXA-58His6, respectively for the subsequent sandwich ICT selection procedure, which revealed that the anti-OXA-40 (#5) and anti-OXA-58 (#A8) mAbs in combination with the cross-reactive mAb #C8 performed best. They were implemented into single-OXA-40 and single-OXA-58 ICT prototypes and evaluated. These single ICT prototypes demonstrated 100 % specificity and sensitivity. Based on these results, an OXA-23/40/58/NDM-ICT was developed, complemented with OXA-23 and NDM-specific detection. An evaluation with selected carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. isolates (n=34) showed 100 % specificity. Conclusion. With this easy-to-use detection assay, one can save 12-48 h in diagnostics, which helps to treat patients earlier with appropriate antibiotics and allows immediate intervention to control transmission of CRAb.

The role of pandemic planning in the management of COVID-19 in England from an infection prevention and control perspective: results of a national survey

ObjectivesThis national survey aimed to explore how existing pandemic preparedness plans (PPP) accounted for the demands placed on infection prevention and control (IPC) services in acute and community settings in England during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study designThis was a cross-sectional survey of IPC leaders working within National Health Service Trusts or clinical commissioning groups/integrated care systems in England. MethodsThe survey questions related to organisational COVID-19 preparedness pre-pandemic and the response provided during the first wave of the pandemic (January to July 2020). The survey ran from September to November 2021, and participation was voluntary. ResultsIn total, 50 organisations responded. Seventy-one percent (n = 34/48) reported having a current PPP in December 2019, with 81% (n = 21/26) indicating their plan was updated within the previous 3 years. Around half of IPC teams were involved in previous testing of these plans via internal and multi-agency tabletop exercises. Successful aspects of pandemic planning were identified as command structures, clear channels of communication, COVID-19 testing, and patient pathways. Key deficiencies were lack of personal protective equipment, difficulties with fit testing, keeping up to date with guidance, and insufficient staffing. ConclusionsPandemic plans need to consider the capability and capacity of IPC services to ensure they can contribute their critical knowledge and expertise to the pandemic response. This survey provides a detailed evaluation of how IPC services were impacted during the first wave of the pandemic and identifies key areas, which need to be included in future PPP to better manage the impact on IPC services.

SG-APSIC1121: Family caregivers in the patient room: Exploring the family involvement in care provision across hospital settings from an infection prevention and control (IPC) perspective

Objectives: Across many Asian countries, family caregivers provide a wide range of patient care activities while staying in the patient’s room. This unique care arrangement has been reported as a factor contributing to the spread of outbreaks including Middle East respiratory syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in many Asian countries. We sought to understand the context in which direct patient care activities are provided by family caregivers and/or private caregivers in hospitals across Bangladesh, Indonesia, and South Korea from the infection prevention and control (IPC) perspective. Methods: We used a multimethod design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. In total, 432 patients were surveyed from 5 tertiary-care hospitals across 3 selected countries, and 64 participants from 2 groups were interviewed: group A comprised patients, family caregivers and private caregivers and group B comprised healthcare workers. Survey data were analyzed descriptively, and the interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The study findings highlight the different landscapes of care provision in the selected countries. Both the interviews and surveys highlighted 2 aspects of family caregiving. (1) Family caregivers inhabit in the patient zone for long periods, resulting in overcrowding, and (2) they provide a wide ranges of physically associated care activities, including those associated with the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Despite the high number of family caregivers and their in-depth involvement in direct patient care, education and support provided to family caregivers around IPC/HAI were insufficient and varied. Also, challenges related to maintaining adequate hygiene in the environment for minimum IPC were reported. Conclusions: This study has elucidated the current landscape of family involvement in inpatient care provision and acknowledges their contribution to high risks of HAI, as well as their current lack of IPC knowledge and practice. These findings reveal that future updates in IPC strategy should acknowledge this arrangement with family caregivers and should address this role with IPC measures.

Chinese expert consensus on the management of lower respiratory tract infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in adults(2022)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is the second common Gram-negative bacterium for hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) in China (16.9%-22.0%). The proportion of PA in community acquired pneumonia (CAP) was about 1.0%, while increased to 1.8%-8.3% in severe CAP. PA accounted for 67.0% of CAP in patients with a history of PA infection, bronchiectasis, very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or tracheotomy. Considering the high disease burden of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) caused by PA, together with the progress in this field in recent years, the Pulmonary Infection Assembly of Chinese Thoracic Society updated the "Chinese expert consensus on the management of lower respiratory tract infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in adults (2014 version)", focusing on pathogen detection, diagnosis, antimicrobial therapy, comprehensive management, infection prevention and control.PA causes both acute and chronic LTRIs. Acute LRTIs mainly include pneumonia (CAP, HAP and ventilator-associated pneumonia), tracheobronchitis, lung abscess and empyema. The diagnosis of chronic LTRIs should be based on a comprehensive assessment of (1) underlying chronic structural lung diseases, such as bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or immunocompromised conditions; (2) the presence of clinical manifestations of LRTIs; and (3) ≥ two times (at least 3 months apart) of PA detected from eligible lower respiratory tract specimens within 1 year. It is important to distinguish infection from colonization when PA is isolated from lower respiratory tract specimens. Drug susceptibility test is a conventional method for PA resistance detection and serves as a basis for target therapy. When drug susceptibility test shows limited activity of available agents, combined susceptibility test is suggested to select antimicrobial drugs with additive or synergistic effect in vitro for combination therapy. Rapid test of resistance mechanisms of PA isolates, such as carbapenemase phenotype confirmation tests, is recommended if available. It is recommended not to routinely detect resistance genes for choosing therapeutic agents.For patients with acute LRTIs in critical condition or with high risk factors for PA infection, empirical antimicrobial therapy covering PA should be initiated after collecting specimens for microbiological tests. In patients with suspected PA pneumonia who are not critically ill, single antimicrobial drug of anti-PA activity with high lung concentration should be selected for empirical treatment. However, for patients with a serious condition such as sepsis or with risk factors for multidrug-resistant (MDR) PA, a combination of two different classes of antimicrobial drugs that are both potentially susceptible should be used. The antimicrobial regimen should follow pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics principles to ensure adequate dosage and administration frequency. For confirmed PA LRTIs, antibiotics should be selected based on drug sensitivity. In patients without significant underlying diseases, single therapy of an active antimicrobial with adequate pulmonary concentration is recommended rather than combination therapy; when all the available active agents have poor intrapulmonary concentrations, combination therapy is obligatory. For LRTIs caused by carbapenem-resistant PA (CRPA) or difficult-to-treat resistance PA (DTR-PA), if an agent of new enzyme inhibitor, such as ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, and imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam shows in vitro sensitivity, it is recommended as the first-line choice; cefiderocol may serve as the second-line treatment. Combination therapy based on polymyxins may also be considered. Other potentially successful approaches for drug-resistant PA LRTIs include extended infusion time of β-lactams, combination therapy and inhaled antimicrobial therapy.In patients with underlying chronic structural lung diseases, the antimicrobial regimen (drug, dosage, route of administration, and duration of therapy) should be decided according to clinical features, drug sensitivity, and treatment goals (control of exacerbated symptoms, eradication of new-emerging PA, or prevention of flare-ups in patients with frequent exacerbation).Along with antimicrobial therapy, comprehensive care including airway clearance therapy (ACT), oxygen therapy, nutritional support and organ function protection should be provided. From the perspective of nosocomial infection prevention and control, isolation and prophylaxis of contact transmission are recommended to block PA transmission in addition to standard prevention measures. Targeted active screening, timely monitoring and feedback can help the prevention and control of MDR-PA. The systemic and topical use of prophylactic antimicrobials is not recommended.

O03 ST97 Staphylococcus aureus and oxacillin resistance: an emerging challenge for microbiologists?

BackgroundThe presence of cefoxitin and oxacillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolates is suggestive of methicillin resistance (MRSA) with molecular detection of the mecA or mecC genes providing confirmation. The UK SMI and EUCAST guidelines for MRSA detection describe a subset of strains that exhibit reduced susceptibility to oxacillin and cefoxitin, though negative for mecA and mecC genes—frequently named borderline oxacillin-resistant S. aureus (BORSA). Local data noted a number of S. aureus isolates that matched the above phenotype leading to laboratory, clinical and epidemiological questions.MethodsRoutine samples were collected between August 2020 and April 2021 at West Midlands Health Security Agency Laboratory, Birmingham. If provisional results suggested an MRSA isolate, the following confirmatory tests were undertaken. Locally, clinical samples underwent susceptibility testing with cefoxitin disc diffusion and oxacillin gradient diffusion (MRSA screens) or Vitek 2 (non-MRSA screens). Isolates with discrepant results [susceptible to cefoxitin; resistant to oxacillin (MIC >2 mg/L) or vice versa] were sent to the reference laboratory at Colindale, UK for further testing, which included mecA or mecC gene detection by PCR and serotyping with Illumina sequencing for all isolates.ResultsIn total, 53 isolates were sent to the reference lab of which 22 were confirmed to have an ST97 serotype. All 53 were negative by PCR for mecA and mecC genes. For the 22 isolates of ST97, local oxacillin MIC values ranged from 2 to 6 mg/L. Cefoxitin susceptibility was confirmed locally in all isolates. The 22 isolates were from 15 patients; wound swabs (n = 18); blood culture (n = 1), sputum (n = 1) and MRSA screen (n = 2). Median patient age was 48 years (IQR 38–59) with 5 being female and 10 male. A history of injecting drug use was documented in 53% (8/15).ConclusionsBORSA remains a problem from a laboratory, clinical and infection control perspective. This work raises two important questions: what is the most appropriate local laboratory testing pathway and what is the clinical relevance of these isolates (i.e. can flucloxacillin be relied upon in treatment)? The ST97 serotype appears to be associated with skin and soft tissue infection and may be linked to people who inject drugs.

Older adults’ experiences of social distancing and the role of the community center during COVID-19

PurposeAlthough very much needed from an infection control perspective, there is deep concern about the impact of social distancing during COVID-19, particularly on older adults.Design/methodology/approachA phenomenological design was used to gain insight into older adults’ experiences of living with social distancing during the first wave of COVID-19. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight older adults.FindingsSix themes were identified: a smaller life, feelings of unease, resilience, connection to the community centre, technology: a boon, but one with limitations, and the way through social distancing.Originality/valueThis study captures older adults’ experiences early in COVID-19. Findings indicate that there is much we can learn from these older adults regarding social isolation that could apply to other older adults and potentially other age groups during the time of pandemic and beyond.

Preparing dental schools to refunction safely during the COVID-19 pandemic: an infection prevention and control perspective.

In late 2019 a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in China and spread throughout the world over a short period of time causing a pandemic of a respiratory disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 is easily transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets and direct contact. The scarce available data indicate that dental healthcare personnel are at increased risk for acquisition of infection. Following the lockdown lifting, dental schools should be prepared to refunction safely and provide essential educational and healthcare services while protecting their students, patients, and personnel. The generation of aerosols in dental practice, in association with the high-transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 through aerosol-generation procedures, the simultaneous provision of dental services to patients in the same areas, and the fact that asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infected persons may transmit the virus, render the implementation of specific infection prevention and control measures imperative for dental schools. Herein we review the few evidence-based data available to guide infection prevention and control measures for COVID-19 in dental schools.

870. Mycobacterium chimaera Outbreak: Infection Control and Clinical Experiences in Edmonton, Alberta

Background Mycobacterium chimaera is responsible for a global outbreak due to contaminated heater-cooler units (HCUs) used in cardiothoracic surgery and has been associated with high mortality. Optimal treatment is not known. The objectives of this study were to describe the Infection Control strategies utilized by the University of Alberta hospital and Mazankowski Heart Institute (MAZ) prior to availability of new HCUs, and outline the clinical course of locally acquired M. chimaera infection.MethodsWe reviewed interventions undertaken to mitigate the risk of M. chimaera infection. Any MAZ patient with M. chimaera isolated at an anatomic site with a history of cardiothoracic surgery from 2012-present were identified. Charts were reviewed for patient and infection characteristics.ResultsAll manufacturer’s instructions for HCU cleaning-disinfection were followed. The MAZ was compliant with CDC recommendations for directing HCU ventilation exhaust away from the surgical field and to the use of filtered water. M. chimaera was isolated in 3/8 local HCUs. After decontamination procedure, 1 HCU grew M. chimaera but cleared after a second attempt. Smoke studies demonstrated aerosolization of HCU exhaust in October 2016 therefore the laminar air curtains were manipulated for increased flow in October and November 2016. By June 2017, HCUs were retro-fitted and in late 2017 all pre-2014 Sorin HCUs were replaced.10 patients have been diagnosed with M. chimaera infection post-cardiothoracic surgery performed at the MAZ. None occurred after manipulation of the laminar air curtain. Mean patient age at time of cardiothoracic surgery was 62.3 years and 6 were male. All had implantation of prosthetic material. The most common culture-positive sites were blood in 9/10, urine in 5/10 and prosthetic material or surgical site in 3/10. 6/10 have died due to infection and mean life expectancy of those deceased from first positive culture is 123 days. An additional survivor has been transitioned to comfort care and lost to follow-up.Conclusion M. chimaera post cardiothoracic surgery has been challenging from an infection control perspective but the risk appears to have been mitigated through manipulation of the laminar air curtain. Locally, M. chimaera has been associated with significant (60%) mortality.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Environmental Interventions to Promote Infection Control in Senior-Living Facilities: Cases in the USA and China

In the evolving situation of COVID-19, an outbreak of the contagious disease in a nursing home near Seattle prompted urgent calls for precautionary tactics in senior-living facilities. Worldwide, the USA and China are the countries with the largest and second largest populations of people aged 80+. More than two million older adults live in senior-living facilities in the USA and the number of beds in senior-living facilities in China has increased to 6.5 million in recent five years. The risk of infections including COVID-19 is tripled in senior-living residents because of age, close living conditions, and underlying health conditions. Infectious diseases account for one third of all deaths in people age 65+ in the USA. COVID-19 has a case fatality rate of 2.3% overall and as high as 15% in patients age 80+ in China. Together with health and services interventions, environmental interventions should be considered to prevent the possible spread of infections in senior-living settings. Based on a literature review and using empirical data of 12 senior-living facility designs collected in both countries, this research analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of existing facility environments in terms of infection control. Environmental interventions to promote infection control are suggested in the context of individual facilities. Proposed interventions are analyzed at two levels: spatial design and design details. Five factors are included: visitors screening, ventilation, isolation rooms, hand washing, and daily temperature checks. From the perspective of infection control, the cross-country similarities and differences of senior-living facility designs are discussed.

Current Perspective of Infection Control and Prevention: Coordination with Long-term Care Facilities, Clinics, and Hospitals

Current Perspective of Infection Control and Prevention: Coordination with Long-term Care Facilities, Clinics, and Hospitals

WEARING FACE MASKS FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC: FROM MEDICAL TRADITION TO COMMUNITY PRACTICE

Different forms of face coverings used by the public, like masks, gamchas, shields etc., are now widely recommended as source control during the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant debates about the general community use of face masks for guard against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stemmed from differing views expressed by health authorities. We believe that the stigmatization and misconceptions about the use of face masks may delay the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. The leading narrative driving policy, has observed face coverings as a medical intervention and evaluated its efficiency from an infection control perspective. We recommend that public officials and governments strongly encourage extensive use of face masks in public including the use of appropriate regulation. Face masks should not only measure as medical tools but as a community practice to reduce transmission of respiratory infections such as COVID-19.

Patient satisfaction with nurse-led end of treatment telephone consultation for breast cancer during COVID-19 pandemic.

Patient satisfaction with nurse-led end of treatment telephone consultation for breast cancer during COVID-19 pandemic.

Silver linings of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from an infection prevention and control perspective.

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Environmental contamination in a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) intensive care unit-What is the risk?

The risk of environmental contamination by severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is unclear. We evaluated the extent of environmental contamination in the ICU and correlated this with patient and disease factors, including the impact of different ventilatory modalities. In this observational study, surface environmental samples collected from ICU patient rooms and common areas were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Select samples from the common area were tested by cell culture. Clinical data were collected and correlated to the presence of environmental contamination. Results were compared to historical data from a previous study in general wards. In total, 200 samples from 20 patient rooms and 75 samples from common areas and the staff pantry were tested. The results showed that 14 rooms had at least 1 site contaminated, with an overall contamination rate of 14% (28 of 200 samples). Environmental contamination was not associated with day of illness, ventilatory mode, aerosol-generating procedures, or viral load. The frequency of environmental contamination was lower in the ICU than in general ward rooms. Eight samples from the common area were positive, though all were negative on cell culture. Environmental contamination in the ICU was lower than in the general wards. The use of mechanical ventilation or high-flow nasal oxygen was not associated with greater surface contamination, supporting their use and safety from an infection control perspective. Transmission risk via environmental surfaces in the ICUs is likely to be low. Nonetheless, infection control practices should be strictly reinforced, and transmission risk via droplet or airborne spread remains.

New threat: 2019 novel Coronavirus infection and infection control perspective in Turkey.

New threat: 2019 novel Coronavirus infection and infection control perspective in Turkey.

Public precautions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic: an infection control perspective

Public precautions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic: an infection control perspective