Infection control's spreading scope.
Healthcare's shifting realities require broader infection control measures.
Humans↗
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.
Nosocomial infections in a children's hospital in Argentina: impact of a unique infection control intervention program.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of parental education and use of parents as nursing assistants on reducing nosocomial infections. DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Active surveillance for nosocomial infections was performed on two wards. On ward A, parents were educated about infection control practices and assisted nursing staff with routine tasks, so that nursing personnel could focus their efforts on procedures with higher risk of infection. Parental assistance was not sought on ward B, the comparison ward. RESULTS: From October 1990 through September 1991, 1,081 patients were admitted to wards A (470) or B (611). The over-all nosocomial infection rate was 7.1 per 100 admissions; the nosocomial infection rate was significantly higher on ward B than ward A (63/611 vs 14/470; P<.001). Multivariate analysis identified risk factors for nosocomial infection on the two wards as age <2 years (P=.01), malnutrition (P=.005), duration of hospitalization (P<.001), ward B hospitalization (P=.003), and ward cleanliness score (P=.009); the distribution of patients with these factors was similar on the two wards. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that parental infection control education and recruitment to relieve nursing staff of routine low-risk procedures are economical and easily implemented measures to reduce nosocomial infections in hospitals with limited personnel resources in the developing world.
Argentina↗
Management of HIV-infected children in the home and institutional settings. Care of children and infections control in schools, day care, hospital settings, home, foster care, and adoption.
The likelihood of high-risk pediatric exposure to HIV infection, other than perinatal exposure, has been shown to be low in most cases, and HIV PEP should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Generic considerations in the management of children who have become HIV infected emphasizes the principles of inclusion, maintaining confidentiality of a child's HIV status, and notifying those who need to know about the HIV status to care properly for the child or adolescent. Although appropriate infection-control precautions are applicable for all children and for many pathogens, children especially HIV-infected children, exposed to such pathogens, must be managed in a timely fashion. In many cases, recommendations that are applicable in one setting are applicable in others. Some exceptions apply, including infection-control precautions in hospitals versus other settings. A few additional considerations have been made for special settings and activities, including adoption, foster care, athletics, summer camp, and other recreational activities.
Bites, Human↗
Assessing the need for infection control programs: a diagnostic approach.
By using the PRECEDE model, we concluded that the need for standardized infection control programs in long-term care facilities is imminent and believe that the PRECEDE model has wide applicability in infection prevention and control. For example, it could be used to plan continuing education needs for the infection control department in a facility, or to plan a program to improve compliance with universal precautions or handwashing. Its use is limited only by the creativity of the planner.
Aged↗
An update on the human immunodeficiency virus and infection control.
This report is not an attempt to provide a comprehensive review of HIV infection, AIDS, and infection control. Rather it has highlighted some of the medical, ethical and legal aspects associated with the AIDS dilemma which are of significance to the dental profession. There would appear to be few if any valid professional reasons which a dentist may use to avoid treating an HIV infected or AIDS patient. In fact, dentists adopting such an attitude may be subject to litigation. From a research perspective, it is feasible that continuing monitoring of the oral manifestations of AIDS and its associated diseases will contribute much information regarding the responses of the oral tissues to immunosuppression. This, in turn, may result in a better appreciation of common dental diseases especially periodontitis. The information on infection control has emphasized how a knowledge of the basic microbiologic concepts regarding disease transmission should be used as the foundation for effective prevention of disease transmission.
Candidiasis, Oral↗
Investigation of infection control practices and knowledge of hepatitis C among body-piercing practitioners.
BACKGROUND: Body piercing has become increasingly popular, leading to concerns about the associated risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission during piercing. Many body-piercing practitioners (BPPs) have recently entered the industry but little is known about their training and understanding of HCV transmission. This study measured BPP knowledge about HCV and infection control procedures. It also tested for HCV contamination within body-piercing establishments. METHODS: BPPs completed a questionnaire about the number and type of piercings performed, their methods for disposing of and reprocessing piercing equipment, and their training and knowledge of HCV. Environmental swabs were collected and tested for HCV RNA. RESULTS: BPPs at 35 establishments were recruited. A total of 31 BPPs had training as a BPP, ranging from 1 hour to 6 years (median: 15 days). Reprocessing of equipment was variable; 8 establishments inadequately reprocessed piercing guns and 4 inadequately reprocessed forceps or guiding equipment. All BPPs were aware of HCV but many did not know how the virus was transmitted. A total of 19 BPPs performed extra cleaning after piercing a customer known to be HCV positive. No environmental swabs tested were positive for HCV RNA. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that many BPPs had inadequate training, and lacked knowledge and understanding of HCV transmission, infection control, and universal precautions. To reduce the risk of HCV transmission, BPPs should be required to undergo formal training in infection control before being registered as BPPs.
Chi-Square Distribution↗
Infection control in wound care: a study of fatalism in community nursing.
As part of a study of community nurses' perceptions of quality in nursing care, the author conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with seven community-based nurses. As part of the study, nurses were asked to describe episodes of wound care and to discuss the factors which could affect the quality of such care. One of the most interesting themes to emerge from the data was the apparent ambivalence of the nurses' attitudes towards infection control in wound care. Nurses discussed the concept of 'aseptic technique' in fatalistic terms and seemed uncertain about what could be achieved in terms of infection control. Although their policy guidelines referred to 'aseptic technique', their educational experience appeared to have made them feel uncertain about the implementation of the measures involved. With the proviso that this was a small scale qualitative study, the author concludes by suggesting that there is a need for greater clarity, both in what is taught and in what is included in practice policy with regard to infection control in wound care.
Attitude of Health Personnel↗
Infection control instruction and screening for students.
Cook County Hospital is a large, municipal teaching hospital with multiple academic affiliations. We sought to provide uniform infection control orientation and screening for students because many had no previous training in body substance isolation systems or infection control and trainees may be more likely to be exposed to hospital-acquired infections because of their inexperience. Each student or visiting resident must complete an educational program once each year. The program consists of a pretest, a video, and group discussion, with examples of needle-disposal boxes and protective gear, information about ways to avoid needlesticks and mucosal splashes, what to do if a contact occurs, and information on isolation and tuberculosis. The session ends with a posttest, which is then retained on file. All trainees are also required to provide a "certificate of compliance" with the hospital's infectious disease serology screening program, which includes measles, rubella, and hepatitis B surface antigen testing, as well as tuberculin skin testing. Trainees must provide an updated form annually. The program is costly, both in dollars and in personnel time, for visiting students and the hospital. Tuberculin skin test screening detected a cluster of purified protein derivative skin test conversions in medical students.
Chicago↗
Gender differences in characteristics, infection control practices, knowledge and attitudes related to HIV among Ontario dentists.
We surveyed 5,997 dentists in Ontario to investigate gender differences in the characteristics, infection control practices, knowledge and attitudes regarding the treatment of HIV-infected patients. The response rate was 70.3%. Reports indicated that female dentists are younger and more likely to work in larger urban centres (P < 0.00001), and in general practice (P < 0.0001) than their male counterparts. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that many significant gender differences in the univariate analyses could be explained by the confounding influence of age, practice location, and specialty; however, some differences remain significant: Women were more likely than men to report attending continuing education dealing with HIV/AIDS in the past two years (P < 0.001), and to use masks and eye protection (P < 0.00001). Men reported more economic concerns than women: they were more concerned about the financial burden of infection control costs (P < 0.00001), and losing patients from their practice if it is known that they treat patients with HIV (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in willingness to provide treatment for patients with HIV. We conclude that there is little evidence to show that access to oral care for patients with HIV is affected by gender differences.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Educational programmes for infection control in Austria.
Educational aims and strategies (simply arousing awareness, sensitivity and understanding; and/or training in practical skills and knowledge; or the ability to teach infection control, and to convince those taught) depend on the target group. Infection control is part of the curriculum for students of medicine and other health care professions, and is included in course examinations. Postgraduate doctors may seek training on courses which are organized by the Hygiene Institute of the University of Vienna in co-operation with the Austrian Society of Hygiene, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine. Registered nurses may enroll in the Austrian Nurses' Association training scheme (6 weeks of theory with professional work for 2 years), leading to approval as Hygieneschwester/-pfleger. Postgraduate in-hospital education for all health-care professions occurs in many Austrian hospitals, with resources from Vienna and Linz. Hospital managements, health authorities and politicians are influenced via their own educational activities and via publications.
Austria↗
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci: implications for infection control.
The incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is increasing. Immunosuppressed individuals are particularly vulnerable to infection with VRE. Strict attention to infection control measures is important in preventing the spread of multiresistant organisms.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PHYSICIAN outlines infection control plan.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Hospitals↗
Hospital infection control in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.
Guidelines for Preventing Opportunistic Infections Among Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients contains a section on hospital infection control including evidence-based recommendations regarding ventilation, construction, equipment, plants, play areas and toys, health-care workers, visitors, patient skin and oral care, catheter-related infections, drug-resistant organisms, and specific nosocomial infections. These guidelines are intended to reduce the number and severity of hospital infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.
Animals↗
Use of alcohol hand sanitizer as an infection control strategy in an acute care facility.
BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections are a major problem in health care facilities, resulting in extended durations of care, substantial morbidity and mortality, and excess costs. Since alcohol gel hand sanitizers combine high immediate antimicrobial efficacy with ease of use, this study was carried out to determine the effect of the use of an alcohol gel hand sanitizer by caregivers on infection types and rates in an acute care facility. Patients were educated about the study through a poster on the unit, and teachable patients were given portable bottles of the alcohol hand gel for bedside use, along with an educational brochure explaining how and why to practice good hand hygiene. METHODS: Infection rate and type data were collected in 1 unit of a 498-bed acute care facility for 16 months (February 2000 to May 2001). An alcohol gel hand sanitizer was provided and used by caregivers in the orthopedic surgical unit of the facility during this period. RESULTS: The primary infection types (more than 80%) found were urinary tract (UTI) and surgical site (SSI) infections. Infection types and rates for the unit during the period the alcohol hand sanitizer (intervention) was used were compared with the infection types and rates for the same unit when the alcohol hand sanitizer was not used (baseline); the results demonstrated a 36.1% decrease in infection rates for the 10-month period that the hand sanitizer was used. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that use of an alcohol gel hand sanitizer can decrease infection rates and provide an additional tool for an effective infection control program in acute care facilities.
Analysis of Variance↗
[Current guideline for hospital infection control in Japan].
The Committee for Prevention of Nosocomial Infection organized by national university hospitals has developed guideline for preventing hospital acquired infections. This was developed after intensive and systematic reviews of the existing scientific papers, followed by a consensus meeting with presence of the infection control specialists. The guideline consisted of following categories: standard precaution, causality organism, urinary tract infection, ventilator associated pneumonia, surgical site infection, catheter related bloodstream infection, and accidental contamination by needles. We also plan to evaluate the effectiveness of this guideline, and continue to update it by our consistent review of scientific papers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.↗
Infection control: more than a matter of economics.
Read about infection control products such as safer needles, gloves, and urine sampling devices, and how to choose them for your facility.
Choice Behavior↗
Infection control knowledge, practice, and attitudes of Mississippi dental hygienists.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess Mississippi dental hygienists' knowledge and use of infection control techniques, attitudes pertaining to universal precautions and the risk of clinician/patient cross-infection, and attitudes toward treatment of patients with infectious diseases. METHODS: A 41-item questionnaire was mailed to all 508 licensed dental hygienists in Mississippi. Inactive, retired, and out-of-state hygienists (n = 59) were deleted from this study. The data were tested for significant associations using Chi-square. RESULTS: After adjusting for the 59 unusable returns, the response rate for analysis was 58% (n = 297). Dental hygienists reported using infection control techniques including sterilization or disposal of common items such as prophylaxis angles, suction tips, and air/water syringe tips. Although 98% of the respondents believed that barrier techniques were effective, some believed patients infected with HIV/AIDS (43%), hepatitis B (31%), or tuberculosis (40%) are best treated in public clinics rather than in private settings and that these clients pose a threat to dental hygiene practitioners. Further, a majority of the respondents believed that all oral healthcare workers and patients should be tested for HIV/AIDS. CONCLUSIONS: The incongruity between perceived knowledge, reported practice, and attitudes suggests the need for continuing education courses designed to allow dental hygienists to explore the affective domain regarding the care of patients with infectious diseases. In addition, courses on working with patients with HIV/AIDS should be offered in smaller cities for greater accessibility.
Adult↗