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Iversen AM, Hansen MB, Münster M, Kristensen B, Ellermann-Eriksen S. Hand hygiene compliance in nursing home wards: the effect of increased accessibility of alcohol-based hand rub. J Hosp Infect 2024; 147:206-212. [PMID: 38521416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.02.027] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elderly nursing home residents are vulnerable to infection from micro-organisms. Hand hygiene is considered one of the most important measures to prevent transmission. AIM To determine the effect of increased accessibility to alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) in nursing home wards by monitoring hand hygiene compliance (HHC) among healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS An 11-month intervention study was conducted in a Danish six-ward nursing home. Data were collected using an automatic hand hygiene monitoring system (AHHMS). After a baseline period, one extra ABHR dispenser was placed in each of the 150 apartments. Baseline HHC was compared with the HHC during an immediate intervention period and a long-term intervention period. FINDINGS A total of 159 HCWs were included. The AHHMS registered 341,078 hand hygiene opportunities. Overall baseline HHC was 31% (95% confidence interval: 30-32). A significant +18% absolute immediate effect (first five months) (95% CI: 17-19; P < 0.0001) and +13 percentage points (95% CI: 11-14; P < 0.0001) long-term effect (another four months) were recorded. HCWs working day shifts and short-term employees had a higher baseline HHC than HCWs working evening/night shifts. However, HCWs working night shifts achieved the greatest long-term effect with a mean +27 percentage point difference (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Placing an additional ABHR dispenser strategically within staff workflow significantly increased HHC among HCWs, demonstrating a noteworthy effect. The study is the first to report the effect on nursing home dispenser accessibility as a single intervention and to show a significant unmet potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-M Iversen
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - M B Hansen
- Konduto ApS, Sani Nudge, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - B Kristensen
- National Centre of Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Ellermann-Eriksen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Denmark
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Iversen AM, Hansen MB, Kristensen B, Ellermann-Eriksen S. Hand hygiene compliance in nursing home wards: The effects of feedback with lights on alcohol-based hand rub dispensers. Am J Infect Control 2024:S0196-6553(24)00160-3. [PMID: 38583777 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.03.018] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand hygiene (HH) among health care workers (HCWs) is crucial in preventing infections in nursing homes. However, HH compliance (HHC) among HCWs remains low. This study aimed to investigate the effect of feedback lights on HCWs' HHC. METHODS A 5-month interventional study was conducted in 3 wards in a nursing home in Denmark. During the intervention period, a green light with a smiley appeared on the alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) dispensers when HCWs used the ABHR, acknowledging HCWs for using the ABHR. HHC was monitored using an automatic HH monitoring system (AHHMS). RESULTS A total of 64 HCWs were enrolled. The AHHMS collected 23,696 HH opportunities in apartments and dirty utility rooms. Overall, HHC in the apartments increased from 50% at baseline (95% CI: 48, 53) to 56% (95% CI: 54, 58) during the intervention. However, the increased HHC level was not sustained during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The AHHMS enabled the assessment of the intervention. We found a significant effect of light-guided feedback in the apartments. However, the increased HHC was not sustained after the light was switched off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Mette Iversen
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | | | - Brian Kristensen
- National Center of Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Svend Ellermann-Eriksen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Bacterial contamination on used face masks among nursing home healthcare personnel. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 3:e54. [PMID: 36970428 PMCID: PMC10031582 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2023.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives:
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been worn by many in public areas and for prolonged periods by healthcare workers (HCWs). This may facilitate bacterial contamination and transmission to and from patients in nursing homes where clinical care areas with strict precautions and residential and activity areas are interconnected. We assessed and compared bacterial mask colonization in HCWs belonging to different demographic categories and professions (clinical and nonclinical) and among HCWs who had worn the mask for different periods of time.
Design, setting and participants:
We conducted a point-prevalence study of 69 HCW masks at the end of a typical work shift in a 105-bed nursing home serving postacute care and rehabilitation patients. Information collected about the mask user included profession, age, sex, length of time the mask was worn, and known exposure to patients with colonization.
Results:
In total, 123 distinct bacterial isolates were recovered (1–5 isolates per mask), including Staphylococcus aureus from 11 masks (15.9%) and gram-negative bacteria of clinical importance from 22 masks (31.9%). Antibiotic resistance rates were low. There were no significant differences in the number of clinically important bacteria among masks worn more or less than 6 hours, and there were no significant differences among HCWs with different job functions or exposure to colonized patients.
Conclusions:
Bacterial mask contamination was not associated with HCW profession or exposure and did not increase after 6 hours of mask wearing in our nursing home setting. Bacteria contaminating HCW masks may differ from those colonizing patients.
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Haenen A, de Greeff S, Voss A, Liefers J, Hulscher M, Huis A. Hand hygiene compliance and its drivers in long-term care facilities; observations and a survey. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:50. [PMID: 35303941 PMCID: PMC8931571 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01088-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Hand hygiene is an important measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections in long-term care facilities.
Objectives
To evaluate compliance with hand hygiene recommendations by different nursing professionals in long-term care facilities and to investigate determinants potentially influencing hand hygiene and whether these differed between the different cadres of staff.
Methods
We conducted two sub-studies: we measured hand hygiene compliance of 496 professionals in 14 long-term care facilities (23 wards) through direct observation using World Health Organisation’s ‘five moments of hand hygiene’ observation tool. In addition, we performed a survey to examine determinants that may influence hand hygiene and to determine differences between different cadres of staff. We used a principal component analysis approach with varimax rotation to explore the underlying factor structure of the determinants.
Results
We found an overall mean hand hygiene compliance of 17%. There was considerable variation between wards (5–38%) and between specific World Health Organization hand hygiene moments. In addition, hand hygiene compliance varied widely within and between different cadres of staff. The determinant analysis was conducted on 177 questionnaires. For all nursing professionals, we found multiple determinants in four domains: ‘social context and leadership’, ‘resources’, ‘individual healthcare professional factors’ and ‘risk perception’. In two domains, several barriers were perceived differently by nursing assistants and nurses. In the domain ‘social context and leadership’, this included (1) how the manager addresses barriers to enable hand hygiene as recommended and (2) how the manager pays attention to correct adherence to the hand hygiene guidelines. In the ‘risk perception’ domain, this included a resident's risk of acquiring an infection as a result of the nursing professional’s failure to comply with the hand hygiene guidelines.
Conclusion
Hand hygiene compliance was low and influenced by multiple factors, several of which varied among different cadres of staff. When designing interventions to improve hand hygiene performance in long-term care facilities, strategies should take into account these determinants and how they vary between different cadres of staff. We recommend exploring hand hygiene determinants at ward level and among different cadres of staff, for example by using our exploratory questionnaire.
Trial registration
Registration number 50-53000-98-113, ‘Compliance with hand hygiene in nursing homes: go for a sustainable effect’ on ClinicalTrials.gov. Date of registration 28-6-2016.
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Sandbekken IH, Hermansen Å, Utne I, Grov EK, Løyland B. Students' observations of hand hygiene adherence in 20 nursing home wards, during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:156. [PMID: 35164685 PMCID: PMC8845230 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07143-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare-associated infections are a major threat to patient safety, particularly vulnerable elderly living in nursing homes, who have an increased risk of infections and mortality. Although good hand hygiene is the most effective preventive measure against infections, few studies of hand hygiene adherence have been conducted in nursing homes. The aim of this study is to investigate hand hygiene adherence in nursing homes with students as observers using a validated observation tool. In addition, to examine when healthcare workers perform hand hygiene and when they do not. METHODS This observational study used the World Health Organization's observation tool for studying hand hygiene indication and adherence: "My five moments for hand hygiene." For 1 week each in February and March 2021, 105 first-year nursing students conducted 7316 hand hygiene observations at 20 nursing home wards in one large municipality in Norway. RESULTS The overall adherence rate found in this study was 58.3%. Hand hygiene adherence decreased from 65.8% in February to 51.4% in March. The adherence varied largely between the different wards, from 26.4 to 83.1%, and by occupation status, indications of hand hygiene, and use of gloves. Nursing students were found to have the greatest adherence, followed by nurses. The use of gloves reduced adherence. Healthcare workers to a larger degree conduct hand hygiene after contact with patients than before approaching them. CONCLUSIONS Hand hygiene adherence is too low to protect all residents against healthcare-associated infections, and the findings from this study indicate that there are many factors that influence hand hygiene adherence, eg., education, occupation status and glove use Increasing healthcare workers' knowledge and skills of hand hygiene is needed to reduce healthcare-associated infections and reminders of the importance of hand hygiene adherence must be an ongoing activity. Interventions to improve hand hygiene adherence in healthcare workers is needed to reduce infections and antibiotic use in nursing homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Hellum Sandbekken
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Postboks 4, St. Olavs Plass, 0130, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åsmund Hermansen
- Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Utne
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Postboks 4, St. Olavs Plass, 0130, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Karine Grov
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Postboks 4, St. Olavs Plass, 0130, Oslo, Norway
| | - Borghild Løyland
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Postboks 4, St. Olavs Plass, 0130, Oslo, Norway.
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Mills JP, Marchaim D. Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria: Infection Prevention and Control Update. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2021; 35:969-994. [PMID: 34752228 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) pose one of the greatest challenges to health care today because of their propensity for human-to-human transmission and lack of therapeutic options. Containing the spread of MDR-GNB is challenging, and the application of multifaceted infection control bundles during an evolving outbreak makes it difficult to measure the relative impact of each measure. This article will review the utility of various infection control measures in containing the spread of various MDR-GNB and will provide the supporting evidence for these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Mills
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, F4177 University Hospital South, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5226, USA.
| | - Dror Marchaim
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Division of Infectious Diseases, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
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Rubano MD, Kieffer EF, Larson EL. Infection prevention and control in nursing homes during COVID-19: An environmental scan. Geriatr Nurs 2021; 43:51-57. [PMID: 34808421 PMCID: PMC8810224 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
To examine processes and programmatic elements of infection prevention and control (IPC) efforts and identify themes and promising approaches in nursing homes (NHs), an environmental scan was conducted. Data sources included a literature search, relevant listservs and websites, and expert consensus based on a virtual summit of leaders in IPC in long-term care settings. Three thematic areas emerged which have the potential to improve overall IPC practices in the long-term care setting: staffing and resource availability, training and knowledge of IPC practices, and organizational culture. If improved IPC practices and reduced cross-transmission of infections in NHs are to be sustained, both short-term and long-term changes in these areas are essential to fully engage staff, build trust, and enhance a 'just' organizational culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario D Rubano
- New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 5th Avenue - Office #441, New York, NY 10029, United States.
| | - Elana F Kieffer
- New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 5th Avenue - Office #441, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Elaine L Larson
- New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 5th Avenue - Office #441, New York, NY 10029, United States; Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Abstract
Hand hygiene by health care personnel is an important measure for preventing health care-associated infections, but adherence rates and technique remain suboptimal. Alcohol-based hand rubs are the preferred method of hand hygiene in most clinical scenarios, are more effective and better tolerated than handwashing, and their use has facilitated improved adherence rates. Obtaining accurate estimates of hand hygiene adherence rates using direct observations of personnel is challenging. Combining automated hand hygiene monitoring systems with direct observations is a promising strategy, and is likely to yield the best estimates of adherence. Greater attention to hand hygiene technique is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Boyce
- J.M. Boyce Consulting, LLC, 62 Sonoma Lane, Middletown, CT 06457, USA.
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Sturm L, Flood M, Montoya A, Mody L, Cassone M. Updates on Infection Control in Alternative Health Care Settings. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2021; 35:803-825. [PMID: 34362545 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Patients increasingly receive care from a large spectrum of different settings, placing them at risk for exposure to pathogens by many different sources. Each health care environment has its own specific challenges, and thus infection control programs must be tailored to each specific setting. High-turnover outpatient settings may require additional considerations, such as establishing patient triage and follow-up protocols, and broadened cleaning and disinfection procedures. In nursing homes, infection control programs should focus on surveillance for infections and antimicrobial resistance, outbreak investigation and control plan for epidemics, isolation precautions, hand hygiene, staff education, and employee and resident health programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Sturm
- Sr. Director-Infection Prevention, Quality, Clinical & Network Services, Ascension, 4600 Edmundson Road, St. Louis, MO 63134, USA
| | - Michelle Flood
- Ascension St John Hospital Detroit, 19251 Mack Avenue Suite 190, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, USA
| | - Ana Montoya
- East Ann Arbor Geriatrics Center, 4260 Plymouth Road, Room B1337, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lona Mody
- East Ann Arbor Geriatrics Center, 4260 Plymouth Road, Room B1337, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; University of Michigan Geriatrics, 300 North Ingalls Street, Room 914, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2007, USA
| | - Marco Cassone
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine BSRB Building, Room 3023. 109 Zina Pitcher place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Mody L, Gontjes KJ, Cassone M, Gibson KE, Lansing BJ, Mantey J, Kabeto M, Galecki A, Min L. Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Intervention to Reduce Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Nursing Homes: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2116555. [PMID: 34269807 PMCID: PMC8285736 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.16555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Preventing MDROs can reduce the risk of subsequent transmission and infection. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a multicomponent infection prevention intervention can reduce MDRO prevalence in nursing homes (NHs). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cluster randomized clinical trial of a multicomponent intervention was conducted in 6 NHs in Michigan from September 2016 to August 2018. Three NHs adopted a multicomponent intervention, while 3 control NHs continued without investigator intervention. Study visits were conducted at baseline; days 7, 14, 21, and 30; and monthly thereafter for up to 6 months or discharge. Visits included clinical data collection and MDRO surveillance culturing of multiple body sites and high-touch surfaces in patient rooms. Any patients who provided informed consent within 14 days of admission to the NH were enrolled in this study. Non-English speakers and patients receiving hospice care were ineligible. Analysis was performed from November 2018 to February 2020. INTERVENTIONS Intervention NHs adopted a multicomponent intervention that included enhanced barrier precautions, chlorhexidine bathing, MDRO surveillance, environmental cleaning education and feedback, hand hygiene promotion, and health care worker education and feedback. Control nursing homes continued standard care practices. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome, presence of MDROs, was measured longitudinally in the patient and room environment and was evaluated using generalized mixed effect models. The secondary outcome, time to new MDRO acquisition, was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS A total of 6 NHs were included, with 245 patients (mean [SD] age, 72.5 [13.6] years; 134 [54.7%] women) enrolled; 3 NHs with 113 patients (46.1%) were randomized to the intervention group and 3 NHs with 132 patients (53.9%) were randomized to the control group. A total of 132 patients (53.9%) were White, and 235 patients (95.9%) were receiving postacute care. Over 808 study visits, 3654 patient cultures and 5606 environmental cultures were obtained. The intervention reduced the odds of MDRO prevalence in patients' environment by 43% (aOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35-0.94), but there was no statistically significant difference on the patient level before or after adjustment (aOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.29-1.14). There were no significant reductions in time to new acquisition for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (hazard ratio [HR], 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04-1.09), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.46-1.53), or resistant gram-negative bacilli (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.73-1.78). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cluster randomized clinical trial found that the multicomponent intervention reduced the prevalence of MDROs in the environment of NH patients. Our findings highlight the potential for multicomponent interventions to directly and indirectly reduce MDRO prevalence in NHs. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02909946.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lona Mody
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kyle J. Gontjes
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
| | - Marco Cassone
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Kristen E. Gibson
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Bonnie J. Lansing
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Julia Mantey
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Mohammed Kabeto
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Andrzej Galecki
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
| | - Lillian Min
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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The Hawthorne effect in observational studies: Threat or opportunity? Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2020; 41:491. [PMID: 32052716 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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