BMJ Open Quality最新文献

{"title":"Improving the safety of heparin usage by standardisation of practice.","authors":"Pak Ling Lui, Su Ching Tan, Pik Wei Goh, Bhuvaneshwari Mohankumar, Peter Min Tun Ye, Kit Ching Tin, Eng Soo Yap, Winnie Z Y Teo","doi":"10.1136/bmjoq-2024-002952","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2024-002952","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heparin, a high alert anticoagulant medication, is commonly used in medical settings in preventing and treating thrombotic events. However, its administration carries inherent risks for medication errors, bleeding complications and variability in practice standards across healthcare settings. This quality improvement project highlights the importance of standardising heparin administration practices and adopting a culture of adherence to best practices to improve patient safety and outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9052,"journal":{"name":"BMJ Open Quality","volume":"14 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12049902/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143982154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improvement in safety measures to reduce ED returns.","authors":"Ghadah F Almugren, Mufareh Al Katheri, Ali M Al Khathaami, Abdul Hadi Al-Qahtani, Abdulmohsen Al Saawi, Shiela Javellana, Mashael Basakran, Sara Al Yehya, Mohammed S Al Qarni","doi":"10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Emergency department (ED) return cases as critical or deceased pose a significant concern for any healthcare organisation and need to be evaluated and addressed.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>A quality improvement initiative was implemented to reduce 50% of the return visits from the baseline proportion of return visits by critical/deceased adult patients to the ED within 72 hours of discharge during 1 year (January 2022-January 2023), which is a robust quality indicator. Additionally, factors that contribute to an admission or revisit within 72 hours of ED discharge were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The implementation of initiatives began in January 2022 to monitor the ED return cases. Interventions were developed using the plan-do-study-act cycles in January 2022. Cycle 1 captured ED returns within 72 hours that were flagged by daily systemic trigger notifications received through the email by the dashboard and the cases were analysed by our quality improvement specialists team daily in January 2022. In any sentinel or severe event, an escalation via SMS to the leadership ensured immediate attention and action. Cycle 2 included patient safety leadership meetings within 24 hours of the return visit. This was initiated in April 2022 and discussed with all stakeholders for the immediate implementation of recommendations and action plans to improve the system and address individual concerns. Cycle 3 included a comprehensive consultation checklist integrated into the HIS in July 2023 to ensure that all necessary steps and consultations were completed during discharge. This included specific questions regarding the consultant's awareness about the treatment plan provided to the patient.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A statistical process control chart was used to present the data through the dashboard from January 2021 to January 2023 and continued until December 2023. The results revealed significant improvements. Overall, the number of return patients in the ED reduced by 46.60% from 0.13% in 2021 to 0.08% in 2022 and 2023.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The project was highly effective for patients. It reduced the morbidity and mortality for these patients over time; however, it also increased immature admissions. Continuous monitoring and application of different measures to analyse ED return cases are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":9052,"journal":{"name":"BMJ Open Quality","volume":"14 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12049976/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143959912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving patient access to symptomatic treatment through self-serving nausea stations at Peace Arch Hospital emergency department.","authors":"Ivjot Samra, Akash Manes, Ryan Dragoman, Amir Behboudi, Bianca Grosu","doi":"10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003189","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003189","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nausea is a common complaint among patients waiting at the emergency department (ED). Previous research indicates that isopropyl alcohol (IPA) can provide symptomatic relief for nausea. However, the number of studies investigating this effect is limited, especially in ED settings. This study investigates the effect of IPA administration on patients presenting with nausea to the ED. We aim to provide symptomatic relief to 20% of these patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In the Peach Arch Hospital (PAH) ED, patients who reported feeling nauseous were provided with a single IPA swab, instructional materials and feedback surveys. Patients inhaled IPA at a self-serving booth and completed a standardised survey immediately after. Patients were included in the study if they presented with nausea and excluded if they were under the age of 18, were pregnant, were allergic to alcohol, had cognitive impairment and/or were taking disulfiram. Multiple plan-do-study-act cycles were implemented to refine this study, including changes in feedback collection, instructional materials and presentation of IPA swabs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The total number of surveys completed over the 25-week period was 41 (n=41). These surveys showed that IPA inhalation is effective in improving nausea symptoms in the ED, with 53% of survey respondents suggesting 'great improvement' or 'good improvement'. 88% of respondents felt there was improvement in symptoms. There were very limited participants (12%) who reported that IPA administration showed 'no improvement'.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Self-serving nausea treatment stations may be an effective strategy in alleviating symptoms for patients awaiting to be seen by a physician while in the ED. These stations can enhance patient care through rapid treatment, optimise resources by reducing workload on nursing staff, and empower patients to manage their own symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":9052,"journal":{"name":"BMJ Open Quality","volume":"14 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12049867/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143967276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reduction of inappropriate perioperative neurology outpatient referrals for perioperative risk assessment and antithrombotic risk management in a major academic hospital.","authors":"Bridget Ng Si Min, Yingke He, Yu Zhi Pang, Eunice Kok Jie Yi, Zhao Han Goh, Fernandina Setiawan, Ignasius Jappar, Deidre Anne De Silva, Hairil Rizal Bin Abdullah","doi":"10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003038","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Perioperative stroke, a rare but serious complication, refers to any thrombotic, embolic or haemorrhagic cerebrovascular event lasting more than 24 hours, occurring intraoperatively or within 30 days of surgery. Preoperative assessment is critical for identifying high-risk patients and mitigating stroke risks. Despite established guidelines, a lack of standardised protocols at our institution led to inappropriate neurology referrals and unnecessary suspension of antithrombotics. At our preoperative evaluation clinic, which assesses 100-120 patients daily, challenges arose in managing patients at risk of perioperative stroke. An analysis from April to September 2022 revealed that 83.3% of 24 neurology referrals were inappropriate, causing surgical delays due to medicolegal concerns, surgery postponement fears and unclear guidelines. To address this, a quality improvement project was launched to reduce inappropriate neurology referrals by 15% in 6 months. The secondary aim was to create standardised management guidelines and evaluate both the incidence of surgical postponements and perioperative stroke outcomes.The project employed the plan-do-study-act framework, with interventions including the development of easily accessible standardised protocols and staff education through roadshow education platforms. Postintervention analysis showed a statistically significant 16.6% reduction in inappropriate neurology referrals (p=0.04), surpassing the 15% reduction target. Surgical postponements due to preoperative neurology consultations also decreased. There were no perioperative strokes reported during the project period, ensuring that the patient safety was not compromised. Additionally, the intervention resulted in cost savings of approximately $2134 annually by avoiding unnecessary consultations.This project highlights the effectiveness of multidisciplinary collaboration in reducing inappropriate neurology referrals and improving perioperative stroke risk management. The standardised guidelines have streamlined workflows and enhanced patient care, with sustained efforts planned to ensure long-term adherence to these protocols. Future directions include expanding the implementation of standardised protocols to other specialties within the institution.</p>","PeriodicalId":9052,"journal":{"name":"BMJ Open Quality","volume":"14 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12049957/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143963542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electronic Patient Reported Outcome Measures and quality of life in cancer (E-PROMISE): systematic review of the evidence and meta-analysis.","authors":"Noor Husain, Zarrin Ansari, Muhammad Aaqib Shamim, Zahid Zahiri, Mamta Singh, Russell Kabir, Shambo Samrat Samajdar, Dinesh Dhodi, Bijaya Kumar Padhi, Aiman Zehra Kazmi, Suelen Queiroz, Abdulqadir J Nashwan, Pradeep Dwivedi","doi":"10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003209","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) was to evaluate the impact of electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with cancer.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>We performed SRMA of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ePRO interventions with usual care in patients with cancer. The primary outcome was HRQoL. We used a random effects model a priori due to the anticipated clinical heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. After assessing the risk of bias using risk-of-bias tool (RoB V.2), we rated the evidence certainty using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework.</p><p><strong>Eligibility criteria: </strong>We included studies meeting the following criteria: (1) RCTs; (2) patients diagnosed with any type of cancer, undergoing or having completed treatment; (3) comparing ePROs with usual care without ePRO interventions; (4) assessing the effect on HRQoL.</p><p><strong>Information sources: </strong>We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to April 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We screened 7706 records to include 36 RCTs with 9608 patients. ePRO interventions showed a standardised mean difference (SMD) of 0.35; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.51 compared with usual care. Patients receiving ongoing therapy had an SMD of 0.39 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.58), while those who had completed therapy had an SMD of 0.12 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.22), with a significant subgroup difference (p=0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed across the method of ePRO assessment, cancer site, metastasis status, therapy status, average age or duration of ePRO use. The results remained consistent with Bayesian and other sensitivity analyses.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>ePRO interventions improve HRQoL more than usual care in patients with cancer, with greater effect in those currently undergoing therapy. This improvement is independent of cancer type, duration of ePRO use or patient age. Future research should address sources of heterogeneity, explore long-term impacts and develop strategies to increase patient engagement and adherence to ePRO systems.</p><p><strong>Prospero registration number: </strong>CRD42024531708.</p>","PeriodicalId":9052,"journal":{"name":"BMJ Open Quality","volume":"14 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143976150","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":"'Halo effect': room impacts patient perception of overall hospital experience.","authors":"Ella Atsavapranee, Paul A Heidenreich, Mystique Smith-Bentley, Alpa Vyas, Lisa Shieh","doi":"10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Private hospital rooms offer potential advantages over semiprivate rooms, but the impact of room type on patient experience across multiple dimensions of care remains understudied. A retrospective study was conducted to investigate how room type influenced patients' perception of their experience at Stanford Health Care, a large university medical centre in California, USA. Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey data from medicine patients discharged from January 2018 to January 2020 (n=891) was analysed. The percentage of top responses was calculated for 18 survey sections including overall assessment. Patients in private rooms were more likely to give a top response (aOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.36), rating overall assessment and 10 other sections significantly higher than patients in semiprivate rooms. The greatest differences were in survey sections related to the room (room, hospital environment and visitors/family). However, private rooms also performed better on sections not directly related to room type (tests/treatments, care transitions and discharge). These widespread improvements suggest a 'halo effect', in which a patient's positive impression of their room may enhance their perception of overall care. These findings underscore the substantial influence of the care environment on patients' perceptions of their overall hospital experience.</p>","PeriodicalId":9052,"journal":{"name":"BMJ Open Quality","volume":"14 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12035421/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143971931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving hydration among hospitalised older adults in an acute geriatric ward with a bundled multi-component intervention.","authors":"Shawn Lien Ler Tan, Aines Manickam, Nurulhuda Abdullah, Woon Fung Chai, Sarasuathi Gloria Encio Subramaniam, Long Xia Yuan, Magdalene Kim Choo Ng, Rachel Qiao Ming Ng","doi":"10.1136/bmjoq-2024-002805","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2024-002805","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dehydration compromises patient safety. Hospitalised frail older adults are at risk of dehydration, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality. However, current clinical practice workflows do not adequately address the issue of poor oral hydration. This study aims to analyse this problem and test solutions to increase the percentage of hospitalised older adults who consume at least 1 L of oral fluid per day from 15% to 60% in an acute geriatric ward over 3 months. A work group was formed to conduct this service improvement project. Extensive literature was searched and reviewed, brainstorming of workflow gaps along with discussions was carried out, and strategic solutions were developed. A series of implementations was carried out sequentially and cumulatively to target vital root causes. The implementations include the introduction of a bedside hydration flip chart, individualised fluid schedule chart, hydration rounds, posters to create a visual workplace and regular in-service talks for healthcare staff. The number of patients who met the minimum fluid intake was collected daily over 4 months to monitor for intervention success and sustainability. Implementing a bundled multi-component intervention increased the percentage of older adults who meet the minimum oral fluid intake of 1 L/day by 45%, making it a needful part in the management of geriatric inpatients to prevent dehydration.</p>","PeriodicalId":9052,"journal":{"name":"BMJ Open Quality","volume":"14 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12035457/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143953464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the potential of geospatial mapping of emergency call data to improve ambulance services for older adults: a feasibility study in the south central region of England.","authors":"Carole Fogg, Phil King, Vivienne Parsons, Nicola Dunbar, Marcel Woutersen, Julia Branson, Helen Pocock, Patryk Jadzinski, Chloe Lofthouse-Jones, Bronagh Walsh, Dianna Smith","doi":"10.1136/bmjoq-2024-002977","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2024-002977","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ambulance trusts across the UK serve vast and varied regions, impacting equitable healthcare access, especially for older patients facing urgent, non-life-threatening conditions. Detailed variation in demand and service provision across these regions remains unexplored but is crucial for shaping effective care policies and organisation. Geospatial mapping techniques have the potential to improve understanding of variation across a region, with benefits for service design.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To explore the feasibility of using geospatial techniques to map emergency 999 calls and outcomes for older adults within an academic-healthcare collaboration framework.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study used administrative and clinical data for patients aged ≥65 who made urgent calls to a regional ambulance service within 1 year. This data, aggregated by geographical area, was analysed using geospatial software (ArcGIS) to create detailed choropleth maps. These maps displayed metrics including population demographics, number of calls, response times, falls, dementia cases and hospital conveyance rates at the middle-layer super output area level. Feedback was solicited from internal stakeholders to enhance utility and focus on service improvements.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis unveiled significant regional disparities in emergency call frequencies and ambulance requirements for older adults, with notable variations in hospital conveyance rates, ranging from 22% to 100% across different areas. The geographical distribution of falls and calls for people with dementia corresponded with the older population's distribution. Response times varied by location. Stakeholders recommended additional data incorporation for better map utility and identified areas for service enhancement, particularly in addressing conveyance rate disparities for falls.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Leveraging aggregated ambulance service data for geospatial mapping of older adults' care demand and provision proves to be both feasible and insightful. The significant geographical variances in hospital conveyance highlight the need for further research. The development of academic-healthcare partnerships promotes resource and sharing of expertise, which should substantially benefit patient care for this vulnerable group.</p>","PeriodicalId":9052,"journal":{"name":"BMJ Open Quality","volume":"14 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12035455/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143962752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving postoperative care for neurosurgical patients by a standardised protocol for urinary catheter placement: a multicentre before-and-after implementation study.","authors":"Jeanne-Marie Nollen, Anja H Brunsveld-Reinders, Ewout W Steyerberg, Wilco Peul, Wouter R van Furth","doi":"10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003073","DOIUrl":"10.1136/bmjoq-2024-003073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Urinary catheterisation, including indwelling and clean intermittent catheterisation, is common in perioperative and postoperative care. Despite guidelines, practice variation is significant. Inappropriate catheterisation risks include urinary tract infections and reduced mobility, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased antibiotic use. This study aims to improve postoperative care through appropriate catheterisation in neurosurgical groups frequently subjected to catheterisation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a multicentre, before-and-after study in four Dutch hospitals from June 2021 to January 2023, including adult neurosurgical patients who underwent pituitary gland tumour or spinal fusion surgery. Exclusion criteria included conditions requiring chronic catheter use. A multifaceted strategy was implemented, focusing on a uniform protocol, an educational programme and department-specific champions. The primary outcome was inappropriate catheterisation, analysed with ordinal logistic regression. Secondary outcomes included total catheterisations, urinary tract infections and length of hospital stay. Ethical approval was obtained. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and SQUIRE checklists were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 3439 patients screened, 2711 were included, with 544 in the after group. The percentage of patients without inappropriate indwelling catheterisation increased from 46% to 57%, and the proportion without inappropriate clean intermittent catheterisation rose from 34% to 67%. Additionally, overall catheter use decreased: the percentage of patients not receiving an indwelling catheter increased from 54% to 64%, while those not requiring clean intermittent catheterisation rose from 89% to 92%. Infection rates and hospital stay were similar (1.4% and 1.3%; 4.9 and 5.1 days, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Implementing a uniform protocol may significantly reduce inappropriate and overall catheterisation in neurosurgical patients, aligning with patient-centred, less invasive healthcare. Ongoing education and adherence to standardised protocols are crucial. Future research should assess the long-term sustainability of these strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":9052,"journal":{"name":"BMJ Open Quality","volume":"14 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12020749/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143966053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mobile phone bacterial contaminations, associated factors and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolates from health professionals' working in public health facilities of West Guji zone, Southern Ethiopia.","authors":"Alqeer Aliyo, Chaltu Bekele, Tibeso Gemechu, Wako Dedecha, Mekdes Getachew","doi":"10.1136/bmjoq-2025-003321","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2025-003321","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mobile device use in healthcare facilities is a concern because they can act as vehicles to transmit pathogenic bacteria that can cause infections. Thus, nosocomial infections are a significant health problem that affects more than a quarter of patients worldwide, particularly in developing countries. On the other hand, the increasing pattern of antimicrobial resistance of bacteria poses a major health concern.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated factors of bacteria isolates among mobile phone of health professionals in public health facilities in the West Guji zone, Southern Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was carried out on 240 mobile phones belonging to health professionals from May to June 2024. The study population was selected using a simple random sampling technique, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The samples were collected and tested using microbiological analysis to isolate and identify bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. Data were entered into Epi-Data V.3.1 and exported to SPSS V.25 for bivariate and multivariate analyses. The factors with a p value <0.05 were considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of bacterial contamination on mobile phones was 102 (42.5%) (95 CI 36.3% to 48.8%). The bacteria isolates were <i>Coagulase-negative staphylococci</i> (CONS) 68 (65.4%), <i>Bacillus spp</i> 21 (20.2%) and <i>S. aureus</i> 15 (14.4%). The study revealed that being medical laboratory professionals (AOR=6.52, CI 95%, 1.33 to 31.93), mobile phones cleaned after every use and once daily were 94% and 98% less likely to be contaminated, and lack of handwashing practice before attending to the patients (AOR=12.91, CI 95%, 2.95 to 56.44) were factors statistically significantly associated with mobile phone contamination. Isolated <i>CONS</i> and <i>S. aureus</i> showed sensitivity to higher Sulphamethoxazole and Trimethoprim, while all <i>Bacillus spp</i> isolates were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study shows that mobile phones of health professionals were contaminated with various bacteria species. The highest resistance isolates were shown against tetracycline. We recommend promoting regular cleaning of mobile phones and proper hand washing practices when attending to patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":9052,"journal":{"name":"BMJ Open Quality","volume":"14 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12015704/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143963627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}