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Liu H, Fei C, Zhang X, Yang L, Ji X, Zeng Q, Liu J, Song J, Yan Z. What we learned from the infection control and what we need in the future: A quantitative and qualitative study on hospital infection prevention and control practitioners (HIPCPs) in Tianjin, China. Am J Infect Control 2024; 52:1073-1083. [PMID: 38740285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In December 2022, the epidemic prevention and control policy was upgraded, and China entered a different stage of epidemic control. This study aims to identify implications for better infection control and health care supply during the epidemic. METHODS A longitudinal quantitative and qualitative study was performed based on 2 comprehensive questionnaire surveys among 497 hospital infection prevention and control practitioners (HIPCPs) before and during the epidemic peak in Tianjin, China. RESULTS The workload (8.2 hours vs 10.14 hours, P = 0) and self-reported mental health problems (23.5% vs 61.8%, P < .05) among the HIPCPs increased significantly in the peak period. Ward reconstruction and resource coordination were the most needed jobs in hospital infection control, and rapidly increased medical waste during the epidemic needs to be considered in advance. Community support for health care personnel and their families, maintaining full PPE to reduce simultaneous infection of medical staff, and clinical training of infectious diseases for medical staff, especially doctors, in advance are the most important things we learned. CONCLUSION Although it has been 4 years since the first outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, more improvements should be made to prepare for the next epidemic of potential diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Liu
- Department of Disinfection and Nosocomial Infection Control, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China.
| | - Chunnan Fei
- Department of Disinfection and Nosocomial Infection Control, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Department of Disinfection and Nosocomial Infection Control, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Medicine, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueyue Ji
- Department of Disinfection and Nosocomial Infection Control, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Qili Zeng
- Department of Disinfection, Hubei Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Disinfection and Nosocomial Infection Control, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Song
- Department of Disinfection and Nosocomial Infection Control, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Disinfection and Nosocomial Infection Control, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
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Sowar SF, Acunin R, Abo Arisheh T, Cabanalan HC, Alkhawaja S. Evaluation of Infection Preventionists' Competencies Using the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Competency Model in Tertiary Care Government Hospitals, Bahrain. Cureus 2024; 16:e65764. [PMID: 39211652 PMCID: PMC11361617 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infection preventionists (IPs) are healthcare workers (HCWs) who received specialized training in infection prevention and control (IPC) to be able to deliver specific tasks to prevent and control infection transmission to patients, HCWs, and visitors in all healthcare settings. Most IPs started their professional life as nurses, physicians, microbiology, public health, or allied health specialties before moving to the IPC field, not necessarily with specialized training or diploma, which may need more focus on unified competency tool to evaluate their skills and strengths and improve IPC program outcome. Aim This study aimed to examine IPs' self-rated competency level using the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) core competencies and to determine what factors influence the level of competency among IPs in Government Hospitals (GHs) in Manama, Bahrain. Subject and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among non-certified IPs in Bahrain's GHs. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the targeted IPs using the Microsoft 365 form (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA). The questionnaire includes socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, years of experience, etc.), the APIC competency tool to assess IP competency, and the perceived effectiveness of the IPC program. Results Of the 17 IPs, 88.2% were females, and 47.1% were between 31 and 35 years old. Among the eight APIC core competencies, management and communication had the highest mean percentage score (84.2%), followed by preventing/controlling the transmission of infectious diseases (84.1%) and the identification of infectious disease processes (81.5%). The total mean competency score was 142.8 (SD: 20.3), with 70.6% classified as having a good level of competency. Increasing years of IP experience was the only factor associated with increased competency scores. Conclusion The level of IPC competency among "novice" or "becoming" proficient IPs was sufficient. Using the APIC competency tool, IPs showed competence in managing and communicating, preventing or controlling transmission of infectious agents, identifying infectious disease processes, and surveillance and epidemiologic investigations. Further research is needed to give more insights into the level of IPC competency of IPs in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh F Sowar
- Infection Control, Government Hospitals, Manama, BHR
| | - Rommel Acunin
- Infection Control, Government Hospitals, Manama, BHR
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Chen N, Li S, Kuang Z, Gong T, Zhou W, Wang Y. Identifying a competency improvement strategy for infection prevention and control professionals: A rapid systematic review and cluster analysis. HEALTH CARE SCIENCE 2024; 3:53-66. [PMID: 38939168 PMCID: PMC11080890 DOI: 10.1002/hcs2.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Remarkable progress has been made in infection prevention and control (IPC) in many countries, but some gaps emerged in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Core capabilities such as standard clinical precautions and tracing the source of infection were the focus of IPC in medical institutions during the pandemic. Therefore, the core competences of IPC professionals during the pandemic, and how these contributed to successful prevention and control of the epidemic, should be studied. To investigate, using a systematic review and cluster analysis, fundamental improvements in the competences of infection control and prevention professionals that may be emphasized in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Data, and CBM databases for original articles exploring core competencies of IPC professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic (from January 1, 2020 to February 7, 2023). Weiciyun software was used for data extraction and the Donohue formula was followed to distinguish high-frequency technical terms. Cluster analysis was performed using the within-group linkage method and squared Euclidean distance as the metric to determine the priority competencies for development. We identified 46 studies with 29 high-frequency technical terms. The most common term was "infection prevention and control training" (184 times, 17.3%), followed by "hand hygiene" (172 times, 16.2%). "Infection prevention and control in clinical practice" was the most-reported core competency (367 times, 34.5%), followed by "microbiology and surveillance" (292 times, 27.5%). Cluster analysis showed two key areas of competence: Category 1 (program management and leadership, patient safety and occupational health, education and microbiology and surveillance) and Category 2 (IPC in clinical practice). During the COVID-19 pandemic, IPC program management and leadership, microbiology and surveillance, education, patient safety, and occupational health were the most important focus of development and should be given due consideration by IPC professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuo Chen
- School of Public Health and ManagementHubei University of MedicineShiyanChina
| | - Shunning Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of OptometryTianjin Medical University Eye HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Zhengling Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjin Institutes of Health ScienceTianjinChina
| | - Ting Gong
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Weilong Zhou
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, West China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control ManagementZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Engineering Center for Infectious Disease Prevention, Control and TreatmentWuhanChina
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Guo XE, Bian LF, Li Y, Li CY, Lin Y. Common domains of nurses' competencies in public health emergencies: a scoping review. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:490. [PMID: 38124048 PMCID: PMC10734140 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01655-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A public health emergency can cause large numbers of deaths in a short period, with devastating social, economic and health consequences. Nurses are the main healthcare providers during such emergencies, and their competencies affect the control and outcomes of the situation. Studies on nurses' competencies in public health emergencies vary between countries and healthcare systems. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review to identify the common domains of nurses' competencies in public health emergencies worldwide. METHODS We searched the PubMed, CINHAL, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Embase, Cochrane Library, WanFang and ECRI databases from their inception to 2023. All published articles on nurses' competencies in public health emergencies that were published in English and Chinese were included. We mainly analyzed and synthesized nurses' competencies, assessment instruments and the training described in the included studies. RESULTS A total of 27 competency domains were identified following an analysis and summary. The most frequently cited domains were communication skills, self-protection skills, basic knowledge of a public health emergency, laws and ethics and the capacity for organizational collaboration. The Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool and the Emergency Preparedness Information Questionnaire were the most commonly used tools for assessing competencies. Most training was conducted online and the content that was covered varied by country. CONCLUSIONS Given the significant roles and responsibilities of nurses in public health emergencies, knowing the domains of their competencies is essential to evaluating, developing, and conducting clinical training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-E Guo
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Li-Fang Bian
- Department of Nursing, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qing Chun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Nursing, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qing Chun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chun-Yan Li
- Department of Nursing, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qing Chun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu Lin
- Department of Nursing, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qing Chun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
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da Silva Felix AM, Pereira EG, Padoveze MC. Competency assessment tools for infection preventionists: A scoping review. J Infect Prev 2023; 24:259-267. [PMID: 37975067 PMCID: PMC10638954 DOI: 10.1177/17571774231203388] [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: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infection prevention competencies are critical for successful job performance, career progression and robust performance of infection prevention and control programs. Aim/objective Identify competency assessment tools available to infection preventionists and describe their characteristics, validation processes and reliability. Methods A scoping review was conducted on five databases and grey literature from 1999 to 2022. A descriptive synthesis approach was undertaken to analyse the data. Finding/results Seven tools that meet the inclusion criteria were identified. Of those, one tool was reviewed twice. All tools were developed in the United Kingdom, Canada, China and the United States, and were published between 2009 and 2022. All tools use a rating scale; and the most used method to assess competencies was self-assessment. Levels of competency were cited by five tools. Two tools provided information on validation methods and reliability tests for internal consistency. Discussion Few competency assessment tools are available in the literature, and there is a lack of information on their development process. A global effort to develop an assessment tool that allows comparison across countries and cultures can be a step forward to propel infection preventionists' careers and enhance the efficacy of Infection Prevention and Control Programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M da Silva Felix
- Department of Community Health Nursing, The School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erica G Pereira
- Department of Community Health Nursing, The School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara Padoveze
- Department of Community Health Nursing, The School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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