Infection Prevention Training Research Articles

Research Progress in the Prevention and Control of Hospital-acquired Infections in Neonatal Units

Neonatal hospital-acquired infections are an important problem affecting the health and life safety of newborns. This paper reviews the research progress on the prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections in neonatology, discusses the risk factors of hospital-acquired infections in neonatology, summarizes the effective preventive and control measures such as strengthening the training and education on hospital-acquired infections, reducing invasive diagnostic and therapeutic operations, implementing disinfecting and isolating measures, rationally using antibiotics, and improving immunity for newborns, etc., and introduces common monitoring and detection techniques such as bacterial culture and drug susceptibility testing, molecular biology testing techniques, and biomarker detection and application. marker detection and application, and other commonly used surveillance and detection techniques. Future research should focus on strengthening the monitoring and study of pathogen resistance, optimizing the diagnosis and treatment process, strengthening the infection prevention and control training for healthcare workers, improving the infection prevention and control system in neonatal hospitals, and carrying out multidisciplinary collaborative research, so as to effectively reduce the incidence of infections and safeguard the health and safety of neonates.

Surgical Site Infection Prevention Training of Community Health workers in Rwanda.

Surgical Site Infection Prevention Training of Community Health workers in Rwanda.

Evaluation of Infection Preventionists' Competencies Using the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Competency Model in Tertiary Care Government Hospitals, Bahrain.

Introduction Infection preventionists (IPs) are healthcare workers (HCWs) who received specialized training in infection prevention and control (IPC) to be able to deliver specific tasks to prevent and control infection transmission to patients, HCWs, and visitors in all healthcare settings. Most IPs started their professional life as nurses, physicians, microbiology, public health, or allied health specialties before moving to the IPC field, not necessarily with specialized training or diploma, which may need more focus on unified competency tool to evaluate their skills and strengths and improve IPC program outcome. Aim This study aimed to examine IPs' self-rated competency level using the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology(APIC) core competencies and to determine what factors influence the level of competency among IPs in Government Hospitals (GHs) in Manama, Bahrain. Subject and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among non-certified IPs in Bahrain's GHs. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the targeted IPs using the Microsoft 365 form (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA). The questionnaire includes socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, years of experience, etc.), the APIC competency tool to assess IP competency, and the perceived effectiveness of the IPC program. Results Of the 17 IPs, 88.2% were females, and 47.1% were between 31 and 35 years old. Among the eight APIC core competencies, management and communication had the highest mean percentage score (84.2%), followed by preventing/controlling the transmission of infectious diseases (84.1%) and the identification of infectious disease processes (81.5%). The total mean competency score was 142.8 (SD: 20.3), with 70.6% classified as having a good level of competency. Increasing years of IP experience was the only factor associated with increased competency scores. Conclusion The level of IPC competency among "novice" or "becoming" proficient IPs was sufficient. Using the APIC competency tool, IPs showed competence in managing and communicating, preventing or controlling transmission of infectious agents, identifying infectious disease processes, and surveillance and epidemiologic investigations. Further research is needed to give more insights into the level of IPC competency of IPs in our region.

Training in infection prevention and control: survey on the volume and on the learning demands of healthcare-associated infections control figures in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Northern Italy).

In the context of Infections Prevention and Control activities, the training of healthcare-associated infection control figures is crucial; the COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the necessity of ensuring a widespread and stable level of skills over time for such professionals. The present work aims to identify the number and training needs of the personnel working in the Emilia-Romagna Region's healthcare facilities as "healthcare-associated infection control figures". Data were collected through a survey created by experts from the Regional Group "Training in the prevention and control of antibiotic resistance". The questionnaire explored the number, professional and educational background, and training requirements of Healthcare-associated infections control figures in Emilia-Romagna. With 73 figures dedicated to Healthcare-associated infections control, the Emilia-Romagna Region appears to be in line with the European standard ratio (1 professional every 125 beds). Professionals with a nursing background, over 50 years old and of female sex prevail in the group, while the training needs expressed include both theoretical and practical aspects. Healthcare assistants and nursing staff represent a fundamental resource for the implementation of infection prevention and control programs in our healthcare facilities; continuous, multidisciplinary and targeted training of these professionals is confirmed as necessary.

SHEA position statement on pandemic preparedness for policymakers: building a strong and resilient healthcare workforce.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many areas in the United States experienced healthcare personnel (HCP) shortages tied to a variety of factors. Infection prevention programs, in particular, faced increasing workload demands with little opportunity to delegate tasks to others without specific infectious diseases or infection control expertise. Shortages of clinicians providing inpatient care to critically ill patients during the early phase of the pandemic were multifactorial, largely attributed to increasing demands on hospitals to provide care to patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and furloughs.1 HCP shortages and challenges during later surges, including the Omicron variant-associated surges, were largely attributed to HCP infections and associated work restrictions during isolation periods and the need to care for family members, particularly children, with COVID-19. Additionally, the detrimental physical and mental health impact of COVID-19 on HCP has led to attrition, which further exacerbates shortages.2 Demands increased in post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) settings, which already faced critical staffing challenges difficulty with recruitment, and high rates of turnover. Although individual healthcare organizations and state and federal governments have taken actions to mitigate recurring shortages, additional work and innovation are needed to develop longer-term solutions to improve healthcare workforce resiliency. The critical role of those with specialized training in infection prevention, including healthcare epidemiologists, was well-demonstrated in pandemic preparedness and response. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need to support growth in these fields.3 This commentary outlines the need to develop the US healthcare workforce in preparation for future pandemics.

ETC 53 - Strengthening Healthcare Outcomes through a Rigorous and Sustainable Infection Prevention Training Program in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi

ETC 53 - Strengthening Healthcare Outcomes through a Rigorous and Sustainable Infection Prevention Training Program in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi

Enhancing innovative training and education in infection prevention and control: a call to action for World Hand Hygiene Day 2024

Enhancing innovative training and education in infection prevention and control: a call to action for World Hand Hygiene Day 2024

Adherence to Infection Prevention Practice Standard Protocol and Associated Factors Among Healthcare Workers.

Healthcare-associated infection affects more than 100 million patients annually. Healthcare workers' poor adherence to standard infection prevention and control procedures can result in many negative consequences, ranging from disability to death. A facility-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2021 among 379 healthcare workers selected using a stratified random sampling technique. All types of healthcare providers except pharmacy professionals were included in the study. Standardization and validation of the study tool were performed ahead of data collection. Multivariable regression was used to assess the variables associated with adherence. The study found that 60.2% of healthcare workers (95% CI, 55.1-65.2) had good adherence to infection prevention practices, and 68.7% and good knowledge of infection prevention practices. Training on infection prevention methods (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.04-2.72), availability of water supply at hand washing station (AOR = 2.90; 95% CI, 1.62-5.31), and attitude toward infection prevention (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI, 1.65-4.24) were identified as predictors of adherence to infection prevention and control procedures. More than half of the participants had good adherence to infection prevention guideline practices. In-service infection prevention training, a consistent water supply at the hand washing station, and a positive attitude of participants were associated with good adherence to infection prevention practices.

Completion of three-dose hepatitis B vaccination cycle and associated factors among health care workers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine coupled with the awareness of the potential risk of Healthcare Workers acquiring Hepatitis B Virus infection, some HCWs never get vaccinated. Generally, hepatitis B vaccination coverage globally is below the expected level as adherence has remained poor in various healthcare settings, especially in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the completion of a three-dose Hepatitis B virus vaccination cycle and associated factors among healthcare workers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted and included 363 healthcare workers selected using probability sampling procedures. The participants were recruited from five facilities within the Greater Accra Region in the first half of 2018. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using SPSS version 21. The proportion of healthcare workers receiving the recommended 3 doses of the hepatitis vaccine was computed. The multivariable analysis procedure identified the factors associated with adherence to the receipt of three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. Odds ratios were estimated with corresponding confidence intervals with the level of significance set at 0.05. A total of 340 sample units were included in the analysis. Most of the participants (252/340, 74.1%) were females, mainly nurses/midwives (162/340, 47.6%) with a mean age of 34.5 (SD ±7.7). A high proportion of the participants (82.7%) have tertiary/post-tertiary level education and ever participated in at least one training workshop on the prevention of blood-borne infections (80.6%). Overall vaccination uptake was 60.9% (207/340) (95% CI = 55.7%-66.1%). Complete vaccination coverage (three doses) was 46.8% (159/340). High-risk perception (AOR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.3-12.5), and previous training in infection prevention (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.1-7.5) were significantly associated with adherence to receipt of three doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Adherence to three-dose hepatitis B vaccination cycles is not universal among the healthcare workers in the Greater Accra Region. Receipt of the three-dose regimen is significantly associated with high-risk perception and attendance of training in infectious disease prevention. Interventions to increase risk perception and training in the prevention of blood-borne infections could improve adherence to complete/full vaccination protocol among healthcare workers who are at constant risk of exposure to the hepatitis B virus.

Suicidal ideation, perception of personal safety, and career regret among emergency medicine residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic was disruptive for trainees and may have affected career decisions for some learners. This study examined the impact of the pandemic on emergency medicine (EM) resident perceptions of their mental health, perceptions of personal safety, and career choice regret. This was a cross-sectional survey study administered following the 2021 American Board of Emergency Medicine In-Training Examination (ITE). Survey measures included suicidal ideation (SI), COVID concerns in terms of infection prevention and control (IPC) training, COVID risk to self and/or COVID risk to family, and COVID-related career regret. COVID concerns were compared by gender and race/ethnicity using Pearson's chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to test the association between SI and COVID concerns, resident characteristics, and program characteristics. A total of 6980 out of 8491 EM residents (82.2%) from 244 programs completed the survey. Only 1.1% of participants reported insufficient training in COVID IPC practices. Participants were concerned about COVID risk to themselves (40.3%) and to their families (63.3%) due to their job roles. These concerns were more common among women or nonbinary (vs. men); all other races/ethnicities (vs. non-Hispanic Whites); senior residents (vs. PGY-1, PGY-2 residents); and residents who were married or in relationships (vs. single or divorced). A total of 6.1% of participants reported that COVID made them reconsider choosing EM as their career. Career regret in this cohort was higher than that in the proportion (3.2%) expressing career regret in the 2020 ITE (p < 0.001). Career regret was more common among women or nonbinary (vs. men); all other races/ethnicities (vs. non-Hispanic Whites); and senior residents (vs. PGY-1, PGY-2 residents). The overall SI rate was 2.6%, which did not differ from that of the 2020 sample of EM residents (2.5%, p = 0.88). Many EM residents reported concerns about COVID risks to themselves and their families. Although the rate of SI remained unchanged, more EM residents reported career regret during the COVID pandemic.

Advancing outbreak simulation training: a collaborative pilot study for dual-specialty medical trainees and infection prevention and control professionals

In response to identified gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) training within Scotland, a Short Life Working Group initiated an innovative outbreak simulation training programme. To enhance the knowledge and confidence of medical microbiology and infectious diseases trainees and IPC professionals in managing healthcare-associated infection (HAI) outbreaks, employing the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual guidelines. Participants completed prerequisite online training in epidemiology and surveillance before engaging in a meticulously crafted vancomycin-resistant enterococci outbreak simulation, which mirrored a real-life incident and adhered to the standards set by the Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare. The programme incorporated Kolb's experiential learning cycle, fostering an authentic and engaging learning environment. A total of 41 individuals participated in the synchronous online training phase, with eight individuals involved in the pilot outbreak simulation. Evaluation of the training's efficacy followed Kirkpatrick's model, combining quantitative (five-point Likert scales) and qualitative (open-ended questions and participant reflections) data collection methods. Results demonstrated significant improvements in participants' knowledge, skills, and confidence in outbreak management. Feedback highlighted the realism and educational value of the simulation, with 100% agreement on its efficacy in enhancing outbreak management capabilities. The success of this pilot study underscores the potential of simulation training in IPC and paves the way for broader implementation. It emphasizes the effectiveness of structured, experiential learning in equipping healthcare professionals with practical skills and confidence for managing complex HAI outbreaks, contributing to a more competent and prepared workforce.

Preparedness for infection prevention and control practice among undergraduate health sciences students: A systematic review protocol

Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the strengthening of education and training in infection prevention and control (IPC) in higher educational institutions (HEIs). This is fundamental to ensure health science students are confident and competent in clinical practice. Aim Explore the preparedness of undergraduate health science students for IPC practice. Search strategy The PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalKey, and Google Scholar databases and grey literature will be searched for relevant articles. Inclusion criteria Quantitative, and mixed methods studies on teaching and learning, technological methods, strengths and limitations, and challenges of IPC practice in HEI undergraduate curricula. Participant characteristics Undergraduate health science students including medical, nursing, pharmacy, dental, physiotherapy, radiology, medical imaging, and paramedicine. Setting and time frame Studies published anywhere in the world, in English, and from 2010 to 2023. Search terms Preparedness, health science students, infection prevention and control, technology, higher education institutions. Data extraction The data extracted will be recorded on a data extraction form. Assessment of risk of bias This will be conducted according to the criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Ethics and dissemination No ethical approval was required for this protocol. Interim findings will be presented at relevant local and international conferences and a manuscript will be published in a peer reviewed journal. Discussion This systematic review will provide a baseline for recommendations for developing innovative ways to improve IPC teaching and learning in HEI.

Identifying a competency improvement strategy for infection prevention and control professionals: A rapid systematic review and cluster analysis

AbstractRemarkable progress has been made in infection prevention and control (IPC) in many countries, but some gaps emerged in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Core capabilities such as standard clinical precautions and tracing the source of infection were the focus of IPC in medical institutions during the pandemic. Therefore, the core competences of IPC professionals during the pandemic, and how these contributed to successful prevention and control of the epidemic, should be studied. To investigate, using a systematic review and cluster analysis, fundamental improvements in the competences of infection control and prevention professionals that may be emphasized in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Data, and CBM databases for original articles exploring core competencies of IPC professionals during the COVID‐19 pandemic (from January 1, 2020 to February 7, 2023). Weiciyun software was used for data extraction and the Donohue formula was followed to distinguish high‐frequency technical terms. Cluster analysis was performed using the within‐group linkage method and squared Euclidean distance as the metric to determine the priority competencies for development. We identified 46 studies with 29 high‐frequency technical terms. The most common term was “infection prevention and control training” (184 times, 17.3%), followed by “hand hygiene” (172 times, 16.2%). “Infection prevention and control in clinical practice” was the most‐reported core competency (367 times, 34.5%), followed by “microbiology and surveillance” (292 times, 27.5%). Cluster analysis showed two key areas of competence: Category 1 (program management and leadership, patient safety and occupational health, education and microbiology and surveillance) and Category 2 (IPC in clinical practice). During the COVID‐19 pandemic, IPC program management and leadership, microbiology and surveillance, education, patient safety, and occupational health were the most important focus of development and should be given due consideration by IPC professionals.

National survey of infectious disease fellowship program directors: A call for subspecialized training in infection prevention and control and healthcare epidemiology.

The importance of infection prevention and control and healthcare epidemiology (IPC/HE) in healthcare facilities was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infectious disease (ID) clinicians often hold leadership positions in IPC/HE teams; however, there is no standard for training or certification of ID physicians specializing in IPC/HE. We evaluated the current state of IPC/HE training in ID fellowship programs. A national survey of ID fellowship program directors was conducted to assess current IPC/HE training components in programs and plans for expanded offerings. All ID fellowship program directors in the United States and Puerto Rico. Surveys were distributed using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) to program directors in March 2023, with 2 reminder emails; the survey closed after 4 weeks. Of 166 program directors, 54 (32.5%) responded to the survey. Among respondent programs, 49 (90.7%) of 54 programs reported didactic training in IPC/HE averaging 4.4 hours over the course of the fellowship. Also, 18 (33.3%) of 54 reported a dedicated IPC/HE training track. Furthermore, 23 programs (42.6%) reported barriers to expanding training. There was support (n = 47, 87.0%) for formal IPC/HE certification from a professional society within the standard fellowship. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the need for ID medical doctors with IPC/HE expertise, formal training in ID fellowship remains limited. Most program directors support formalization of IPC/HE training by a professional organization. Creation of standardized advanced curriculums for ID fellowship training in IPC/HE could be considered by the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) to grow, retain, and enhance the IPC/HE physician workforce.

Is Infection Prevention and Control Training Can Increase Knowledge and Compliance of Nurses?

One of the indicators of service quality at the hospital is Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) that can be prevented by hand hygiene, which is a procedure for cleaning hands with soap water, or alcohol-based liquids. This study aimed to identify the effect of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training on the level of knowledge and compliance of five moments for hand hygiene in nurses at the Dharma Yadnya Hospital in Denpasar. This study used a pre-experimental one-group pre-post test without a control group design. The number of samples was 42 nurses with purposive sampling techniques that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results showed that before training 26 nurses (61.9%) had a good level of knowledge, and after training, 41 nurses (97.6%) had good knowledge. With regard to compliance with five moments for hand hygiene, before training 22 nurses (52.4%) were not compliant, and after training 29 nurses (69%) imperfectly adhered to the procedure. Mandatory training in IPC influences the level of knowledge and adherence to the five moments for hand hygiene among nurses. Suggestions for hospitals to provide continuity of education related to IPC, monitor nurses' compliance behaviors of the five moments for hand hygiene, either by direct observation or electronically, and provide rewards and punishments for behavioral evaluations.

COVID-19 Community Response Team for Toronto Homeless Services and Congregate Living Settings: an evaluation of Hospital-Community partnership through COVID-19 vaccine provision

Individuals experiencing homelessness face unique physical and mental health challenges, increased morbidity and premature mortality. In Canada, it is estimated that 235,000 individuals experience homelessness annually, and 180,000 use emergency shelters each night. (1) COVID -19 creates a significant heightened risk for those living in congregate sheltering spaces. Individuals with a recent history of homelessness and diagnosed with COVID-19, are at significantly higher risk of hospitalization and death than those housed in Ontario communities (2). &#x0D; Women’s College Hospital (WCH) is an ambulatory hospital situated in downtown Toronto. In March 2020, WCH set up one of Toronto’s 14 COVID-19 assessment centres to facilitate free testing for SARS-CoV-2. Formed by a group of health care providers at WCH, the goal of the COVID-19 Community Response Team (CRT) was to support Toronto shelters and congregate living sites to manage and prevent outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 using a collaborative model through onsite mobile testing; supporting the management and prevention of outbreaks; and providing infection prevention and control training and guidance. (3) In total, CRT leveraged this model of care with 49 shelter and congregate living sites from April 2020 to April 2021. From this, the WCH COVID-19 vaccine program emerged, where 14 shelters were regionally identified to co-design and support the administration of vaccine clinics within each sheltering site. This research seeks to evaluate the impact and importance of this partnership model and its future potential in community-centered integrated care. In this study, three areas of inquiry are addressed: (1) Vaccine program evaluation and lessons learned (e.g., What were barriers, facilitators, and lessons throughout the process? How were shelter staff and clients impacted?); (2) Perceptions on hospital/community partnership (e.g., What were overall perceptions of this partnership and strategy?); (3) Opportunities forward (e.g., How can this partnership between hospitals and shelters be sustained in the future to fulfill needs beyond COVID-19). &#x0D; Constructivist grounded theory (CGT) is used in this project to explore perceptions and experiences of this partnership. (4) CGT data analysis revealed five main categories, 16 subcategories, and one core category. The core category is “access to healthcare is a human right; understand our communities”. The main categories are COVID-19 response capacity, outbreak identification and management, barriers to the vaccine program, community-centred immediate shelter needs, and avenues for intersectoral relationship strengthening. In conclusion, three key takeaways emerged for health(care) policy and practice:&#x0D; 1.‘Health as a human right’ framework is an organizing principle in shelters but not necessarily in hospitals. How can hospitals adopt and integrate this framework at the policy level to operationalize an equity-based approach to care? &#x0D; 2.For hospitals, there are gaps in knowledge about community and shelter realities. Ongoing formal partnering between hospitals and communities is one way to bridge this gap. &#x0D; 3.Empowering shelter staff is crucial to the success of hospital-partnered programs and clinical interventions. &#x0D; Finally, this project calls attention to the urgent context-specific exploration needed to advance official hospital-community partnerships, where there is an everlasting commitment and accountability. &#x0D;

1998. The State of Training in Infection Prevention and Control and Healthcare Epidemiology: A National Survey of Infectious Disease Fellowship Program Directors

Abstract Background Infectious disease (ID) clinicians are often identified to lead infection prevention and control (IPC)/healthcare epidemiology (HE) programs, however, there is no standardized training in fellowship for this role. The most recent survey of ID fellows in 2001 found that only 51% of graduates reported adequate training in IPC/HE. Despite this, half of respondents had IPC/HE responsibilities and received compensation from those activities. We conducted a survey of Program Directors (PD) of United States ID fellowship programs to assess current IPC/HE training. Methods An electronic survey was distributed in March and April 2023 to all ID fellowship PD identified by the Infectious Disease Society of America using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Survey questions covered training program characteristics, current required and optional IPC/HE training components, barriers to IPC/HE training, interest among fellows in IPC/HE training, and support for formalization of IPC/HE training. Results Of 166 programs, 54 (32.5%) completed the survey, representing programs in 25 states (Figure 1) and size range from 1-10 fellowship positions (mean 4). The majority (49/54, 90.7%) offered didactics in IPC/HE (mean 4.4 hours, range 1-10), of which 45/49 (94%) and 4/49 (6%) were required and elective, respectively. 52/54 (96.3%) of programs reported a formalized curriculum in IPC/HE training for all fellows and 18/54 (33.3%) of the responding programs offered a specialized track in IPC/HE. Reported training components varied (Table 1). A minority of PDs 11/55 (20%) reported considering expanding their IPC/HE training, however, 23/54 (42.6%) reported barriers (Table 2). There was widespread PD support for a formal IPC/HE certification program through a professional society (52/54, 96.3%).Figure 1:Geographic distribution of survey respondents divided by FEMA regions (1-10) of the United States and Territories (N= 54). Conclusion ID fellowship programs with dedicated IPC/HE training remain limited and the majority of training in IPC/HE is restricted to a small number of hours of didactics. Among respondents, many barriers to increasing IPC/HE training were identified. Respondents supported creation of a formal IPC/HE training program through a professional society. Disclosures Molly L. Paras, MD, Angiodynamics: Honoraria|Angiodynamics: Honoraria

750. Launching the South Carolina Regional Infection Prevention Training (SCRIPT) Center: A Pilot in Interprofessional Education

Abstract Background Structured education of healthcare professionals around infection prevention practices and protocols is currently lacking. We launched a pilot program of an infection prevention interprofessional education (IPE) elective for students in their clinical years of medical, pharmacy, nursing, and physician assistant school. Methods Both quantitative and qualitative assessments prior to initiation and at completion of the 2-week multidisciplinary interactive and practical IPE elective were performed. We assessed students’ confidence with specific infection prevention skills knowledge, and attitudes towards IPE, and obtained qualitative feedback. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare assessment results before and after IPE elective. Results Twelve students completed the IPE elective. There was a significant increase in Lickert scale rankings of students’ comfort level with various infection prevention concepts and skills after IPE (p&amp;lt; 0.001). Similarly, a significant improvement in students’ assessment of their IPE attitudes was noted after completion of the IPE elective (p=0.001). Feedback comments included: “I really enjoyed learning the ‘why’ behind everything [because] it's made me comfortable passing the information to others and speaking up if needed--even still as a student”; “learned information I will use every day”; “people from different backgrounds”; “knowledgeable facilitators, excited to teach &amp; facilitate learning.” Conclusion Infection prevention education was impactful via the incorporation of an IPE elective into clinical rotations, and use of knowledgeable and adept teachers from multiple disciplines. Leaders emphasized the “why” behind protocols, and allowed students to practice the hands-on skills of infection prevention. Disclosures Julie Ann Justo, PharmD, MS, FIDSA, BCPS, Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi: Advisor/Consultant|Vaxart: Stocks/Bonds

Five core areas to focus infection prevention and transmission risk breaches training based on quarantine staff orientation sessions: A qualitative study

Background &amp; Aim: Breach awareness in relation to types, mitigation, and reporting should be a routine part of infection prevention training. Understanding breaches can reduce risk of disease transmission to staff and communities when contextualized to the infectious disease, environment, and situation. At a large-scale Australian COVID-19 quarantine facility, this study examined the core personal protective equipment and infection prevention breaches new quarantine workers identified during their site orientation to inform future breach training.&#x0D; Methods &amp; Materials: Through the application of a qualitative approach, the project implemented a descriptive thematic analysis to identify the different types of breaches staff presented. An additional summative content analysis method was applied to determine if the breaches staff identified were breaching and if the risk level staff allocated to the breach was mapped to the risk of disease transmission. Data were collected from 30 orientation sessions and included 603 breach risk responses for analysis.&#x0D; Results: There were five core breach areas identified: donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, failure of personal protective equipment or lack of equipment, environmental factors, staff behaviors, and resident behaviors. The breach allocations by staff demonstrated knowledge deficits across health and non-health staff in disease transmission, particularly in the actual level of the risk for transmission.&#x0D; Conclusion: Breaches awareness in relation to types, mitigation and reporting should be a routine part of infection prevention training. The five areas of breaches present an adaptable foundation to base infection prevention breach training for any health facility. When contextualised to the communicable disease, environment and situation, understanding breaches can reduce the risk of disease transmission to staff and communities.

Construction of a standardized training system for hospital infection prevention and control for new medical staff in internal medicine ICUs based on the Delphi method

In China, studies have shown nosocomial infections contribute to increased mortality rates, prolonged hospital stays, and added financial burdens for patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that effective infection control training can enhance the quality of infection control practices, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. However, there is currently no universally accepted training mode or program that adequately addresses the specific needs of ICU medical staff regarding nosocomial infection control. The objective of this study was to develop a standardized training system for preventing and controlling hospital-acquired infections among new medical staff in the internal medicine ICU. Our methodology encompassed an extensive literature review, technical interviews focusing on key events, semi-structured in-depth interviews, and two rounds of Delphi expert correspondence. We employed intentional sampling to select 16 experts for the Delphi expert consultation. Indicators were chosen based on an average importance score of &gt;3.5 and a coefficient of variation of &lt;0.25. The weight of each indicator was determined using the analytic hierarchy process. The efficacy of the two rounds of questionnaires was also evaluated. Our findings revealed that the questionnaires achieved a 100% effective recovery rate, with expert authority coefficients of 0.96 and 0.90. The Kendall coordination coefficients for the first-, second-, and third-level indicators in the initial round of expert consultation questionnaires were 0.440, 0.204, and 0.386 (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. In the second round of expert consultation questionnaires, the Kendall coordination coefficients for the first, second, and third-level indicators were 0.562, 0.467, and 0.556 (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. The final training model consisted of four first-level indicators (hospital infection prevention and control training content, training methods/forms, assessment content, and evaluation indicators), 26 second-level indicators, and 44 third-level indicators. In conclusion, the proposed standardized training system for infection prevention and control among new medical staff in the internal medicine ICU is both scientifically sound and practical, which can contribute to improved patient safety, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced overall quality of care in internal medicine ICUs. Moreover, it can serve as a framework for future training projects.