SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Infection Control”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Significant reduction of endemic MRSA acquisition and infection in cardiothoracic patients by means of an enhanced targeted infection control programme.

Due to increasing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in cardiothoracic patients at St Thomas' Hospital, an enhanced infection control programme was introduced in September 2000. It was based on UK national guidelines on the control of MRSA and targeted additional identified risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI). It included recognition of the problem by senior staff and their taking responsibility for it; intensive support, education and advice from the infection control team; improved ward and theatre hygiene; pre-admission, admission and weekly MRSA screening; isolation and clearance treatment; nursing care pathways for MRSA colonized patients; and teicoplanin plus gentamicin surgical prophylaxis. The effectiveness of the programme was assessed by retrospective analysis of computerized patient data for the 16 months before and after the introduction of the programme. There was no significant change in the number of operations or the proportion of patients admitted with MRSA, although nine patients were cleared of carriage before admission. However, there were significant falls in the proportion of patients acquiring MRSA on the ward [38/1036 to 14/921, P=0.003, RR 2.4 (95%CI 1.32-4.42)] and in the rate of bloodstream MRSA infections [12/1075 to 2/956, P=0.014, RR 5.34 (95%CI 1.20-23.78)]. Sternal and leg wound infections both halved (from 28/1075 to 13/956 and 16/1075 to 7/956, respectively) but this did not reach statistical significance. These results demonstrate that an enhanced, targeted infection control programme based on the UK national guidelines, SSI prevention guidelines and local risk assessment can reduce the incidence of nosocomial MRSA acquisition and invasive infection in cardiothoracic patients in the face of continuing endemic risk.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis↗

PubMed1997

Infection control in the orthodontic office in Canada.

Because of the difficulty of identifying infected persons, current recommendations for infection control are to treat all patients as if they are infected with blood-borne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the hepatitis viruses. Dentists' compliance with these recommendations has been investigated previously, however, there are few data related to orthodontists. The objective of this study was to measure the proportion of orthodontists who report the use of recommended infection control procedures and to compare the infection control practices of orthodontists and general dentists. A mailed survey with three follow-up attempts was administered to all orthodontists and general dentists in Ontario (N = 5441) in 1994. There were significant differences in the routine use of gloves (orthodontists 85%, general dentists 92%); masks (orthodontists 38%, general dentists 75%); protective eyewear (orthodontists 60%, general dentists 84%); changing gloves after each patient (orthodontists 84%, general dentists 96%); and heat sterilization of handpieces (orthodontists 57%, general dentists 84%). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination of all clinical staff was reported by 46% of orthodontists, compared with 61% of general dentists (p < 0.001). Reports of HBV vaccination of orthodontists (94%) and general dentists (92%) were not significantly different. The use of additional precautions for patients with HIV was reported by 80% of orthodontists and 78% of general dentists. More education is required to promote the use of universal precautions by both general practitioners and orthodontists. Increased use of barrier methods, HBV vaccination of clinical staff, and heat sterilization of handpieces is required to reduce the potential for cross infection in the orthodontic practice. This is particularly important with the increasing number of microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2006

Staphylococcus aureus epidemic in a neonatal nursery: a strategy of infection control.

The risk of nosocomial infection due to Staphylococcus aureus in fullterm newborns is higher under hospital conditions where there are overcrowded nurseries and inadequate infection control techniques. We report on an outbreak of skin infection in a Maternity Nursery (May 21, 2000) and the measures undertaken to bring the epidemic under control. These measures included: separating neonates already present in the nursery on August 23, 2000 from ones newly arriving by creating two different cohorts, one of neonates born before this date and one of neonates born later; restricting healthcare workers caring for S. aureus- infected infants from working with non-infected infants; disallowing carrier healthcare workers from caring for patients; introducing contact and droplet precautions (including the routine use of gowns, gloves, and mask); ensuring appropriate disinfection of potential sources of contamination. A representative number of isolates were typed by genomic DNA restriction length polymorphism analysis by means of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Among the 227 cases of skin lesions, microbiological laboratory analyses confirmed that 175 were staphylococcal infections. The outbreak showed a gradual reduction in magnitude when the overcrowding of the Nursery was reduced by separating the newborns into the two different Nurseries (two cohorts). The genotyping of the strains by PFGE confirmed the nurse-to-newborn transmission of S. aureus. The measures adopted for controlling the S. aureus outbreak can, in retrospect, be assessed to have been very effective.

Cross Infection↗

PubMed1989

Infection control update: beware of the ragwheel.

Previously, concern about infection control in dentistry emphasized the handpiece, operator safety, barrier technique, and patient protection in the dental operatory. As current knowledge of infection control increases an expanded understanding of other sources of disease transmission is indicated. Often overlooked is the dental laboratory of which particular interest focuses on the lathes used in preparing prosthetic appliances, castings, orthodontic appliances, and surgical stents. Specifically, the potential threat of the ragwheel to the patient and operator is significant. Ragwheels and pumice samples were collected and cultured, the results of which mandate the need for infection control guidelines for the dental laboratory.

Colony Count, Microbial↗

PubMed1991

Environmental barriers in dental office infection control.

The emphasis of this article is to explain the utility of incorporating disposable, single-use environmental-surface infection control barriers into dental office infection control programs. Use of barriers in dental operatories and x-ray rooms can increase infection control effectiveness, reduce operatory turn-around time between patients, and actually reduce office time and expenses associated with infection control. This article is not intended to be a cookbook on how to do it, but rather a guide to the understanding of why dentists should consider using disposable barriers in place of chemical disinfectants wherever possible. Understanding the barrier concept will enable readers to problem-solve their own facility's needs and to select appropriate materials on their own.

Communicable Disease Control↗

PubMed2006

A national survey of infection control practice by New Zealand anaesthetists.

Anaesthetists have an important role in preventing nosocomial infection. Failures in this role have resulted in critical reports in the media. We ascertained the current practices of New Zealand anaesthetists relating to infection control, by distributing a questionnaire to all 450 anaesthetists practising in New Zealand. Sixty-one percent responded. Just over half the respondents had never read their hospital policy on infection control and over a third had never read the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists policy document on infection control. It was found that 3.4% rarely changed gloves if they became contaminated and 2.2% occasionally used the same syringe to administer drugs to more than one patient. The majority (86.3%) of respondents split one drug ampoule between more than one patient, 41.3% used multidose vials for more than one patient and 2.2% used pre-filled syringes for more than one patient. The majority complied with the College infection control policy for performing arterial cannulation (85.7%), central venous cannulation (77.4%) and regional blockade (65.1%). Respondents ranked the overall risk of the anaesthetist contributing to the transmission of infectious agents on a scale from 0 to 10 (10=highest risk). The median response was 7, the modal response was 10 and interquartile range was 4 to 8. There was a high level of awareness of the risks of contributing to cross-infection inherent in anaesthesia, most anaesthetists reporting that they followed recommended guidelines in this context. However, these data suggest more effort is required to promote compliance with appropriate guidelines.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed2006

Surgical site infection surveillance: analysis of adherence to recommendations for routine infection control practices.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of surgical site infection control procedures in general surgery departments in hospitals in the Piemonte region of Italy. DESIGN: The descriptive study entailed 1 week of observation in the general surgery departments and 1 week of observation in the operating rooms of 49 hospitals in Piemonte; the survey was conducted in 2003. METHODS: Data collection forms were designed to record information about presurgical patient preparation (form 1) and infection control practices routinely used by surgical teams (form 2). RESULTS: A total of 856 patients were observed; 88% of operations were surgical wound class I or II; 70.6% of patients had hair removed, 28.8% showered the day before the operation; antimicrobial prophylaxis was administered in 63.3% of cases (68.4% on induction of anesthesia and 26% on the day of the operation) and was continued into the postoperative period in 43% of cases. A total of 799 operations were observed; the mean number of healthcare personnel in the operating room was 6; doors were opened an average of 12 times during an operation; 88% of the surgical team members wore a cap/hood and mask correctly; 25% of surgeons and 41% of instrument nurses wore an eye shield; preoperative hand and forearm scrubbing technique was correct in 78% of cases (surgeons, 74.6%; instrument nurses, 86.6%; and anesthesiologists, 73%). CONCLUSIONS: A comparison between the survey data and the international recommendations for SSI prevention highlighted practices that could be improved with corrective interventions. The study provided an opportunity for sharing feedback on appropriate data with healthcare personnel and was an effective instrument to audit infection control practices.

Data Collection↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of a training course in infection control for nurses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a training course in infection control for nurses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was performed from November 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002. The study was divided into three phases; 1) pre-intervention (November 1-30, 2001) to survey baseline data among participants, 2) intervention (January 1-31, 2002) to establish, develop and conduct the training course, 3) post-intervention (February 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002) to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program, and conduct a workshop for infection control project presentations. The research instruments consisted of questionaires and a focus group discussion guide. RESULTS: Forty-six nurses who had experience of working as infection control nurses (ICN) for more than one year and 46 hospital administrators were enrolled in the pre-interventional phase. Major problems identified among ICNs were inadequate knowledge, multiple simultaneous job descriptions, overwork and lack of collaboration from colleagues. After intervention, significant improvement was observed on their knowledge and confidence among ICNs (rating scale, 4.09 vs. 3.43; p< 0.001). All administrators agreed that the training course was beneficial to ICNs and believed that the problems in practices of IC would be solved. More satisfaction of ICNs among hospital administrators was also observed (97.7% vs. 28.3%; p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that the training course to provide practical knowledge for ICNs be effective and should be conducted periodically to keep up with the advance in medical technology. An ICN network with other academic institutions should be established.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Infection control systems in the United States: its history and problems].

The purpose of this study is to review recent literature regarding the role of the infection control nurse in the United States. Recent relevant literature, published between 1982 and 1995, was selected by using a computerized literature search, cumulative index to nursing and allied health literature (CINAHL). Four major points in the development of infection control practitioners (ICPs) were identified from the literature review: (1) Since the late 1960s the number of ICPs had increased continuously, through the Center for Disease control training programs, and through training programs developed by members of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) at the national, regional and local chapter levels. (2) The ICPs became certified upon receiving satisfactory results on the infection of 2 years of work in the field of infection control, and then are authorized to use the title "CIC". The certification was valid for five years and is renewed after the ICP passed a re-examination. (3) Six duties of the ICP were identified: management, prevention, surveillance, identification, education, and research. (4) The cost of health care was constantly restructuring the health care delivery system in the United States. The ICPs also were influenced by these changes. New challenges facing ICPs today were, a) the integration of resources to be shared by infection control and quality assurance, b) the change of role from specialist to generalist, c) the expansion of their roles in the area of epidemiology.

Certification↗

PubMed1991

Infection control.

"Universal precautions" and "strict infection control procedures" have become health-care facility as well as household terms. However, not much time has been given to explaining the specifics of exactly what they are or how and when they should be applied. The purpose, therefore, of this article is to review these specifics for practicing physicians, regardless of their specialty.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2004

Infection control practices for dental radiography.

Infection control for dental radiography employs the same materials, processes, and techniques used in the operatory, yet unless proper procedures are established and followed, there is a definite potential for cross-contamination to clinical area surfaces and DHCP. In general, the aseptic practices used are relatively simple and inexpensive, yet they require complete application in every situation.

Asepsis↗

PubMed2000

Hospitals in England are failing to follow guidance for tuberculosis infection control - results of a National Survey.

Tuberculosis outbreaks can occur in hospitals if adequate infection control is not in place. UK guidelines on the prevention of tuberculosis transmission have recently been published. A national survey of acute NHS Trusts in England was conducted to evaluate whether tuberculosis infection control in hospitals is consistent with the new guidance. There was a 72% response rate (144 NHS Trusts). Sixty percent of Trusts had updated their tuberculosis infection control plans since the new guidance was published. Even trusts with updated plans failed to meet guidance in many areas. Thirty-five percent of Trusts had negative pressure facilities for the isolation of infectious tuberculosis patients. Depending on the risk category of the patient, 45-67% of Trusts met guidelines for isolation of infectious patients. Patients frequently left isolation for non-medical reasons. Only a minority of Trusts complied with guidance for respiratory protection of staff and visitors. These findings suggest that many Trusts remain at risk of outbreaks of tuberculosis and therefore need to re-examine infection control procedures and the availability of isolation facilities.

Data Collection↗

PubMed2000

Survey of the knowledge and practice of infection control among dental practitioners.

A survey on various aspects of infection control (overall knowledge/problem recognition, formal polices/reducing risk, and willingness to obtain additional education) was conducted among dental professionals and dental students. The survey was administered by a questionnaire at the offices of dental practitioners in Uberlândia and among dentistry students at the Federal University of Uberlândia. The two groups (professional dentists and students) differed significantly (P<0.0001) regarding recognition and reduction of the problem, but they were similarly willing to improve their knowledge of infection control. Dentists scored significantly higher than dental students on questions of recognition and reduction. A high proportion of students reported a lack of concern regarding routine handwashing before and after patient care (28.9% gave wrong answers). Of the dentists, only 8.8% reported a lack of knowledge about this matter. A higher proportion (P<0.0001) of dentists reported glove use and other basic barrier precautions (97.1% versus 51.9% among the students). However, the proportion of dentists who reported that they were aware of HBV vaccination was lower than among the students (81.5% versus 92.0%, p=0.0037). Additional education is required to promote a more realistic perception of the risks for HIV, HBV, and HCV transmission in dental offices and among dental students, and the use of all recommended infection control practices.

Brazil↗

PubMed2004

Infection control in the intensive care unit.

Nosocomial infections are common in many hospital departments, but particularly so on the intensive care unit, where they affect some 20 to 30% of patients. While early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are, of course, important, perhaps the greatest challenge is in the application of techniques to limit the development of such infections. This review will briefly discuss some of the background pathophysiology and epidemiology of nosocomial infection, and then focus on general and infection-specific preventative strategies individually and as part of broader infection-control programs with infection surveillance.

Cross Infection↗

PubMed1980

Nosocomial infection control problems in neonates and infants.

Nosocomial infection rates of 4-6% are standard in most general hospitals. Wound and urinary tract infections are most common on the Surgical Services. Respiratory tract infections cluster on the Medical Service. Programs of infection control should be Service-directed. Among pediatric patients, particular emphasis should be placed on monitoring colonization by S. aureus and antibiotic-resistant gram-negative rods. Control measures include maintenance of low colonization rates, development of an infection control team, and institution of restrictive practices when an outbreak occurs.

Cross Infection↗

PubMed2002

[A survey of infection control among community home care service providers].

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the current situation of infection control by community home care providers. METHODS: We investigated an area managed by one of 6 municipal social welfare offices in Fukushima. Two questionnaires were sent to all home care agencies providing home help services, visiting bathing care and visit-nursing: one to the 82 chiefs of the agencies (response rate of 90.2%) and the other to 1024 health care workers working for them (57.2%). The questionnaire covered health checkups of employees, maintenance and management of devices, infection control education and manuals, and hand hygiene. RESULTS: 1. Medical checkups were organized once a year or more at 94.6% of the agencies and employee participation of once a year or more was 87.6%. 2. Regarding the management of health care devices, personnel were assigned and a registration system was introduced at 43.2% and 20.8% of the agencies, respectively. Most agencies (94.6%) provided disposable gloves and 82.6% of the employees used them when handling body fluids or excretions. However, not many agencies provided hand-washing equipment (43.2%) and paper towels (39.2%). 3. Infection control educational programs were organized at 40.3% of the agencies and attended by 30.2% of the employees. Among the agencies without such programs, 76.2% gave employees' time constraint as a reason for not giving training. On the other hand, 78.5% of non-attendants of the program answered that they were not given a chance to participate. 4. Infection control manuals were available at 68.9% of the agencies, but only 69.4% of their employees were aware of them and only 44.3% utilized them. Agencies were aware of the situation and only 42.9% answered that their manuals were fully utilized. Among the agencies currently without manuals, 47.8% are developing manuals. 5. When and how to wash hands and how to use towels in home care settings were specified in 73.0%, 78.4% and 35.1% of the agencies, respectively. As high as 92.0% of employees washed their hands after caring for clients and 74.6% after handling body fluids or excretions, but 52.2% did so before caring. It was noted that although 82.7% of the employees washed their hands with water and soap (and antiseptic agents), only 7.5% used paper towels to dry their hands. CONCLUSION: The chiefs of home care providers should be required to develop and implement better infection control strategies with the support of local governmental agencies.

Caregivers↗

PubMed1999

APIC position paper: responsibility for interpretation of the PPD tuberculin skin test. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc (APIC) is a multidisciplinary, voluntary, international organization of professionals who practice infection control and the application of epidemiology in all health settings. APIC is an international leader in prevention and control of infection transmission.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

Infection control in subacute care.

Little or no published data are available regarding infections or infection control measures in subacute care units in the United States. Infection-control measures designed for long-term care facilities should, in general, suffice for subacute care units. When developing an infection-control program for a subacute unit, one must be continuously cognizant of the objectives of care rendered by such a unit to ensure that policies and procedures are consistent with those objectives.

Cross Infection↗