Journal of Hospital Infection最新文献

{"title":"Impact of Postpartum Hospital Length-of-Stay on Infant Gut Microbiota: A Comprehensive Analysis of Vaginal and Caesarean birth.","authors":"Sabrin Bashar, Hein M Tun, Joseph Y Ting, Matthew Hicks, Piushkumar J Mandhane, Theo J Moraes, Elinor Simons, Stuart E Turvey, Padmaja Subbarao, James A Scott, Anita L Kozyrskyj","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.10.012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.10.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The primary concern with prolonged hospitalization following birth is the risk of acquiring hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) caused by opportunistic bacteria, which can alter the early establishment of gut microbiota.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess the association between postpartum hospital length-of-stay (LOS) and the composition of gut microbiota at 3 and 12 months of age according to birth mode.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 1313 Canadian infants from the CHILD Cohort Study were involved in this study. Prolonged hospital LOS was defined as > 2 days following vaginal and > 3 days after caesarean section (CS) birth. Infants' gut microbiota was characterized by Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing of faecal samples at 3-4 months and 12 months.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Following a prolonged hospital LOS, vaginally-delivered (VD) infants with no maternal intrapartum antibiotic (IAP) exposure had a higher abundance of bacteria in their gut known to cause HAIs, including Enterococcus at 3 and 12 months, Citrobacter at 3 months and C. difficile at 12 months. Enterococcus or Citrobacter abundance at 3 months significantly mediated the association between LOS, and low abundance of Bacteroidaceae, or higher Enterococcaeae/Bacteriodaceae or Enterobacteriaceae/Bacteroidaceae abundance ratios at 12 months of age in VD infants without IAP exposure. HAI-causing Enterobacteriaceae were also more abundant in later infancy with a longer hospital LOS following CS. In the absence of exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months or any breastfeeding at 12 months, the Porphyromonadaceae (of Bacteroidota) become depleted in CS infants with a prolonged LOS.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Prolonged hospital stay after birth is associated with infant gut dysbiosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142606713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating antimicrobial utilization in 20 Korean long-term care hospitals: a call to action for antimicrobial stewardship.","authors":"R Lee, S Y Park, J Y Park, B Kim, Y C Kim, H Ga, M J Lee, H W Park, I J Yun, S-J Heo, S M Moon, H B Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.08.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.08.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Evaluation of hospital-specific antimicrobial use is necessary for successful national antimicrobial stewardship. This study aimed to identify antimicrobial use in long-term care hospitals (LCHs) in Korea.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multi-centre retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the prescription patterns and appropriateness of antimicrobials in 20 LCHs in Korea. The medical record data of hospitalized patients who were newly prescribed antimicrobials at each hospital were collected manually between 10^th July and 31^st October 2023 to evaluate the appropriateness of antimicrobial use.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of antimicrobial prescriptions was 8.9% (365/4086) and 10.3% (402/3892) on 12^th July 2023 and 18^th October 2023, respectively. In total, 885 antimicrobials were prescribed to 740 patients. Among the antimicrobials, third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins (31.9%) represented the most prescribed antimicrobial class. A large majority of antimicrobials (96.6%, 855/885) were prescribed for the treatment of infectious diseases; however, only 37.7% (322/855) of antimicrobials were prescribed appropriately for infections. The route of administration, dosage and prescribed antimicrobial were appropriate in 99.6% (852/855), 56.1% (480/855) and 62.0% (530/855) of cases, respectively. In total, 35.2% (252/715) of patients were prescribed antimicrobials appropriately. The diagnosis of infectious disease was appropriate for 52.9% (472/892) of cases. Of the five, 15 and 10 antimicrobials used for surgical site infection prophylaxis, medical prophylaxis and other purposes, respectively, none were used appropriately.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The proportion of antimicrobials used appropriately is low in Korean LCHs. These data highlight the importance of establishing antimicrobial stewardship in LCHs.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142057380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nosocomial Infection in Paediatric Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Linjing Li, Weifeng Xu, Weijun Jiang, Yaai Li, Zejia Cheng, Shuzhen Wang, Jiandong Zhou, Rihua Xie, Chunxia Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.10.011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.10.011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nosocomial infection has emerged as a significant complication of ECMO treatment and is closely associated with poor prognosis. Studies have shown that paediatric patients are more likely to benefit from ECMO. However, nosocomial infection in paediatric patients has not been comprehensively analysed.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To systematically analyse the incidence, timing, locations, primary pathogens, antibiotic use, and risk factors associated with nosocomial infection and their effects on mortality among paediatric patients undergoing ECMO.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seven databases were searched for eligible articles; Stata 15.0 was used to calculate the combined effect and 95% confidence interval, and descriptive analysis was employed for other data.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>A total of 31 articles were included. The incidence of nosocomial infections was 0.19, 95% CI (0.17-0.22). Respiratory infection was identified as the most common infection type. Staphylococcus species were the predominant pathogens. Antibiotic use was widespread across centres. Prolonged ECMO support was associated with an increased occurrence of nosocomial infections in patients [OR = 1.09, 95% CI (1.06-1.13)]. Nosocomial infection was not associated with an increase in mortality [OR = 1.44, 95% CI (0.98-2.11)].</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Nosocomial infection was common among paediatric ECMO patients and was affected by various factors. However, nosocomial infection did not increase the risk of mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142570376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prescription of oral antibiotics and its appropriateness for outpatients in a tertiary care hospital in Korea.","authors":"S M Shin, Y Lee, E Heo, H-S Kim, Y M Jeong, J Lee, E E Lee, J-Y Lee, Y Choi, S J Choi, S M Moon, K-H Song, H B Kim, E S Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.09.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.09.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) have gained prominence, with increased awareness regarding the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. However, ASP implementation for outpatient antibiotic prescription is uncommon, particularly in South Korea. This study aimed to analyse the patterns and appropriateness of outpatient antibiotic prescription at a tertiary care hospital in Korea.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study analysed the patterns of oral antibiotic prescription between 1^st June 2018 and 31^st May 2023 at the outpatient department of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. The appropriateness of prescriptions issued between 15^th and 19^th May 2023 was assessed. The assessment criteria included: indication for antibiotic use; antibiotic choice; duration; and dose/frequency. Pharmacists and infectious diseases specialists performed evaluations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 7,282,407 outpatient visits were recorded over the 5-year study period, and oral antibiotics were prescribed in 243,967 (3.4%) cases. The frequency of antibiotic prescription was highest in dentistry, dermatology and urology departments. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were cephalosporins, penicillins and sulphonamides. Of the 423 prescriptions evaluated, 289 (68.3%) and 134 (31.7%) were for treatment and prophylaxis, respectively. Prescriptions were classified as inappropriate in 28.4% (82/289) and 70.9% (95/134) of treatment and prophylaxis cases, respectively. The primary reason for inappropriateness in both treatment and prophylaxis cases was inappropriate indication, accounting for 46.3% (38/82) of treatment prescriptions and 96.8% (92/95) of prophylaxis prescriptions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Antibiotics were prescribed at 3.4% of all outpatient visits. The prescription was inappropriate in 28.4% of treatment cases and 70.9% of prophylactic cases. Proactive and expansive ASP activities by pharmacists should be considered in outpatient settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142332621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial usage and stewardship in a hospice setting.","authors":"S Gregg, C Jansen, S Ryan, M Doyle","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142037802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors associated with antibiotics for respiratory infections in Swiss long-term care facilities.","authors":"A Roux, D-L Vu, A Niquille, E Rubli Truchard, T Bizzozzero, A Tahar, T Morlan, J Colin, D Akpokavie, M Grandin, A Merkly, A Cassini, E Glampedakis, T Brahier, V Suttels, V Prendki, N Boillat-Blanco","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.09.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.09.011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Long-term care facility (LTCF) residents are twice as likely to receive antibiotics compared with elderly living in the community, and studies have reported up to half of prescriptions in LTCFs as inappropriate.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To identify factors contributing to general and inappropriate antibiotic prescription among LTCF residents with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective, multicentric, observational study, residents with LRTIs were recruited among 32 LTCFs in Western Switzerland during winter 2022-2023. Residents underwent lung ultrasound (LUS) within three days of LRTI onset, serving as the pneumonia diagnosis reference standard. Multivariate logistic regression and backward selection were used with P < 0.1 cut-off to identify factors among demographics, vital signs, diagnostic tests, and LTCF characteristics associated with (i) antibiotic prescription and (ii) inappropriate prescription.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>A total of 114 residents were included, 63% female, median age 87 years. Fifty-nine (52%) residents underwent diagnostic tests: 50 (44%) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for respiratory viruses and 16 (14%) blood test with C-reactive protein and/or blood count. Sixty-three (55%) residents received antibiotics. Factors associated with antibiotic prescriptions were Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale score ≥7, oxygen saturation <92%, performing a blood test, rural LTCFs, and female physician. Among residents receiving antibiotics, 48 (74%) had inappropriate prescriptions, with performance of respiratory virus PCR test as the only protective factor.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Whereas half of LRTI residents received antibiotics, falling within lower ranges of European LTCFs prescription rates (53-80%), most antibiotic prescriptions were inappropriate. Utilization of diagnostic tests correlates with lower overall and inappropriate prescription, advocating for their use to optimize prescription practices in LTCFs.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142367490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of colonization with resistant Gram-negative bacteria in the treatment of febrile neutropenia after stem cell transplantation.","authors":"T Sokolová, P Paterová, A Zavřelová, B Víšek, P Žák, J Radocha","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.08.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.08.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common complication of stem cell transplantation.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the frequency of sepsis in patients with FN colonized with resistant Gram-negative bacteria (extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-positive, multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and the choice of primary antibiotic in colonized patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study analysed data from patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation from January 2018 to September 2022. Data were extracted from the hospital information system.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Carbapenem as the primary antibiotic of choice was chosen in 10.9% of non-colonized +/-AmpC patients, 31.5% of ESBL⁺ patients, and 0% of MDR P. aeruginosa patients. Patients with FN and MDR P. aeruginosa colonization had a high prevalence of sepsis (namely 100%, P = 0.0197). The spectrum of sepsis appeared to be different, with Gram-negative bacilli predominating in the ESBL⁺ group (OR: 5.39; 95% CI: 1.55-18.76; P = 0.0123). Colonizer sepsis was present in 100% of sepsis with MDR P. aeruginosa colonization (P = 0.002), all in allogeneic transplantation (P = 0.0003), with a mortality rate of 33.3% (P = 0.0384). The incidence of sepsis in patients with ESBL⁺ colonization was 25.9% (P = 0.0197), with colonizer sepsis in 50% of sepsis cases (P = 0.0002), most in allogeneic transplantation (P = 0.0003).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results show a significant risk of sepsis in FN with MDR P. aeruginosa colonization, a condition almost exclusively caused by the colonizer. At the same time, a higher risk of Gram-negative sepsis has been demonstrated in patients colonized with ESBL⁺ bacteria.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142301271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Surgical site infection prevention care bundles in colorectal surgery: a scoping review.","authors":"Tiago Cunha, Susana Miguel, João Maciel, Carlos Zagalo, Paulo Alves","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.10.010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.10.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Surgical site infection preventions bundles have been used to reduce infection rate in most types of surgery. In colorectal surgery they have been used with success as well, with tailored care bundles designed for that purpose.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To identify and review the individual interventions that constitute each infection prevention care bundle in colorectal surgery, and the surgical site infection rate reduction related to their implementation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted in PUBMED, CINAHL; Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases, during December 2022.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This review analysed 48 of 164 identified studies on surgical site infection (SSI) prevention in colorectal surgery from 2011 to 2022. It revealed an average of 11 interventions per study, primarily in preoperative (mechanical bowel preparation, oral antibiotic bowel decontamination, hair removal, CHG showers, normoglycemia), intraoperative (antibiotic prophylaxis, normothermia, CHG skin preparation, antibiotic prophylaxis re-dosing, gown/glove change), and postoperative phases (normothermia, normoglycemia, dressing removal, oxygen optimization, incision cleansing). Despite these interventions, SSI rates remain high, indicating a need for further research to optimize intervention bundles and improve compliance across surgical stages.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The implementation of Surgical Site Infection prevention bundles, tailored to Colorectal surgery, have shown a reduction in surgical site infection rates and costs. Grouping intervention according to the perioperative phase, may contribute to increased compliance rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142565367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inverse probability weighting leads to more accurate incidence estimates for healthcare associated infections in intensive care units, results from two national surveillance systems.","authors":"Costanza Vicentini, Roberta Bussolino, Matilde Perego, Daniela Silengo, Fortunato D'Ancona, Stefano Finazzi, Carla M Zotti","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.10.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.10.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Two main approaches are employed to monitor healthcare associated infections (HAIs): longitudinal surveillance, which allows to measure incidence rates, and point prevalence surveys (PPS). PPS are less time-consuming; however, they are affected by length-biased sampling, which can be corrected through inverse probability weighting. We assessed the accuracy of this method by analysing data from two Italian national surveillance systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) and central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) incidence measured through a prospective surveillance system (GiViTI) was compared to incidence estimates obtained through conversion of crude and inverse probability weighted prevalence of the same HAIs in intensive care units (ICUs) measured through a PPS. Weighted prevalence rates were obtained after weighting all patients inversely proportional to their time-at-risk. Prevalence rates were converted into incidence per 100 admissions using an adapted version of the Rhame and Sudderth formula.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 30988 patients monitored through GiViTI, and 1435 patients monitored through the PPS were included. A significant difference was found between incidence rates estimated based on crude VAP and CLABSI prevalence and measured through GiViTI (relative risk, RR 2.5 and 3.36; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.42 - 4.39 and 1.33 - 8.53, p = 0.006 and 0.05 respectively). Conversely, no significant difference was found between incidence rates estimated based on weighted VAP and CLABSI prevalence and measured through GiViTI (p = 0.927 and 0.503 respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>When prospective surveillance is not feasible, our simple method could be useful to obtain more accurate incidence rates from PPS data.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142559480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Management of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in Dutch health care institutes: a nation-wide survey.","authors":"Marlies Mulder, Karuna E W Vendrik, Sophie A M van Kessel, Daan W Notermans, Annelot F Schoffelen, Jacky Flipse, Antoni P A Hendrickx, Wil van der Zwet, Caroline Schneeberger-van der Linden","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.09.028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.09.028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE_fm) is an opportunistic pathogen, which can cause outbreaks in hospitals. In the Netherlands, several national guidelines and guidance documents on different aspects of VRE_fm-management are available. Most available guidelines are written towards the hospital setting and only few on long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Moreover, not all aspects of VRE_fm-management are covered, recommendations differ and the level of compliance to these guidelines is unknown. The aim of this study was to get insight into the routine VRE_fm-policies in Dutch healthcare facilities with regard to screening, diagnostics and infection control measures.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Online questionnaires were sent to representatives of Dutch hospitals and long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The questionnaire included questions regarding the definition of VRE, screening, diagnostics, patient isolation, cleaning procedures, VRE_fm-clearance and VRE_fm-outbreaks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The questionnaire was completed by 61 hospitals with a response rate of 84.1% and 57 LTCFs, mostly nursing homes. Most hospitals reported VRE-outbreaks in the previous decade, whereas only one LTCFs reported an outbreak. Of the hospitals, 87% perform VRE_fm-screening versus 50% of the LTCFs. VRE-positive patients are isolated in 98% of hospitals and 83% of LTCFs. Protocols regarding how to unlabel VRE-positive patients are in place in 84% of the hospitals and in 51% of LTCFs. The details of these measures differ substantially between healthcare facilities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study has shown that most hospitals and some LTCFs in the Netherlands have standard procedures for VRE_fm-management to some level, although the comprehensiveness and details of the measures differ per hospital. More uniform policies would improve comparability of VRE_fm data on a regional/national level.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142548999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}