Protect Healthcare Workers Research Articles

Effectiveness of a novel semi-closed barrier device with a personalized exhaust in cough aerosol simulation according to particle counts and visualization of particles.

Oxygen therapy is an essential treatment for patients with coronavirus disease 2019, although there is a risk of aerosolization of additional viral droplets occurring during this treatment that poses a danger to healthcare professionals. High‐flow oxygen through nasal cannula (HFNC) is a vital treatment bridging low‐flow oxygen therapy with tracheal intubation. Although many barrier devices (including devices without negative pressure in the barrier) have been reported in the literature, few barrier devices are suitable for HFNC and aerosol infection control procedures during HFNC have not yet been established. Hence, we built a single cough simulator model to examine the effectiveness of three protective measures (a semi‐closed barrier device, a personalized exhaust, and surgical masks) administered in isolation as well as in combination using particle counter measurements and laser sheet visualization. We found that the addition of a personalized exhaust to a semi‐closed barrier device reduced aerosol leakage during HFNC without negative pressure. This novel combination may thus reduce aerosol exposure during oxygen therapy, enhance the protection of healthcare workers, and likely reduce nosocomial infection risk.

Indications for accurate and appropriate use of personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals. A systematic review.

The speed of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put enormous pressure on hospitals and other healthcare facilities. This, together with blockages in several countries, has hindered the availability and accessibility of the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). To identify, systematically evaluate and summarize the available scientific evidence on the efficacy, safety, safe use and reuse of PPE for healthcare professionals, for preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Systematic review of studies analyzing products for disinfecting and enabling reuse of PPE for coronavirus within the evidence-based health program of a federal university in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. A systematic search of the relevant literature was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science and LILACS databases, for articles published up to November 30, 2020. Ten studies were selected. These analyzed the use of N95, surgical and cotton masks, face shields, flexible enclosures with plastic covers or polycarbonate intubation boxes and plastic curtains; and also PPE disinfection using several substances. Combined use of a face shield with a N95 mask proved to be superior to other associations for protecting healthcare workers. Some products are useful for disinfecting PPE, such as 70% ethanol, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite and a mixture of quaternary ammonium and H2O2, and hydrogen peroxide. Ultraviolet light and dry heat at 70 °C can be used to decontaminate N95 masks. DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/4V5FD at the OPENSCIENCE Framework.

Single-use plastic and COVID-19 in the NHS: Barriers and opportunities.

Background: Single-use personal protective equipment (PPE) has been essential to protect healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, intensified use of PPE could counteract the previous efforts made by the UK NHS Trusts to reduce their plastic footprint.Design and methods: In this study, we conducted an in-depth case study in the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust to investigate plastic-related issues in a typical NHS Trust before, during and after the pandemic. We first collected hospital routine data on both procurement and usage of single-use PPE (including face masks, aprons, and gowns) for the time period between April 2019 and August 2020. We then interviewed 12 hospital staff across a wide remit, from senior managers to consultants, nurses and catering staff, to gather qualitative evidence on the overall impact of COVID-19 on the Trust regarding plastic use.Results:We found that although COVID-19 had increased the procurement and the use of single-use plastic substantially during the pandemic, it did not appear to have changed the focus of the hospital on implementing measures to reduce single-use plastic in the long term. We then discussed the barriers and opportunities to tackle plastic issues within the NHS in the post-COVID world, for example, a circular healthcare model.Conclusion: Investment is needed in technologies and processes that can recycle and reuse a wider range of single-use plastics, and innovate sustainable alternatives to replace singleuse consumables used in the NHS to construct a fully operational closed material loop healthcare system. Significance for public health This study provides novel empirical evidence on the procurement and use of single-use plastic before and during COVID-19 pandemic from a typical UK publicly funded healthcare provider. Through the interviews which we conducted with the frontline workers, we elicited both antecedent and concurrent attitudes towards single-use plastics to investigate the impact of COVID-19. In the face of both climate change and pandemic crises, we argue that a closed-loop system, also known as the circular economy, must be implemented in our healthcare.

Acceptance of covid-19 vaccine by health care personnel: a cross sectional study from central India

Background the worldwide pandemic SARS - CoV-2 causes Covid-19, a communicable disease. Because health care employees have a higher risk of contracting Covid-19 infection than the general population due to the frequency and duration of interaction with Covid-19 positive patients, protecting health care workers should be a top priority. Aims & objectives the goal of this study is to find out how often Covid-19 vaccination acceptance and reluctance are, as well as the socio-demographic and other factors that influence it. Material and Methods this two-month cross-sectional study was carried out at five tertiary healthcare centers in Central India. A Google form containing the study's structured questionnaire was distributed to health care employees through email, WhatsApp, and text message. Age, gender, occupation, income, marital status, h/o co-morbidities, desire, acceptance, hesitation, and reason for not obtaining the Covid-19 vaccine are all investigated. Results a total of 824 HCWs took part in the study and completed the questionnaire, with 470 (57%) males and 354 (43%) women. The majority of the participants were between the ages of 18 and 30. (50 percent). The majority of those who took part were doctors (77 percent). Covid 19 vaccination was given to about 68 percent of HCWs. Only 13% of HCWs had co-morbidities, with the remaining 87 percent having no co-morbidities. 19% of the HCWs had previously tested positive for Covid-19, whereas 81 percent had previously tested negative. HCWs with a family member who had Covid-19 accounted for 27% of the total. About 37% of HCWs strongly agreed that the vaccine will protect them from the sequelae of Covid-19 illness, while only 4% disagreed and 0.5 definitely disagreed. Nearly 48 percent of HCWs were entirely confident in utilizing locally manufactured Covid-19 vaccine, but just 23 percent were confident in using foreign (imported) vaccine. Approximately 46% of HCWs agreed that the vaccine would protect them from Covid-19 illness. Conclusion HCWs' attitudes toward the Covid-19 vaccination vary depending on their age, education, occupation, and income. HCWs' vaccine knowledge should be improved in order to boost immunization coverage among them and the general public. Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine, healthcare workers, Central India.

Utilization of Artificial Intelligence in Meeting the Challenges of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quick Literature Review

The world is facing several challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is causing severe social and economic disruption. The disruption has resulted in recession, unemployment, and social isolation and has caused an extreme burden on health care services. Artificial intelligence (AI) has a promising role in the healthcare sector by bringing many advantages to practicing clinicians, patients, and society. This article aims to determine the role of artificial intelligence in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative methodology is used, and a literature review is done by using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The keywords used for this data research are "artificial intelligence" and "COVID 19"; "COVID 19" and "artificial intelligence". The results have shown that artificial intelligence has been extensively used in seven major domains during the current ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These include screening and detection of COVID-19 transmission dynamics, diagnostics, disease monitoring and forecasting, disease outbreak containment, disease recovery and mortality, treatment and vaccination, and protection of healthcare workers. Artificial intelligence is a transformational force in the medical field. It assists in early detection of disease, real-time surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, disease containment, development of treatment and vaccinations, and reducing morbidity and mortality. Artificial intelligence will help us in the future to meet many challenges in a timely fashion through the prediction of pandemics, making stakeholders worldwide well prepared to deal with epidemics and pandemics in a systematic and organized manner, avoiding economic turmoil and unnecessary morbidity and mortality.

COVID-19 vaccine uptake, effectiveness, and waning in 82,959 health care workers: A national prospective cohort study in Wales

BackgroundWhile population estimates suggest high vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection, the protection for health care workers, who are at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, is less understood. MethodsWe conducted a national cohort study of health care workers in Wales (UK) from 7 December 2020 to 30 September 2021. We examined uptake of any COVID-19 vaccine, and the effectiveness of BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech) against polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We used linked and routinely collected national-scale data within the SAIL Databank. Data were available on 82,959 health care workers in Wales, with exposure extending to 26 weeks after second doses. ResultsOverall vaccine uptake was high (90%), with most health care workers receiving theBNT162b2 vaccine (79%). Vaccine uptake differed by age, staff role, socioeconomic status; those aged 50–59 and 60+ years old were 1.6 times more likely to get vaccinated than those aged 16–29. Medical and dental staff, and Allied Health Practitioners were 1.5 and 1.1 times more likely to get vaccinated, compared to nursing and midwifery staff. The effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine was found to be strong and consistent across the characteristics considered; 52% three to six weeks after first dose, 86% from two weeks after second dose, though this declined to 53% from 22 weeks after the second dose. ConclusionsWith some variation in rate of uptake, those who were vaccinated had a reduced risk of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared to those unvaccinated. Second dose has provided stronger protection for longer than first dose but our study is consistent with waning from seven weeks onwards.

Violence Against Healthcare: A Public Health Issue beyond Conflict Settings.

A 3-year analysis released in August 2021 by the WHO indicated that more than 700 healthcare workers and patients have died (2,000 injured) as a result of attacks against health facilities since 2017. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the risks even worse for doctors, nurses, and support staff, unfortunately. According to the latest figures from the International Committee of the Red Cross, 848 COVID-19-related violent incidents were recorded in 2020, and this is likely an underrepresentation of a much more widespread phenomenon. In response to rises in COVID-19-related attacks against healthcare, some countries have taken action. In Algeria, for instance, the penal code was amended to increase protection for healthcare workers against attacks and to punish individuals who damage health facilities. In the United Kingdom, the police, crime, sentencing, and courts bill proposed increased the maximum penalty from 12 months to 2 years in prison for anyone who assaults an emergency worker. Measures taken by countries represent a good practical way to counteract this crisis within COVID-19. However, we stress the importance of primary prevention with the use of communication: social media and other communication channels are fundamentally important to combat violence against health professionals, both to inform the population with quality data and to disseminate campaigns to prevent these acts.

Compliance of Hand Hygiene Practices in Operating Rooms by Care Workers

Context: Hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections. As part of a major global effort to improve hand hygiene in health care, the SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands annual global campaign was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2009. The “My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene” approach by the WHO defines the key moments when health-care workers should perform hand hygiene. Aims: This is a preliminary observational study to monitor the level of adherence to hand hygiene practice by health-care workers (HCWs) in an operating room. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the surgery operation theater (OT) of our hospital. Direct observation of various personnel working in the OT was done by a single-trained observer. The time of observation was taken from the transfer of the patient on the OT table to the draping of the patient by the surgeon. The hand hygiene opportunities (HHO) as stated by WHO My 5 moments of hand hygiene were noted. Results and Conclusion: A total of 524 HHO were observed among health-care workers, among which 301 were missed and 223 were utilized. Out of the opportunities used were moments 3 and 4, which are primarily for the personal protection of Healthcare workers. Overall compliance of hand hygiene is very low among health-care professionals in the OT. There is an urgent need to educate the health-care personnel about “5 moments of hand hygiene” and ensure strict compliance to ensure patient's safety.

КАДРОВЫЙ ПОТЕНЦИАЛ ЦИФРОВОЙ МЕДИЦИНЫ: ТРАЕКТОРИИ РАЗВИТИЯ И ПОВЫШЕНИЯ КОНКУРЕНТОСПОСОБНОСТИ

A fundamental change in personnel policy in the management of healthcare systems is expected around the world, associated with the transition of the industry to a new technological level. In this regard, the need to expand the problem field of the study of labor relations in this area is becoming relevant. The subject of the study is the personnel potential for the formation of a new landscape of healthcare. This paper aims to identify opportunities to overcome the risks associated with the growing shortage of healthcare professionals in the world. The scientific novelty lies in the identification of the most acute social aspects of the bio-information transformation taking place in the healthcare field. The author uses the methods of source study and statistical analysis of a wide range of sources: scientific literature, statistical data, and sociological research data. The paper analyzes data that reflect the growing concern of the medical community with the problems of turnover of healthcare personnel, medical education, and labor protection of the interests of healthcare workers. The author reveals the existing barriers in training and retraining personnel, as well as the need to develop new approaches to the labor protection of healthcare workers. As a result of the study, the author concludes that at this stage it is not possible to address the shortage of healthcare workers by attracting them from less developed regions to economically prosperous ones. The extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have not only shown the world all the issues of today's healthcare systems but also opened up opportunities for healthcare leaders to revise the long-term vision of solving workforce problems based on lessons learned. The article shows that the burden associated with the need to quickly solve many administrative tasks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic required a significant increase in state regulation of the industry. The study's findings can be useful to employees of various federal structures of the Russian Federation in both applied and forecasting activities on the way to solving the problems of staffing the industry. The ideas proposed by the author can be in demand by representatives of the scientific and educational community and trade union leaders directly involved in protecting the interests of healthcare workers.

Development of Desktop Air Curtain System to Block Aerosols in Exhaled Breath

A desktop-type air curtain device capable of being installed on a desk to protect healthcare workers from infectious diseases was developed. Pseudo-exhaled air containing aerosol particles emitted from a mannequin was blown toward the air curtain generated by the air curtain device. The aerosol blocking effect of the air curtain device was investigated using particle image velocimetry measurements. Air curtain flow was maintained inside the gate of the air curtain device. The aerosol particles approaching the air curtain device were observed to abruptly bend towards the suction port without passing through the gate, signifying that the aerosol particles were blocked by the air curtain flow.

Development of a Standard Test Method for Assessing Mechanical Penetration of Personal Protective Equipment Material to Test Soils by Simulating Actual Use

Abstract Preventing healthcare worker exposure to dangerous pathogens is a crucial factor in sustaining the fight against Ebola, Coronaviruses, and other microorganisms that may cause infectious diseases. It is critical that personal protective equipment (PPE) used to protect healthcare workers be safe and effective in meeting labeled performance claims for barrier resistance to deadly viruses such as Ebola (Zaire ebolavirus) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The aim of this study is to develop a readily reproducible and standardized simulated use test for gown and drape materials using a blood test soil to evaluate the ability of the materials to prevent penetration of clinically relevant test soils at clinically relevant pressures. We designed and constructed a simulated use “elbow lean” apparatus based on the apparatus in ASTM F1819, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Synthetic Blood Using a Mechanical Pressure Technique, that applies a physiologically relevant load to PPE material. We developed a test protocol for our proposed method and used the apparatus on a variety of PPE materials to assess penetration of a blood test soil. The testing demonstrated that the new apparatus can be used to assess penetration of a blood test soil through PPE materials under conditions that are more clinically relevant than those in ASTM F1670, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Synthetic Blood, and ASTM F1671, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens Using Phi-X174 Bacteriophage Penetration as a Test System. The apparatus and procedure detailed in this study will be proposed for use in the development of a new standard test method for assessing mechanical penetration of PPE to test soils that better simulate clinical use conditions.

코로나19 대응 개인 보호구 적용 간호 시뮬레이션 교육 프로그램 효과

Purpose: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for protecting healthcare workers from COVID-19 outbreaks. Therefore, this study examined the effects of a nursing simulation education program on PPE use for COVID-19 among nursing students. Methods: We employed a non-equivalent control group post-test design. The experimental group (n=38) engaged in a nursing simulation education program on PPE use. The control group (n=36) received PPE and the opportunity to participate in the same program after the intervention. Further, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test. Results: The experimental group showed significant differences in attitude toward PPE (t=3.21, p=.002) and efficacy of PPE use (t=9.92, p<.001), but not in the intention to care for patients with COVID-19 (t=0.95, p=.343). Conclusion: Nursing simulation education for PPE significantly improved attitude and increased self-efficacy toward PPE among nursing students. However, the intention to care for COVID-19 patients was not changed. Thus, it is necessary to find a way to improve the nursing intention toward COVID-19 patients.

Anesthesia Management in Cesarean Section for Close Contact Parturient with COVID-19 Patient: A Case Report

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, which produced a disease that had been termed COVID-19, safely treating patients that have contracted COVID-19 has become a very challenging problem for both patients and healthcare workers alike. The case we will be dealing with concerns a surgery of a full-term parturient who tested negative for COVID-19 at the time of surgery but had been living with a husband who contracted COVID-19. The parturient was taken up for an elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia in an isolated operating room. It is necessary to consider how to manage the patient who was a close contact even if their COVID-19 test result is negative and how to set up the protocols to protect healthcare workers themselves in such situation. Keywords ---- (COVID-19, Caesarean section, Parturient, Spinal anesthesia)

Identifying risk of adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients via artificial intelligence–powered analysis of 12-lead intake electrocardiogram

BackgroundAdverse events in COVID-19 are difficult to predict. Risk stratification is encumbered by the need to protect healthcare workers. We hypothesize that artificial intelligence (AI) can help identify subtle signs of myocardial involvement in the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), which could help predict complications.ObjectiveUse intake ECGs from COVID-19 patients to train AI models to predict risk of mortality or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).MethodsWe studied intake ECGs from 1448 COVID-19 patients (60.5% male, aged 63.4 ± 16.9 years). Records were labeled by mortality (death vs discharge) or MACE (no events vs arrhythmic, heart failure [HF], or thromboembolic [TE] events), then used to train AI models; these were compared to conventional regression models developed using demographic and comorbidity data.ResultsA total of 245 (17.7%) patients died (67.3% male, aged 74.5 ± 14.4 years); 352 (24.4%) experienced at least 1 MACE (119 arrhythmic, 107 HF, 130 TE). AI models predicted mortality and MACE with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.60 ± 0.05 and 0.55 ± 0.07, respectively; these were comparable to AUC values for conventional models (0.73 ± 0.07 and 0.65 ± 0.10). There were no prominent temporal trends in mortality rate or MACE incidence in our cohort; holdout testing with data from after a cutoff date (June 9, 2020) did not degrade model performance.ConclusionUsing intake ECGs alone, our AI models had limited ability to predict hospitalized COVID-19 patients’ risk of mortality or MACE. Our models’ accuracy was comparable to that of conventional models built using more in-depth information, but translation to clinical use would require higher sensitivity and positive predictive value. In the future, we hope that mixed-input AI models utilizing both ECG and clinical data may be developed to enhance predictive accuracy.

Quantifying Aerosol Generation in Maxillofacial Trauma Repair Techniques.

Cadaveric simulation study. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which can be transmitted via aerosolized viral particles, has directed focus on protection of healthcare workers during procedures involving the upper aerodigestive tract, including maxillofacial trauma repair. This study evaluates particle generation at different distances from open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of maxillofacial injuries in the intraoperative setting to reduce the risk of contracting airborne diseases such as COVID-19. Two cadaveric specimens in a simulated operating room underwent ORIF of midface and mandible fractures via intraoral incisions as well as maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) using hybrid arch bars. ORIF was performed with both self-drilling screws and with the use of a power drill for creating guide holes. Real-time aerosol concentration was measured throughout each procedure using 3 particle counters placed 0.45, 1.68, and 3.81m (1.5, 5.5, and 12.5 feet, respectively) from the operative site. There was a significant decrease in particle concentration in all procedures at 1.68m compared to 0.45m, but only 2 of the 5 procedures showed further significant decrease in particle concentration when going from 1.68 to 3.81m from the operative site. There was significantly less particle concentration generated at all distances when using self-drilling techniques compared to power drilling for ORIF. Consideration of using self-drilling screwing techniques as well as maintaining physical distancing protocols may decrease risk of transmission of airborne diseases such as COVID-19 while in the intraoperative setting.

COVID-19 Vaccination Compliance and Associated Factors among Medical Students during an Early Phase of Vaccination Rollout-A Survey from Israel.

COVID-19 is “a once-in-a-century” pandemic, bringing with it unparalleled health, social, and economic ramifications. As part of the world’s efforts to restrain the pandemic, vaccine development has been expedited. This population-representative survey in Israel aimed to investigate whether the knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination status of medical students affect their intention to recommend COVID-19 vaccination (as well as reasons for refusal and acceptance of the vaccine). The questionnaire was anonymous, via Google Forms app in December 2021. One-hundred and four medical students completed the survey. Overwhelmingly, (91.3%) COVID-19 vaccination status and intention to receive the vaccine were positively associated with intention to recommend. Twenty-five percent of the students replied that they lacked knowledge regarding the vaccine. A statistically significant association was found between experiencing quarantine and the intention to be vaccinated (p = 0.034). There was a significant positive relationship between the number of symptoms from previous vaccines and the fear of COVID-19 (rs = 0.272, p < 0.01). Prior vaccination did not have an effect on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. This first study evaluating COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Israeli medical students highlighted the need for medical programs to emphasize the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in the protection of healthcare workers and patient safety. Education, awareness campaigns, and regulation of vaccine trials could further decrease COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine rates among medical students.

FaceBit

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the use of face masks across the world. Aside from physical distancing, they are among the most effective protection for healthcare workers and the general population. Face masks are passive devices, however, and cannot alert the user in case of improper fit or mask degradation. Additionally, face masks are optimally positioned to give unique insight into some personal health metrics. Recognizing this limitation and opportunity, we present FaceBit: an open-source research platform for smart face mask applications. FaceBit's design was informed by needfinding studies with a cohort of health professionals. Small and easily secured into any face mask, FaceBit is accompanied by a mobile application that provides a user interface and facilitates research. It monitors heart rate without skin contact via ballistocardiography, respiration rate via temperature changes, and mask-fit and wear time from pressure signals, all on-device with an energy-efficient runtime system. FaceBit can harvest energy from breathing, motion, or sunlight to supplement its tiny primary cell battery that alone delivers a battery lifetime of 11 days or more. FaceBit empowers the mobile computing community to jumpstart research in smart face mask sensing and inference, and provides a sustainable, convenient form factor for health management, applicable to COVID-19 frontline workers and beyond.

429. Infection Prevention During Use of a Warm Zone Model in Cohort Patient Care Locations during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic required hospitals to care for influxes of patients in cohort locations during critical shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety zones can be used to protect healthcare workers caring for patients with infectious pathogens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our hospital developed a Warm Zone model (WZM) to streamline the care of patients with COVID. We established specific areas in our COVID cohort units where staff were permitted to bridge between rooms without doffing gowns, but still doffing gloves and performing hand hygiene between patients. We recognized that a WZM could inadvertently increase risk of nosocomial transmission of pathogens if gowns acted as fomites. For this reason, patients with known infectious pathogens were excluded from the WZM. To measure for unintended harmful consequences of the WZM, our Infection Prevention (IP) department performed surveillance for hospital onset (HO) Clostridioides difficile (CDI), Carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections on units that implemented the WZM.MethodsTwo intensive care units and 3 wards where COVID positive patients were cohorted were included in surveillance. The timeframe for this analysis was 7/1/2020 - 3/31/2021. An electronic surveillance system was used to measure HO infections. The National Healthcare Surveillance Network (NHSN) LabID definitions were used when determining HO CDI and MRSA bloodstream infections (BSI).ResultsDuring the study period, there were no HO CRE, 1 HO CDI, and 2 HO MRSA BSI in cohort units. There was no evidence to suggest that the HO CDI or HO MRSA BSI were associated with use of a WZM. During this time period, there were 14 cases of community onset (CO) CDI, 2 cases of CO MRSA BSI, and one CO CRE.ConclusionDuring use of a WZM in COVID cohort units, IP did not identify significant increase in HO CDI, CRE, or MRSA BSI compared to non-cohort units. We were limited in our ability to measure acquisition of pathogens because active surveillance screening for colonization was not performed. However, we were able to safely employ a WZM to streamline patient care in COVID cohort areas without evidence of causing nosocomial infections via patient-to-patient transmission.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Being Prepared During the Evolving COVID-19 Pandemic: A Neonatal Experience in Training and Simulation.

Background: Rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic raised an urgent need for preparedness in the healthcare sector, including training of healthcare workers to cope with the burden of infected cases while ensuring proper protection of themselves. Improper infection prevention and control measures were key reasons for infection in healthcare workers during the early phase of the outbreak.Objectives/Methods: This paper describes the combined approach of 3 restructured hospitals in Singapore in preparing and training neonatal healthcare workers' during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, as well as lessons learnt during this process.Results: Information sharing was conducted in the form of e-learning, emphasizing on topics like disease knowledge and infection prevention and control procedures. Skills and competency training were carried out in the form of simulation, with sessions scaled into 4 levels progressing from individual task training to larger group simulations involving multiple disciplines and departments. Challenges encountered included information fatigue by large amount of constantly changing information and multiple amendments to workflows as more information arose. Difficulties conducting training and simulation sessions included restriction of group size to mitigate infection risk amongst participants and the limited supply of personal protective equipment prioritized for direct patient care.Conclusion: Healthcare institutions should ensure adequate dissemination of conceptual knowledge as well as skills competency training of staff in infection control measures for the protection of healthcare workers and patient safety. Ongoing training for sustainability of knowledge and skills, while adapting to the rapidly evolving situation is important in the preparation for future outbreaks.

OL83 - Custom-made education in radiation protection for health care workers

OL83 - Custom-made education in radiation protection for health care workers