1
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Prinzbach A, Gadsden J. Practice 'safe scans': why ultrasound transducer covers should be considered best practice. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2024:rapm-2024-105655. [PMID: 38777364 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2024-105655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Single-injection, ultrasound-guided nerve block procedures involve puncturing the skin in close proximity to an ultrasound transducer, creating a potential vector for transmission of microbial organisms when skin flora and blood come into contact with the probe. Practice patterns regarding disinfection of the transducer and the use of barrier protection are inconsistent, ranging from sterile sleeve probe covers to no cover at all. Although sleeve probe covers are easy and straightforward to use and serve to protect patients, providers and medical equipment, their utilisation remains controversial. Standardisation of their use eliminates the impact of improper or haphazard probe disinfection and makes infection control practices consistent and reproducible. This position is shared by multiple societies and authorities on ultrasound and acute care medicine. In this Daring Discourse, we outline the arguments supporting the utilisation of single-use sleeve probe covers to ensure patient safety with respect to vector-borne transmission of microbes during single-injection regional anaesthesia procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Prinzbach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey Gadsden
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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2
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Bhan A, Green CV, Liang Philpotts L, Doherty M, Greenfield AS, Courtney A, Shenoy ES. Educational interventions to improve compliance with disinfection practices of noncritical portable medical equipment: A systematic review. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:360-366. [PMID: 37929604 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe educational interventions that have been implemented in healthcare settings to increase the compliance of healthcare personnel (HCP) with cleaning and disinfection of noncritical portable medical equipment (PME) requiring low-level disinfection (LLD). DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS Studies evaluating interventions for improving LLD practices in settings with HCP, including healthcare students and trainees, were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS In total, 1,493 abstracts were identified and 1,416 were excluded, resulting in 77 studies that underwent full text review. Among these, 68 were further excluded due to study design, setting, or intervention. Finally, 9 full-text studies were extracted; 1 study was excluded during the critical appraisal process, leaving 8 studies. Various forms of interventions were implemented in the studies, including luminescence, surveillance of contamination with feedback, visual signage, enhanced training, and improved accessibility of LLD supplies. Of the 8 included studies, 4 studies reported successes in improving LLD practices among HCP. CONCLUSIONS The available literature was limited, indicating the need for additional research on pedagogical methods to improve LLD practices. Use of visual indicators of contamination and multifaceted interventions improved LLD practice by HCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarushi Bhan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chloe V Green
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Megan Doherty
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Amy Courtney
- Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erica S Shenoy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Infection Control, Mass General Brigham, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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3
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Xiao T, Fu Y, Li B, Li Y, Zhang J, Li H, Zhou X, Zhong L, Zhu L, Qin G, Zou X, Zhang X, Zheng M, Zou P, Hu Y, Chen X, Wang Y, Wu N, Gao S, Hu X, Luo X, Ju R. A study protocol for investigating the sonographic characteristics of neonates with critical illness: an observational cohort study. BMJ Paediatr Open 2023; 7:e001975. [PMID: 37369561 PMCID: PMC10410971 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-001975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemodynamic instability and hypoxaemia are common and serious threats to the survival of neonates. A growing body of literature indicates that critical care ultrasound has become the optimal evaluation tool for sick neonates. However, few studies have described sonographic characteristics of haemodynamics systematically in the neonates with critical illness. This protocol describes a prospective observational cohort study aimed at (1) characterising the sonographic characteristics of the neonates with critical diseases; and (2) assessing the mortality, significant morbidity, utility of vasoactive medications, fluid resuscitation, duration of ventilation, etc. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a single-centre, prospective and observational study conducted in Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital from 1 December 2022 to 31 December 2027. Neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit will be recruited. After inclusion, the neonates will undergo the neonatal critical care ultrasound. The data collected via case report forms include clinical variables and sonographic measures. The primary outcome is to identify the sonographic characteristics of sick neonates with different diseases, and the secondary outcome is to describe the mortality, significant morbidity, utility of vasoactive medications, fluid resuscitation and duration of ventilation. DISCUSSION Our study provided an organised neonatal critical care ultrasound workflow, which can be applied in practice. Accordingly, this study will first set up large data on the sonographic description of the neonates with critical illness, which can help to understand the pathophysiology of the critical illness, potentially titrating the treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200065581; https://www.chictr.org.cn/com/25/showproj.aspx?proj=184095).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Xiao
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiyong Fu
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Biao Li
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Huaying Li
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Linping Zhong
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Gaoyang Qin
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zou
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhang
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Minsheng Zheng
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Pinli Zou
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Youning Hu
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Nana Wu
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuqiang Gao
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuhong Hu
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohong Luo
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Ju
- Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Desai SR, Tang L, Hwang NC. Infection Control for Perioperative Ultrasonography and Echocardiography. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2022; 36:4440-4448. [PMID: 36123263 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound technology has revolutionized point-of-care diagnostics, decision-making, and the guidance of interventional procedures in Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. Recent literature has highlighted important infection control considerations when performing transesophageal or transthoracic echocardiography, point-of-care ultrasound, and ultrasound-guided procedures. This narrative review focuses on operator precautions and disinfection methods and summarizes key recommendations from the international Echocardiography and Radiology Societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneel Ramesh Desai
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Department of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia, National Heart Centre, Singapore; Department of Surgical Intensive Care, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Leonard Tang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Nian Chih Hwang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Department of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia, National Heart Centre, Singapore.
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Ghulam QM, Svendsen MBS, Zielinski AH, Eiberg JP. Ultrasound Transducer Pressure: An Unexplored Source of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Measurement Error. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:1778-1784. [PMID: 35691732 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at quantifying the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) compression phenomenon and assessing the use of a new tool to estimate transducer pressure in vivo. In this cross-sectional study, 47 participants with AAA and a median anterior-to-posterior (AP) AAA diameter of 46 mm (range: 30-76 mm) were included. The majority of the patients were overweight with body mass indexes >25 (33/47, 70%). A standardized ultrasound (US)-compatible gel pad, with a pre-defined thickness (15 mm) and mass (150 g), was interposed between the US transducer and participant to estimate the applied transducer pressure. A firm transducer pressure significantly lowered the median AP diameter from 46.1 mm (range: 29.7-76.3) to 39.4 mm (range: 21.7-67.5) (p = 0.001). The mean diameter bias between light and firm transducer pressure was 6.1 mm (95% confidence interval: 4.9-7.3). The applied transducer pressure varied significantly and could be measured by translating the deformation of a low-tech gel pad interposed between the US transducer and the participant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander Hakon Zielinski
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Peter Eiberg
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Copenhangen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Burton L, Bhargava V, Kong M. Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Front Pediatr 2022; 9:830160. [PMID: 35178366 PMCID: PMC8845897 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.830160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonography has been widely used in medicine for decades but often by specific users such as cardiologists, obstetricians, and radiologists. In the last several years, the use of this imaging modality has moved to the bedside, with clinicians performing and interpreting focused point of care ultrasonography to aid in immediate assessment and management of their patients. The growth of point of care ultrasonography has been facilitated by advancement in ultrasound-related technology and emerging studies and protocols demonstrating its utility in clinical practice. However, considerable challenges remain before this modality can be adopted across the spectrum of disciplines, primarily as it relates to training, competency, and standardization of usage. This review outlines the history, current state, challenges and the future direction of point of care ultrasonography specifically in the field of pediatric critical care medicine.
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8
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Van Kalsbeek D, Enroth K, Lyden E, Rupp ME, Smith CJ. Improving hospital-based point-of-care ultrasound cleaning practices using targeted interventions: a pre-post study. Ultrasound J 2021; 13:43. [PMID: 34664118 PMCID: PMC8522855 DOI: 10.1186/s13089-021-00244-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) devices are becoming more widely used in healthcare and have the potential to act as fomites. The objective of this project was to study the thoroughness of cleaning of POCUS machines before and after a quality improvement initiative. We designed a mixed-methods, pre/post study which took place over the course of one year at a university-affiliated health center. Cleaning rates of four ultrasound machines used by hospital medicine and critical care medicine services were evaluated using fluorescent marking. Interventions targeted physicians' knowledge of best practices and improved access to cleaning supplies. Pre- and post-intervention cleaning rates were compared using a generalized linear model. The impact of the corona virus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on baseline cleaning rates was also evaluated. Physicians' attitudes and knowledge of cleaning practices were evaluated via unpaired pre/post surveys. RESULTS There was significant improvement in thoroughness of cleaning following intervention (pre 0.62, SE 0.05; post 0.89, SE 0.07), p < 0.0001). There was no difference in baseline cleaning rates before (0.63, SE 0.09) and after (0.61, SE 0.1) the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.78). Post-intervention surveying found improved understanding of guideline-based cleaning practice, better performance on knowledge-based questions, and fewer reported barriers to machine cleaning. CONCLUSION Thoroughness of cleaning of POCUS machines can be improved with practical interventions that target knowledge and access to cleaning supplies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Van Kalsbeek
- Department of Internal Medicine, 982055 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-2055, USA.
| | - Karl Enroth
- Department of Internal Medicine, 982055 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-2055, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lyden
- Department of Biostatistics, 984375 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-4375, USA
| | - Mark E Rupp
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 985400 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5400, USA
| | - Christopher J Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, 986430 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6430, USA
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