International Journal of Infection Control最新文献

{"title":"Australia’s states and territories Infection Prevention and Control programs – a comparison study","authors":"Kathy Dempsey, Susan Jain, Patricia Bradd, Kate Clezy, David Greenfield","doi":"10.3396/ijic.v20.23444","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v20.23444","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) remains a critical component of delivering quality and safe care. However, clinician understanding of and engagement with IPC remain inconsistent (1–3). In addition, IPC governance, structure and organisation impact on clinician engagement are not well described. Available publications are limited to healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance and do not reflect the broader IPC program (4–6). As Australia establishes a national coordinating body similar to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a comparison of jurisdictional IPC provides essential contemporary information to inform the national body.\u0000Method: This study examined the characteristics of jurisdictional (states and territories) IPC programs in Australia and was conducted in two phases. Phase one examined outward facing websites likely to be accessed by clinicians, and phase two surveyed jurisdictional programs using a qualitative questionnaire.\u0000Results: Whilst each jurisdiction had accessible website content, this varied considerably in terms of governance, structure, content, ease of navigation, accessibility and visibility. There was a lack of national focus within jurisdictional programs and websites. Four of eight jurisdictions did not have a formal statewide IPC program at the time of the survey. Variance was reported in governance, structures, focus and program elements.\u0000Conclusion: Inconsistent IPC governance and structure demonstrates poorly aligned Australian IPC programs that may contribute to poor clinician understanding and engagement with IPC. Implementing a coordinated and consistent approach to governance, website design and layout would facilitate a consolidated approach to IPC nationally, which may facilitate clinician understanding and engagement. Shaping IPC nationally would also provide solid IPC foundations to support an Australian CDC.","PeriodicalId":13991,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection Control","volume":"52 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141113186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge and practices of healthcare workers in prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections in the Maternity Department at Bindura Provincial Hospital, Zimbabwe","authors":"Tirivanhu Chpfuwa, Estele Mwanza, Elizabeth Tirivavi, Chipo Chigonde","doi":"10.3396/ijic.v19.23729","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v19.23729","url":null,"abstract":"Infections acquired in hospitals are the most frequent negative consequences of the healthcare delivery system, which affects both developed and developing nations. Among hospitalized patients and healthcare professionals, they are among the top causes of mortality and morbidity. Therefore, healthcare professionals are crucial in preventing and controlling hospital-acquired illnesses and safeguarding patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in the Maternity Department at Bindura Provincial Hospital. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 46 participants using a self-administered questionnaire. Of which, 54.3% had 2 to 5 years of experience. With regard to the knowledge of HAIs, 59% of HCWs did not know what HAIs were, 57% did not know that cleaners and mothers should be engaged in infection prevention and control (IPC) activities, whereas 85% did not know that ventilator-associated infections and COVID-19 (57%) are HAIs. Segregation of waste was shown to be poorly practiced with 56% of HCWs, 65% were unaware of the hospital’s IPC policy, and 7% had never utilize the manuals of standard operating procedures when performing their jobs. This study recommended that every HCW should receive instruction on IPC methods from the facilities’ IPC coordinators, who should also regularly supervise the staff to monitor compliance with IPC. Mothers should receive more education on the prevention of infections when first admitted to the ward.","PeriodicalId":13991,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection Control","volume":" 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138995018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-reported adherence of healthcare workers to infection prevention and control practices during the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt","authors":"E. El-Ghitany, Ehab Elrewany, Eman A. Omran, A. Farghaly, Nashwa Fawzy Abd El-Moez Azzam","doi":"10.3396/ijic.v19.22791","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v19.22791","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Considering the absence of effective treatment, the World Health Organization had recommended stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) measures against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to reduce its transmission. The non-adherence of healthcare workers (HCWs) to these measures had been reported as a major cause of infection. Aim: To assess the level of self-reported adherence of HCWs to IPC measures during their social life and work time. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 559 HCWs (411 females and 148 males) working at 39 hospitals across different Egyptian governorates. A predesigned structured questionnaire about COVID-19 IPC measures was completed by trained interviewers. Results: Washing hands before eating (98.2%), using soap for hand wash (97.9%), washing hands after returning home (96.6%), and wearing a face mask when going outside in public places (83.7%) were the commonest daily-life practices among the 559 studied HCWs, while the least common was social distancing (46.0%). Less than half of the studied HCWs were adherent to the proper duration of handwashing (P < 0.01). Only 5.9% of the studied HCWs usually wore full personal protective equipment (PPE) at work (P = 0.051). The highest percentages of HCWs working at outpatient clinics and laboratories (98.1% each) ‘sometimes’ used PPE (P = 0.017). There was a significant difference in self-reported adherence to wearing face masks at hospitals according to specialties (P < 0.01). HCWs working at intensive care units (ICUs) recorded the highest attendance rates at IPC training (53.8%, P = 0.012). A relatively higher percentage of HCWs at COVID-19 isolation hospitals wore PPE (15.7%) versus 2.2–4.7% in other hospitals (P = 0.015). Conclusion: The majority of HCWs sometimes complied with wearing PPE (93.6%). HCWs were more adherent to wearing masks at hospitals (94.6%) compared to community settings (42.9%). Older age and female gender were significantly associated with self-reported adherence to some IPC measures. Hand hygiene training session emphasizing the proper duration of hand wash is mandatory.","PeriodicalId":13991,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection Control","volume":"44 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81305697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of a low-cost bundle of interventions on infection prevention and control during labour and delivery in rural health centres in Zambia: results from a quasi-experimental study","authors":"Jason H Park, L. Mwananyanda, M. Bwalya, S. Coffin, W. MacLeod, D. Hamer","doi":"10.3396/ijic.v19.23183","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v19.23183","url":null,"abstract":"Infection remains an important cause of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality globally despite evidence that it can be reduced with adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. The implementation of IPC has been especially challenging in rural health centres. This pilot study used a non-randomised quasi-experimental design to examine the impact of a low-cost intervention bundle at five rural health facilities in Southern Province of Zambia. We used the Infection Control Assessment Tool (ICAT) and surveyed the incharge nurse, observed deliveries and reviewed logbooks to collect pre- and post-intervention data on healthcare worker IPC practices and maternal and newborn outcomes. The intervention bundle included education sessions, provision of alcohol hand rubs (AHRs), short message service (SMS) text messages and poster reminders, and monthly study visits. The overall ICAT score did not significantly increase after the intervention (64.0 vs. 71.8, maximum score 133, P = 0.28). There was a significant increase in the labour and delivery practices module score (12.5 vs. 16.6, maximum score 27, P = 0.04) and a trend towards improvement in the hand hygiene module (9.1 vs. 13.6, maximum score 23, P = 0.08). There were no differences in pre- or post-intervention outcomes amongst the 654 mothers who delivered and the 655 newborns during the study period. In conclusion, a low-cost bundle of interventions did neither overall improve healthcare workers’ IPC practices in rural Zambia nor significantly change the rates of newborn and maternal complications. Identified challenges included inconsistent supplies of AHRs, protective and sterile equipment, as well as heavy workload for healthcare workers, which inhibited preventative behaviours.","PeriodicalId":13991,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection Control","volume":"64 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76023988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nudges as a suitable and effective intervention to improve hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers in patient care settings: a narrative review","authors":"M. T. Wahab","doi":"10.3396/ijic.v19.22762","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v19.22762","url":null,"abstract":"Hand hygiene among healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical to preventing harm to patients in the process of healthcare delivery by minimising healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) in patient care settings. However, low compliance rates of hand hygiene plague healthcare, making it a global priority. Nudges are potentially a suitable and effective intervention to improve compliance among HCWs. In this review, nudges are defined as a method of intervention that attempts to influence people’s judgement, choice or behaviour in a predictable way, without forbidding any options or significantly changing economic incentives. This review aims to determine whether nudges are a suitable and effective intervention for improving hand hygiene compliance among HCWs in patient care settings. This review finds nudges suitable for inculcating professional handwashing habits as they are a form of ritualistic and automatic behaviour driven by unconscious processes, which can be influenced by social influences and environmental cues. A literature search conducted up until January 2022 identified 19 primary studies – 10 of which belonged to a systematic review – investigating the isolated effect of nudge interventions on improving HCW hand hygiene compliance in patient care settings. There is some indication that performance feedback may be effective, but significant heterogeneity of interventions and study designs make it difficult to conclude any further. Future research should employ study designs with minimal bias, use automated hand hygiene auditing systems and should address structural and resource-related constraints before evaluating nudge interventions.","PeriodicalId":13991,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection Control","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76829730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Double manual versus automated cleaning of loaner depth gauges used in clinical practice","authors":"Isabela Marra de Queiroz Boff, Dayane de Melo Costa, Débora Moura Miranda Goulart, Luiz Antônio Pereira, Michelle Augusta dos Santos, Lara Stefânia Netto de Oliveira Leão Vasconcelos, Anaclara Ferreira Veiga Tipple","doi":"10.3396/ijic.v19.22536","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v19.22536","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Automated cleaning is recommended for reprocessing complex design surgical instruments, as it is reproducible and cleaning parameters can be controlled. However, automated equipment may not be a reality for many hospitals, particularly in lower-middle income countries. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of double manual cleaning and automated cleaning of depth gauges in use in clinical practice and supplied in a loaner system. Design: Twenty four depth gauges available for use in a loaner system were evaluated before double manual cleaning (Group 1) or immediately after double manual cleaning (Group 2), or automated thermal disinfector cleaning (Group 3) or automated ultrasonic cleaning (Group 4). Thereafter, the depth gauges in each group were analysed by visual inspection (n = 24), bacterial culture (n = 12), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) test (n = 12). Results: Stains, grooves, oxidation or visible debris were detected on at least one of the depth gauges from each group, and most were positive for bacterial growth (n = 11/12). Cleaning methods significantly reduced the amount of ATP (P < 0.05), except for automated ultrasonic cleaning. Conclusions: Double manual cleaning of depth gauges was similar to automated cleaning in a thermal disinfector, suggesting the possibility for implementing double manual cleaning as an alternative in sterilising service units where automated cleaning equipment is not avaliable.","PeriodicalId":13991,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection Control","volume":"31 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135318730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Problem-solving training: effects on nursing students’ adherence, confidence, and application of problem solving to deal with the barriers to adherence to routine infection control practices","authors":"Abubaker M. Hamed, D. Moralejo, April Pike, V. Curran","doi":"10.3396/ijic.v19.23123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v19.23123","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Adherence to routine practices (RP) in infection control can be influenced by a number of barriers, which can potentially be dealt with using problem solving (PS) as a new approach. Aim: This study examined the effects of a problem-solving educational program (PSEDP) on nursing students’ adherence, confidence, and application of PS to address the three identified common barriers to RP adherence. Method: A controlled before and after study was conducted at two nursing schools in Eastern Canada. A total of 94 nursing students participated, with 62 students in the intervention group and 32 in the control group. Students in the intervention group received the PSEDP, while the control group received no intervention. Data from both groups were collected using a problem-solving questionnaire. Results: Overall, no significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups in their adherence to RP (P = 0.580), confidence in using PS (P = 0.602), and application of PS (baseline P = 0.161, post-program P = 0.618) to deal with the three identified barriers to RP adherence. However, we found significant differences in the subscale analysis of student confidence to deal with the barrier of high nursing workload (P = 0.032) and student adherence to some of the RP components (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The educational program provided an opportunity for the students to learn about PS to address the three identified barriers. Some improvements were found but they were smaller than expected, possibly due to limited time for practice in the clinical setting following the intervention.","PeriodicalId":13991,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection Control","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85537472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Towards a framework for a collaborative support model to assist infection prevention and control programmes in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review","authors":"F. Adams, Peta-Anne P Zimmerman, Vanessa L Sparke, Matt Mason","doi":"10.3396/ijic.v19.21851","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v19.21851","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is reported to be poorly supported because of limits in financial, human and physical resources and competing priorities in health budgets. As a result, there is often a role for external agencies to assist in strengthening IPC. While there are reports of how these partnerships have been put into practice, there are no reported frameworks or guidance documents to support the development of such relationships. Aim: The aim of this study is to identify the core elements of a collaborative support framework to assist LMIC in strengthening IPC. Methods: To achieve this, a systematic scoping review of available literature was conducted based on the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA 2020). The databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and Scopus were utilised. The search strategy included different combinations of Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms, Emtree and keywords that are relevant to IPC collaboration in LMIC. Literature was limited to that published between 2005 and 2020 in the English language only. Results: Six core elements of comprehensive IPC collaborative support were identified with five IPC programme areas as minimum requirements, namely: 1) Collaborative Projects, 2) Policies and Procedures, 3) Training and Professional Development, 4) Surveillance Systems and 5) Assessment and Feedback. The last element, 6) Partnerships, was identified as an enabling factor. Conclusion: These six core elements should be considered when building a collaborative support model to assist IPC in LMIC.","PeriodicalId":13991,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection Control","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88801916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stakeholders’ perceptions about a surgical site infection master training plan for a low-middle income country","authors":"Muhammad Nasir Ayub Khan, W. van Mook, Abu Baker Hafeez Bhatti, D. Dolmans, D. Verstegen","doi":"10.3396/ijic.v19.23230","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v19.23230","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Training is a critical component for improving the practice of surgical site infections (SSI). We have designed a master training plan characterized by a task-based, interprofessional and reflective approach consisting of initial training of employees and subsequent refresher training. It aims to improve the practice of SSI in hospitals. The research question was: How do policymakers, teachers and managers/leaders of health care institutions perceive the outline of a master training plan for SSI? Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 28 stakeholders from three categories. Results: Four key themes emerged from the interviews: 1) Discussion of authentic tasks fosters the transfer of knowledge to the workplace; 2) interprofessional reflective learning comes with challenges; 3) the master training plan help to change behavior, and 4) it is feasible with limited resources. However, the stakeholders pointed that interprofessional training creates friction among health care professionals (HCPs) who work together and participate in the interprofessional training sessions. To disseminate the training across healthcare facilities, stakeholders suggested developing a train-the-trainer plan. Furthermore, stakeholders suggested making HCPs accountable for actual behavior changes in the workplace. Conclusion: The stakeholders agreed with the approach that the master plan is based on. Implementing this master training plan was expected to encourage knowledge and skills to practice. Participants indicated that arranging training might be feasible in different institutions and it should be part of undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing medical education. The stakeholders perceived the outline of the master training plan to be well-suited for implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).","PeriodicalId":13991,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection Control","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73125141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Midwives’ experiences of utilising personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative descriptive study","authors":"Angela O’Farrell, A. Chatzi, O. Doody","doi":"10.3396/ijic.v19.23085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v19.23085","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Coronavirus has placed a lot of strain on the healthcare system. As a result, major changes have occurred in the way healthcare is delivered, including pregnancy care delivery. Within the Irish healthcare system, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has demanded frequent and ongoing adjustments to midwifery practice and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and its usage have come under serious scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: To explore midwives experiences of utilising PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study utilising a purposive sampling of 10 midwives who participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews, highlighting their experiences of utilising PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data obtained was analysed using the Braun and Clarkes framework and reported in line with the consolidated criteria for qualitative research reporting (COREQ). Results: Analysed data resulted in five themes, eight subthemes and 18 codes. The themes identified represent the participants experiences and highlight the; importance of effective communication, fear and anxiety of contracting and spreading the virus, value of peer support as a coping strategy, impact of lack of resources in the midwifery practice, and education and training effectiveness. Conclusion: The introduced strict mandatory infection prevention and control measures, predominantly the wearing of PPE, took effect with concurrent increased stress and anxiety, while caring for pregnant women.","PeriodicalId":13991,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection Control","volume":"35 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76635987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}