Clinical Issues-July 2022

Surgical hand antisepsis recommendations Key words: surgical hand scrub, alcohol-based hand rub, dry scrub, wet scrub, antimicrobial. Surgical hand rub preparation Key words: surgical hand antiseptic, hand wash, nail pick, hand hygiene, scrub personnel. Use of a closing tray Key words: clean-contaminated, isolation technique, gastrointestinal tract, wound class, wound closure. Hemostatic agent classification Key words: Class III medical devices, absorbable hemostatic agents, product classification, medical specialty panels, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Learning to interact with new technology: Health care workers' experiences of using a monitoring system for assessing hand hygiene - a grounded theory study

BACKGROUND

Recently, innovative technologies for hand hygiene (HH) monitoring have been developed to improve HH adherence in health care. This study explored health care workers' experiences of using an electronic monitoring system to assess HH adherence.

METHODS

An electronic monitoring system with digital feedback was installed on a surgical ward and interviews with health care workers using the system (n = 17) were conducted.  The data were analyzed according to grounded theory by Strauss and Corbin.

RESULTS

Health care workers' experiences were expressed in terms of having trust in the monitoring system, requesting system functionality and ease of use and becoming aware of one's own performance. This resulted in the core category of learning to interact with new technology, summarized as the main strategy when using an electronic monitoring system in clinical settings. The system with digital feedback improved the awareness of HH and individual feedback was preferable to group feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

Being involved in using and managing a technical innovation for assessing HH adherence in health care is a process of formulating a strategy for learning to interact with new technology. The importance of inviting health care workers to participate in the co-design of technical innovations is crucial, as it creates both trust in the innovation per se and trust in the process of learning how to use it.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of alcohol handrub for the prevention of neonatal bloodstream infections: Evidence from HAI-Ghana study

Published evidence of the cost-effectiveness of alcohol-based handrub (ABH) for the prevention of neonatal bloodstream infections (BSI) is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a multimodal hand hygiene involving alcohol-based hand rub (ABH) for the prevention of neonatal BSI in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting in Ghana using data from HAI-Ghana study. Design was a before and after intervention study using economic evaluation model to assess the cost-effectiveness of a multimodal hand hygiene strategy involving alcohol-based hand rub plus soap and water compared to existing practice of using only soap and water. We measured effect and cost by subtracting outcomes without the intervention from outcomes with the intervention. The primary outcome measure is the number of neonatal BSI episode averted with the intervention and the consequent cost savings from patient and provider perspectives. The before and after intervention studies lasted four months each, spanning October 2017 to January 2018 and December 2018 to March 2019, respectively. The analysis shows that the ABH program was effective in reducing patient cost of neonatal BSI by 41.7% and BSI-attributable hospital cost by 48.5%. Further, neonatal BSI-attributable deaths and extra length of hospital stay (LOS) decreased by 73% and 50% respectively. Also, the post-intervention assessment revealed the ABH program contributed to 16% decline in the incidence of neonatal BSI at the NICU. The intervention is a simple and adaptable strategy with cost-saving potential when carefully scaled up across the country. Though the cost of the intervention may be more relative to using just soap and water for hand hygiene, the outcome is a good reason for investment into the intervention to reduce the incidence of neonatal BSI and the associated costs from patient and providers' perspectives.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: The Magnitude and Risk Factors among Patients Admitted to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

In healthcare facilities, a gradual increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections has been seen over the past 2 decades. Similarly, it has been responsible for the most frequent and invasive pathogens associated with admitted patient infection. Currently, it is considered an urgent threat to public health and classified as one of the top-priority antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. This study aimed to determine the magnitude and associated risk factors of MRSA infection among admitted patients.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional examination was led on 413 patients admitted to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital from January 2018 to January 2019. A convenient sampling technique was used. Clinical specimens of pus and blood were collected from admitted patients who developed the infection after 48 hours of admission. Gram stain, culture media preparations, and biochemical tests were conducted to identify and isolate the causative agent. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were identified as MRSA strains after having a zone of inhibition less than or equal to 21 mm to the cefoxitin (30 ug) disc. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed. The odds ratio, along with 95% CI, was estimated to identify associated risk factors for MRSA infection.

Results

Out of 413 collected specimens, 38.7% had coagulase-positive S. aureus of which 35.6% (95% CI: 28.2%–43.0%) were MRSA. Being within the age group of 19–29 years and 30–39 years with AOR = 5.02 and 95% CI: 1.24–20.35 and AOR = 6.65 and 95% CI: 1.78–24.78, respectively, admitting in the hematology ward and the pediatric ward with AOR = 7.80 and 95% CI: 1.82–33.49 and AOR = 10.54 and 95% CI: 1.78–62.42, respectively, and experiencing poor prognosis with AOR = 10.97 and 95% CI: 4.57–26.36 were significantly associated with MRSA infection. Conclusion and Recommendation. The significant magnitude of MRSA was found among patients admitted to this hospital. Therefore, identified risk factors should be considered when executing hospital-acquired infection prevention programs. We also suggest that healthcare providers should consider the identified risk factors while prescribing the antibiotic.

Effect of oral chlorhexidine de-adoption and implementation of an oral care bundle on mortality for mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit (CHORAL): a multi-center stepped wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial

Purpose

Oral chlorhexidine is used widely for mechanically ventilated patients to prevent pneumonia, but recent studies show an association with excess mortality. We examined whether de-adoption of chlorhexidine and parallel implementation of a standardized oral care bundle reduces intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in mechanically ventilated patients.

Methods

A stepped wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial with concurrent process evaluation in 6 ICUs in Toronto, Canada. Clusters were randomized to de-adopt chlorhexidine and implement a standardized oral care bundle at 2-month intervals. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes were time to infection-related ventilator-associated complications (IVACs), oral procedural pain and oral health dysfunction. An exploratory post hoc analysis examined time to extubation in survivors.

Results

A total of 3260 patients were enrolled; 1560 control, 1700 intervention. ICU mortality for the intervention and control periods were 399 (23.5%) and 330 (21.2%), respectively (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82 to 1.54; P = 0.46). Time to IVACs (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.06; 95% CI 0.44 to 2.57; P = 0.90), time to extubation (aHR 1.03; 95% CI 0.85 to 1.23; P = 0.79) (survivors) and oral procedural pain (aOR, 0.62; 95% CI 0.34 to 1.10; P = 0.10) were similar between control and intervention periods. However, oral health dysfunction scores (− 0.96; 95% CI − 1.75 to − 0.17; P = 0.02) improved in the intervention period.

Conclusion

Among mechanically ventilated ICU patients, no benefit was observed for de-adoption of chlorhexidine and implementation of an oral care bundle on ICU mortality, IVACs, oral procedural pain, or time to extubation. The intervention may improve oral health.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00134-021-06475-2.

Barriers and facilitators on hand hygiene and hydro-alcoholic solutions' use: representations of health professionals and prevention perspectives

Background

Healthcare-associated infections pose a serious problem in terms of health and mortality. Their prevention is a necessity, and healthcare professionals are one of their main vectors. Thus, they must be at the centre of preventative strategies. As hydro-alcoholic solutions (alcohol-based hand rub) represent the most effective means of preventing these infections, it is necessary to identify the representations, barriers, and facilitators of their use.

Method

Forty-six healthcare professionals from two areas in France, New Aquitaine and Guadeloupe, were questioned about their practices through semi-structured registered interviews and four focus groups. Each interview and focus group were transcribed then analysed through lexicometric and thematic content analyses.

Results

The interviewed identified several barriers and facilitators related to the composition and characteristics of hydro-alcoholic solutions (unpleasantness, harmfulness, personal preferences for other hand hygiene products), personal factors (work habits, cognitive bias, lack of knowledge and communication) and organizational (professional constraints, product accessibility, financial resources).

Conclusion

Strategies to prevent healthcare-associated infections should be constructed with consideration of psychosocial facilitators and barriers for healthcare professionals in using hydro-alcoholic solutions. These strategies should also ensure that they are well informed about the effectiveness of alcohol-based solutions, through prevention campaigns and scientific articles. This awareness should equally be conveyed with educational tools that involve healthcare professionals and use the social dynamics of their work environment.

Understanding infection prevention behaviour in maternity wards: A mixed-methods analysis of hand hygiene in Zanzibar

RATIONALE

Although women in low- and middle-income countries are increasingly encouraged to give birth at facilities, healthcare-associated infection of both the mother and newborn remain common. An important cause of infection is poor hand hygiene. There is a need to understand how environmental, behavioural, and organisational factors influence hygiene practice.

OBJECTIVE

To understand variations between facilities and between people in hygiene behaviour and to explore potential intervention targets in four labour wards in Zanzibar.

METHODS

Site visits including observation of deliveries and of day-to-day workings of the facilities. Thirty-three semi-structured interviews, totalling more than 46 hours, with birth attendants, orderlies, managerial staff and mothers. Transcribed interviews and observation notes were read and coded by two authors. Themes were developed and analysed in light of existing research.

RESULTS

The physical preconditions for hand hygiene were met more regularly in the two highvolume facilities, where soap, water, gloves were almost always available. However, in all of the facilities, hand hygiene appeared impeded by poor ergonomics, like, for example, physical distance between water taps, gloves, or delivery beds. Recontamination of gloved hands following good hand hygiene was commonly observed, a pattern that the birth attendants attributed to high and unpredictable workload and equipment shortages. Interviews and focus groups suggested that birth attendants typically understood when and why hand hygiene should be implemented, and that they were aware of low handwashing rates among co-workers. In poorer performing facilities, managers were less inclined to visit wards and more likely to perceive hand hygiene as beyond their influence.

CONCLUSIONS

Observations and interviews suggest improvements in the ergonomic design of delivery rooms, including convenient availability of sinks, soap, hand gel, hand towels and gloves, may be a low-cost way to reduce the infection burden from poor hand hygiene.

Guidelines of the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology for the management of the central venous access devices in pediatric patients with onco-hematological disease

INTRODUCTION

Central venous accesses devices (CVADs) have a fundamental importance for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in pediatric onco-hematological patients. The treatment of pediatric onco-hematological diseases is complex and requires the use of integrated multimodal therapies. Long-lasting and safe central venous access is therefore a cornerstone for any successful treatment.

METHODS

The aim of this work is to define pediatric guidelines about the management of CVADs in onco-hematology. A panel of experts belonging to the working groups on Infections and Supportive Therapy, Surgery and Nursing of the Italian Pediatric Hematology Oncology Association (AIEOP) revised the scientific literature systematically, scored the level of evidence and prepared these guidelines. The content of the following guidelines was approved by the Scientific Board of AIEOP.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Important innovations have been developed recently in the field of CVADs, leading to new insertion methods, new materials and new strategy in the overall management of the device, especially in the adult population. These guidelines recommend how to apply these innovations in the pediatric population, and are directed to all physicians, nurses and health personnel active in the daily management of CVADs. Their aim is to update the knowledge on CVAD and improve the standard of care in pediatric patients with malignancies.

Variability in the Duration and Thoroughness of Hand Hygiene

We observed 354 hand hygiene instances across 41 healthcare workers doffing personal protective equipment at 4 hospital-based biocontainment units. We measured the duration and thoroughness of each hand hygiene instance. Both parameters varied substantially, with systematic differences between hospitals and differences between healthcare workers accounting for much of the variance.

Optimizing Contact Precautions to Curb the Spread of Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria in Hospitals: A Multicenter Cohort Study to Identify Patient Characteristics and Healthcare Personnel Interactions Associated With Transmission of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Background

Healthcare personnel (HCP) acquire antibiotic-resistant bacteria on their gloves and gowns when caring for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Yet, contact precautions for patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains controversial despite existing guidelines. We sought to understand which patients are more likely to transfer MRSA to HCP and to identify which HCP interactions are more likely to lead to glove or gown contamination.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study of cultured HCP gloves and gowns for MRSA. Samples were obtained from patients’ anterior nares, perianal area, and skin of the chest and arm to assess bacterial burden.

Results

Among 402 MRSA-colonized patients with 3982 interactions, we found that HCP gloves and gowns were contaminated with MRSA 14.3% and 5.9% of the time, respectively. Contamination of either gloves or gowns occurred in 16.2% of interactions. Contamination was highest among occupational/physical therapists (odds ratio [OR], 6.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.51, 13.79), respiratory therapists (OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 3.04, 9.39), and when any HCP touched the patient (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.04, 6.51). Touching the endotracheal tube (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.38, 2.19), bedding (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.20, 1.70), and bathing (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.75) increased the odds of contamination. We found an association between increasing bacterial burden on the patient and HCP glove or gown contamination.

Conclusions

Gloves and gowns are frequently contaminated with MRSA in the ICU. Hospitals may consider using fewer precautions for low-risk interactions and more for high-risk interactions and personnel.

The Role of Sensor-Activated Faucets in Surgical Handwashing Environment as a Reservoir of Legionella

Surgical handwashing is a mandatory practice to protect both surgeons and patients in order to control Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). The study is focused on Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination in Surgical Handwashing Outlets (SHWOs) provided by sensor-activated faucets with Thermostatic Mixer Valves (TMVs), as correlated to temperature, technologies, and disinfection used. Samples were analyzed by standard culture techniques, comparing hot- and cold-water samples. Legionella isolates were typed by an agglutination test and by mip sequencing. Legionella contamination showed the same distribution between hot and cold samples concerning positive samples and mean concentration: 44.5% and 1.94 Log₁₀ cfu/L vs. 42.6% and 1.81 Log₁₀ cfu/L, respectively. Regarding the distribution of isolates (Legionella pneumophila vs. Legionella non-pneumophila species), significant differences were found between hot- and cold-positive samples. The contamination found in relation to ranges of temperature showed the main positive samples (47.1%) between 45.1-49.6 °C, corresponding to high Legionella concentrations (2.17 Log₁₀ cfu/L). In contrast, an increase of temperature (>49.6 °C) led to a decrease in positive samples (23.2%) and mean concentration (1.64 Log₁₀ cfu/L). A low level of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found. For SHWOs located in critical areas, lack of consideration of technologies used and uncorrected disinfection protocols may lead to the development of a high-risk environment for both patients and surgeons.

Investigating the Strategies Adopted by Emergency Nurses to Address Uncertainty and Change in the Event of Emerging Infectious Diseases: A Grounded Theory Study

Emergency nurses frequently encounter uncertainty and changes during the management of emerging infectious diseases, which challenge their capability to perform their duties in a well-planned and systematic manner. To date, little is known about the coping strategies adopted by emergency nurses in addressing uncertainty and changes during an epidemic event. The present study explored emergency nurses’ behaviours and strategies in handling uncertainty and practice changes during an epidemic event. A qualitative study based on the Straussian grounded theory approach was established. Semi-structured, face-to-face, individual interviews were conducted with 26 emergency nurses for data collection. Adapting protocol to the evolving context of practice was revealed as the core category. Four interplaying subcategories were identified: (1) Completing a comprehensive assessment, (2) continuing education for emerging infectious disease management, (3) incorporating guideline updates and (4) navigating new duties and competencies. The nurses demonstrated the prudence to orientate themselves to an ambiguous work situation and displayed the ability to adapt and embrace changes in their practice and duties. These findings offer insights into the need for education and training schemes that allow emergency nurses to acquire and develop the necessary decision-making and problem-solving skills to handle a public health emergency.

[Compliance with hand-hygiene practice in the General Reference Hospitals of the city of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo]

INTRODUCTION

the purpose of this study was to assess the compliance with hand-hygiene practice of health-care workers in the General Reference Hospitals (GRH) of the city of Kisangani and to identify factors contributing to it.

METHODS

we conducted a cross-sectional study in the Maternity, Surgery, Pediatric and Emergency Departments at four GRH of the city of Kisangani over the period 13th-20th June 2018. One hundred and twenty professionals recruited from among doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and attendants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire to assess their level of knowledge and a grid indicating the compliance with hand-hygiene practice in 44 health professionals (1920 opportunities).

RESULTS

the rate of overall compliance with hand-hygiene practice was 39% [CI95 0.37; 0.41]; friction with hydroalcoholic solution was much less frequent (5%); cleaners and physicians had higher compliance rates (49% and 44% respectively) than nurses (33%). Approximately one third of professionals were aware of the indications for hand-hygiene according to the WHO; 37% of health professionals declared that they had followed a on-the-job training on hand-hygiene and 36% knew the importance of hand-hygiene in the healthcare environment. The gap in knowledge was not significant between the occupational categories studied (p >0.05).

CONCLUSION

this study and the results obtained from it allowed us to conclude that the level of compliance to precautions standards including hand hygiene by healthcare professionals is insufficient. It is therefore necessary to strengthen the compliance with hand-hygiene practices through training and awareness programs for healthcare professionals, the supply of hygiene products and the awareness of healthcare providers.

Hand hygiene compliance and associated factors among health care providers in Central Gondar zone public primary hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Poor hand hygiene compliance is one in all the leading contributory factors to healthcare-associated infections. This is an important source of complications across the continuum of care and poses a serious threat to people admitted to hospitals. However, the magnitude and associated factors of hand hygiene compliance in public primary hospitals were not well investigated in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess hand hygiene compliance and associated factors among health care providers in Central Gondar Zone public primary hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2019 among health care providers. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and observational checklists. Using Epi Info 3.1, data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. A p-value less than 0.05 with 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance.

Results

Of 335 study participants, 50 (14.9%), had good hand hygiene compliance. Training on hand hygiene (AOR = 8.07, 95%CI: 2.91, 22.39), availability of adequate soap and water for hand hygiene (AOR = 5.10, 95%CI: 1.93, 13.52), availability of alcohol-based hand rub (AOR = 3.23, 95%CI: 1.32, 7.92), knowledge about hand hygiene (AOR = 6.74, 95%CI: 2.96, 15.34) and attitude towards hand hygiene (AOR = 2.15, 95%CI: 1.04, 4.46) were factors associated with hand hygiene compliance.

Conclusion

The overall level of hand hygiene compliance among health care providers was poor. Training, availability of adequate soap and water, availability of alcohol-based hand rub, knowledge on hand hygiene, and attitude of health care providers were significantly associated with hand hygiene compliance.

Multidrug-resistant Organisms in Hospitals: What Is on Patient Hands and in Their Rooms?

BACKGROUND

The impact of healthcare personnel hand contamination in multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) transmission is important and well studied; however, the role of patient hand contamination needs to be characterized further.

METHODS

Patients from 2 hospitals in southeast Michigan were recruited within 24 hours of arrival to their room and followed prospectively using microbial surveillance of nares, dominant hand, and 6 high-touch environmental surfaces. Sampling was performed on admission, days 3 and 7, and weekly until discharge. Paired samples of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from the patients' hand and room surfaces were evaluated for relatedness using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec, and Panton-Valentine leukocidin typing.

RESULTS

A total of 399 patients (mean age, 60.8 years; 49% male) were enrolled and followed for 710 visits. Fourteen percent (n = 56/399) of patients were colonized with an MDRO at baseline; 10% (40/399) had an MDRO on their hands. Twenty-nine percent of rooms harbored an MDRO. Six percent (14/225 patients with at least 2 visits) newly acquired an MDRO on their hands during their stay. New MDRO acquisition in patients occurred at a rate of 24.6/1000 patient-days, and in rooms at a rate of 58.6/1000 patient-days. Typing demonstrated a high correlation between MRSA on patient hands and room surfaces.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that patient hand contamination with MDROs is common and correlates with contamination on high-touch room surfaces. Patient hand hygiene protocols should be considered to reduce transmission of pathogens and healthcare-associated infections.

Hand antisepsis without decreasing efficacy by shortening the rub-in time of alcohol-based handrubs to 15 seconds

BACKGROUND

A previous study among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses showed that the antibacterial efficacy of alcohol-based handrubs (ABHR) can be achieved in 15 s instead of 30 s with a significant increase in the frequency of hand antisepsis. This study aimed to examine 15-s vs 30-s antisepsis performance by measuring microbial load on fingertips and compliance among nurses in a low-risk gynaecological ward.

METHODS

An independent trained observer monitored the frequency and compliance with hand antisepsis during shifts in a crossover design. Fingertips including thumbs were rinsed in soy broth before hand rubbing at the beginning of a shift and then hourly to determine the bacterial load. Performance activity was assigned to the contamination class of the Fulkerson scale. Immediately before the lunch break, volunteers cleaned their hands for a randomly determined application time of 15 or 30 s.

RESULTS

Examination of bacterial load on fingertips revealed no difference between 15 vs 30 s application time. Controlled hand antisepsis before the lunch break also showed no difference in efficacy for either test series. Participants rubbing for 15 s were more likely to perform hand antisepsis compared with those rubbing for 30 s (P=0.2). The compliance increased from 54.7% to 69.5% in the 15-s trial.

DISCUSSION

Shortening the duration for hand antisepsis did not decrease efficacy. Shortening the application time to 15 s should be considered within the critical components of a successful multimodal intervention strategy to improve hand-hygiene compliance in clinical practice.

How often are health care personnel hands colonized with multidrug- resistant organisms? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hands of health care personnel (HCP) can transmit multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), resulting in infections. Our aim was to determine MDRO prevalence on HCP hands in adult acute care and nursing facility settings.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed. Studies were included if they reported microbiologic culture results following HCP hands sampling; included prevalent MDROs, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter baumannii, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and were conducted in acute care or nursing facility settings.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine articles comprising 6,840 hand cultures were included. Pooled prevalence for MRSA, P aeruginosa, A baumannii, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus were 4.26%, 4.59%, 6.18%, and 9.03%, respectively. Substantial heterogeneity in rates of pathogen isolation were observed across studies (I² = 81%-95%). Only 4 of 59 studies sampled for C difficile, with 2 of 4 finding no growth. Subgroup analysis of MRSA revealed the highest HCP hand contamination rates in North America (8.28%). Sample collection methods used were comparable for MRSA isolation (4%-7%) except for agar direct contact (1.55%).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of common MDROs on HCP hands vary by pathogen, care setting, culture acquisition method, study design, and geography. When obtained at an institutional level, these prevalence data can be utilized to enhance knowledge, practice, and research to prevent health care-associated infections.

Use of germicides in health care settings-is there a relationship between germicide use and antimicrobial resistance: A concise review

Despite the widespread use of disinfectants and antiseptics in hospitals, acquired resistance to current disinfectants has rarely been reported. Germicides, as with medications, should only be used when their benefit as demonstrated by scientific studies exceeds possible risks to human health or the environment.

The effect of eye images and a social norms message on healthcare provider hand hygiene adherence

BACKGROUND

Depictions of eye images and messages encouraging compliance with social norms have successfully motivated behavioral change in a variety of experimental and applied settings. We studied the effect of these 2 visual cues on hand hygiene adherence in a cohort of hospital-based healthcare providers participating in an electronic monitoring and feedback program.

METHODS

Prospective, quasi-experimental study utilizing an interrupted time-series design. Intervention placards depicting an image of eyes, a social norms message, or a control placard were placed near soap and alcohol-based hand-rub dispensers on 2 hospital units. Placards were alternated every 10 days. Hand hygiene opportunities and adherence rates were assessed electronically via the CenTrak Hand Hygiene Compliance Solution.

RESULTS

A total of 166 nurses and certified nursing assistants (74 on a medical-surgical unit and 92 on a progressive care unit) were monitored electronically over the 4-month study period. In total, 184,172 electronic observations were collected (110,903 on a medical-surgical unit and 73,269 on a progressive care unit). The median daily number of electronic observations was 1,471 (interquartile range, 1,337-1,584). The preintervention baseline hand hygiene adherence rate was 70%. No statistically significant increase in hand hygiene adherence was observed as a result of either intervention.

CONCLUSION

Displaying eye images or a social norms message in the hospital environment did not result in measurable improvements in HH adherence in a cohort of healthcare providers participating in an electronic monitoring and feedback program.

High nursing workload is a main associated factor of poor hand hygiene adherence in Beijing, China: An observational study

AIM

The aim of the study was to explore the impact of nurse workloads on adherence to hand hygiene.

BACKGROUND

Adherence to hand hygiene and nursing workloads have been linked to quality of patient care. Therefore, it was important to understand the relationship to safe patient care.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study was performed from January 2016 to June 2016.

METHODS

Workloads and adherence to hand hygiene for nurses on 3-day shifts in a tertiary hospital were investigated in 2016. Actual hours worked per shift were timed using a stopwatch to assess nursing workloads. Descriptive and inferential statistics and multiple variable regression analysis were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Sixty-four nurses from four wards were observed. The average adherence rate of hand hygiene was 26.6% and the average nursing workload per shift was 6.7 hours. Multiple regression revealed that nursing workload was negatively related to adherence rate of hand hygiene.

CONCLUSION

Nurses in this study that had a low rate of adherence with hand hygiene frequently had high workloads. Adherence to hand hygiene was independently associated with actual hours worked per shift.

Prevention of Clostridium difficile Infection in Critically Ill Adults

The incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remain high across intensive care units in the United States despite national efforts to decrease this escalating health care burden. Most published literature and guidelines address treatment rather than prevention, yet this approach may be too downstream to limit morbidity and mortality from the disease and its complications. Mechanisms to prevent CDI successfully include reducing modifiable risk factors and minimizing horizontal transmission of C. difficile spores between patients and the health care environment. Because CDI prevention is characterized by a bundled approach, it is difficult to quantify the individual impact of any one element; however, a number of patient- and facility-level strategies can be considered for CDI prevention. Robust hygiene strategies, diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship, and particular prophylaxis maneuvers such as continuation of oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin in the setting of systemic antibiotics have all demonstrated benefit. The preventive roles of deprescribing acid suppressants, routine use of probiotics, or early fecal microbiota transplantation remain unclear. The focus of this review is to summarize the evidence related to primary and secondary CDI prevention in critically ill adults and provide a concise implementation pathway for clinicians and policymakers.

A comparative study of skin irritation caused by novel bis-quaternary ammonium compounds and commonly used antiseptics by using cell culture methods

New bis-quaternary ammonium compounds (bis-QACs) 3-(3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-{[(1-dodecylpyridinium-3-yl)oxy]methyl}propoxy)-1-dodecylpyridinium dibromide (3HHDMP-12) and 3,3'-[1,4-phenylenebis(oxy)]bis(1-dodecylpyridinium) dibromide (3PHBO-12) were compared with commonly-used antiseptics such as benzalkonium chloride (BAC), octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT), chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), to evaluate their potential to cause skin irritation. The cytotoxicity of these compounds in various cultured cells, as well as their effect on the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes such as IL-1α were evaluated. The cytotoxic effect of these bis-QACs on several types of human-derived cells was lower than that of common quaternary ammonium compounds (BAC and OCT), although the bis-QACs showed higher cytotoxicity than the biguanide-based compounds (CHG and PHMB). In addition, IL-1α mRNA expression was more strongly induced by BAC and OCT than by the new bis-QACs, at concentrations below the IC₅₀ obtained in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Furthermore, even at the actual therapeutic concentration, the new bis-QACs did not alter inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression or IL-1α secretion as demonstrated using the reconstructed human epidermis model LabCyte EPI-MODEL. The results suggested that the potential of 3PHBO-12 and 3HHDMP-12 to induce skin irritation is comparable to or less than that of existing antiseptics, and these bis-QACs may be useful antiseptics with few side effects.

Cosmetics Preservation: A Review on Present Strategies

Cosmetics, like any product containing water and organic/inorganic compounds, require preservation against microbial contamination to guarantee consumer’s safety and to increase their shelf-life. The microbiological safety has as main goal of consumer protection against potentially pathogenic microorganisms, together with the product’s preservation resulting from biological and physicochemical deterioration. This is ensured by chemical, physical, or physicochemical strategies. The most common strategy is based on the application of antimicrobial agents, either by using synthetic or natural compounds, or even multifunctional ingredients. Current validation of a preservation system follow the application of good manufacturing practices (GMPs), the control of the raw material, and the verification of the preservative effect by suitable methodologies, including the challenge test. Among the preservatives described in the positive lists of regulations, there are parabens, isothiasolinone, organic acids, formaldehyde releasers, triclosan, and chlorhexidine. These chemical agents have different mechanisms of antimicrobial action, depending on their chemical structure and functional group’s reactivity. Preservatives act on several cell targets; however, they might present toxic effects to the consumer. Indeed, their use at high concentrations is more effective from the preservation viewpoint being, however, toxic for the consumer, whereas at low concentrations microbial resistance can develop.

Antibiotic stewardship and horizontal infection control are more effective than screening, isolation and eradication

Purpose

The global rise of multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) is of major concern since infections by these pathogens are difficult, and in some cases, even impossible to treat. This review will discuss the effectiveness of a pathogen-independent alternative approach consisting of the implementation of antibiotic stewardship (ABS) programs, improvement of hand hygiene compliance, and daily antiseptic body washings instead of “screening, isolation and eradication” as recommended by many infection control guidelines today.

Methods

A review of the literature.

Results

The classical approach composed of screening, isolation and eradication has many limitations, including lack of standardization of the screening methods, risk of medical errors for patients in isolation and failure to eradicate resistant bacteria. Notably, concrete evidence that this current infection control approach actually prevents transmission is still lacking. We found that a novel approach with the training of infectious diseases specialists can reduce the usage of antimicrobials, thereby significantly decreasing the emergence of new MDROs. Moreover, increased hand hygiene compliance not only reduces transmission of MDROs, but also that of sensitive organisms causing the majority of nosocomial infections. Further, instruments, such as continuing education, bed-side observation, and the use of new tools, e.g. electronic wearables and Wi-Fi-equipped dispensers, are all options that can also improve the current low hand hygiene compliance levels. In addition, daily antiseptic body washes were observed to reduce the transmission of MDROs, especially those deriving from the body surface-like MRSA and VRE in specific settings. Finally, antiseptic body washes were seen to have similar effects on reducing transmission rates as screening and isolation measures.

Conclusions

In summary, this review describes a novel evidence-based approach to counteract the growing medical challenge of increasing numbers of MDROs.

Interventions to Reduce the Incidence of Hospital-Onset Clostridium difficile Infection: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach to Evaluate Clinical Effectiveness in Adult Acute Care Hospitals

Background

Despite intensified efforts to reduce hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infection (HO-CDI), its clinical and economic impacts continue to worsen. Many institutions have adopted bundled interventions that vary considerably in composition, strength of evidence, and effectiveness. Considerable gaps remain in our knowledge of intervention effectiveness and disease transmission, which hinders HO-CDI prevention.

Methods

We developed an agent-based model of C. difficile transmission in a 200-bed adult hospital using studies from the literature, supplemented with primary data collection. The model includes an environmental component and 4 distinct agent types: patients, visitors, nurses, and physicians. We used the model to evaluate the comparative clinical effectiveness of 9 single interventions and 8 multiple-intervention bundles at reducing HO-CDI and asymptomatic C. difficile colonization.

Results

Daily cleaning with sporicidal disinfectant and C. difficile screening at admission were the most effective single-intervention strategies, reducing HO-CDI by 68.9% and 35.7%, respectively (both P < .001). Combining these interventions into a 2-intervention bundle reduced HO-CDI by 82.3% and asymptomatic hospital-onset colonization by 90.6% (both, P < .001). Adding patient hand hygiene to healthcare worker hand hygiene reduced HO-CDI rates an additional 7.9%. Visitor hand hygiene and contact precaution interventions did not reduce HO-CDI, compared with baseline. Excluding those strategies, healthcare worker contact precautions were the least effective intervention at reducing hospital-onset colonization and infection.

Conclusions

Identifying and managing the vast hospital reservoir of asymptomatic C. difficile by screening and daily cleaning with sporicidal disinfectant are high-yield strategies. These findings provide much-needed data regarding which interventions to prioritize for optimal C. difficile control.

Video didactic at the point of care impacts hand hygiene compliance in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

OBJECTIVE

To increase the hand-washing (HW) duration of staff and visitors in the NICU to a minimum of 20 seconds as recommended by the CDC.

METHODS

Intervention included video didactic triggered by motion sensor to play above wash basin. Video enacted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HW technique in real time and displayed timer of 20 seconds. HW was reviewed from surveillance video. Swabs of hands plated and observed for qualitative growth (QG) of bacterial colonies.

RESULTS

In visitors, the mean HW duration at baseline was 16.3 seconds and increased to 23.4 seconds at the 2-week interval (p = .003) and 22.9 seconds at the 9-month interval (p < .0005). In staff, the mean HW duration at baseline was 18.4 seconds and increased to 29.0 seconds at 2-week interval (p = .001) and 25.7 seconds at the 9-month interval (p < .0005). In visitors, HW compliance at baseline was 33% and increased to 52% at the 2-week interval (p = .076) and 69% at the 9-month interval (p = .001). In staff, HW compliance at baseline was 42% and increased to 64% at the 2-week interval (p = .025) and 72% at the 9-month interval (p = .001). Increasing HW was significantly associated with linear decrease in bacterial QG.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention significantly increased mean HW time, compliance with a 20-econd wash time and decreased bacterial QG of hands and these results were sustained over a 9-month period.

Reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections through Lean Six Sigma: The case of the medicine areas at the Federico II University Hospital in Naples (Italy)

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been recognized as an effective management tool for improving healthcare performance. Here, LSS was adopted to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), a critical quality parameter in the healthcare sector.

METHODS

Lean Six Sigma was applied to the areas of clinical medicine (including general medicine, pulmonology, oncology, nephrology, cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and diabetology), and data regarding HAIs were collected for 28,000 patients hospitalized between January 2011 and December 2016. Following the LSS define, measure, analyse, improve, and control cycle, the factors influencing the risk of HAI were identified by using typical LSS tools (statistical analyses, brainstorming sessions, and cause-effect diagrams). Finally, corrective measures to prevent HAIs were implemented and monitored for 1 year after implementation.

RESULTS

Lean Six Sigma proved to be a useful tool for identifying variables affecting the risk of HAIs and implementing corrective actions to improve the performance of the care process. A reduction in the number of patients colonized by sentinel bacteria was achieved after the improvement phase.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of an LSS approach could significantly decrease the percentage of patients with HAIs.

[Efficacy of real-time PCR for detecting Clostridium difficile infection: comparison with enzyme-linked fluorescent spectroscopy-based approaches]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of real?time polymerase chain reaction (q?PCR) for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in comparison with routine culture and enzyme?linked fluorescent spectroscopy?based aprroaches.

METHODS

Stool samples were collected from suspected CDI cases in General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command of PLA between May and December in 2016. All the samples were examined with 3 methods, namely enzyme?linked fluorescent spectroscopy for detecting Clostridium difficile toxin A/B (CDAB), detection of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and q?PCR for amplification of Clostridium difficile?specific gene tpi and toxin gene (tcdA/tcdB), with the results of fecal culture as the reference for evaluating the diagnostic efficacy of the 3 methods.

RESULTS

Of the total of 70 fecal samples, 13 (18.57%) were found to be positive for Clostridium difficile, including toxin?producing strains in 6 (8.57%) samples. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic coincidence rate of q?PCR for tpi were 92.31%, 91.23%, 70.59%, 98.11% and 91.43%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of GDH test (84.62%, 84.21%, 55.00%, 96.00%, and 84.29%, respectively; Χ²=24.881, P<0.001). The sensitivity of q?PCR for tcdA/cdB was significantly higher than that of enzyme?linked fluorescent spectroscopy for CDAB in detecting CDI (66.67% vs 33.33%; Χ²=35.918, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Both CDAB detection and q?PCR have a high specificity in detecting CDI, but GDH detection has a good sensitivity, and all these 3 methods have a high negative predictive value. Compared with other detection methods, amplification of tpi and tcdA/tcdB using q?PCR allows more rapid, sensitive and specific detection of CDI.

Infection Prevention and Control in Pediatric Ambulatory Settings

Since the American Academy of Pediatrics published its statement titled "Infection Prevention and Control in Pediatric Ambulatory Settings" in 2007, there have been significant changes that prompted this updated statement. Infection prevention and control is an integral part of pediatric practice in ambulatory medical settings as well as in hospitals. Infection prevention and control practices should begin at the time the ambulatory visit is scheduled. All health care personnel should be educated regarding the routes of transmission and techniques used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents. Policies for infection prevention and control should be written, readily available, updated every 2 years, and enforced. Many of the recommendations for infection control and prevention from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for hospitalized patients are also applicable in the ambulatory setting. These recommendations include requirements for pediatricians to take precautions to identify and protect employees likely to be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while on the job. In addition to emphasizing the key principles of infection prevention and control in this policy, we update those that are relevant to the ambulatory care patient. These guidelines emphasize the role of hand hygiene and the implementation of diagnosis- and syndrome-specific isolation precautions, with the exemption of the use of gloves for routine diaper changes and wiping a well child's nose or tears for most patient encounters. Additional topics include respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette strategies for patients with a respiratory tract infection, including those relevant for special populations like patients with cystic fibrosis or those in short-term residential facilities; separation of infected, contagious children from uninfected children when feasible; safe handling and disposal of needles and other sharp medical devices; appropriate use of personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection; and appropriate use of sterilization, disinfection, and antisepsis. Lastly, in this policy, we emphasize the importance of public health interventions, including vaccination for patients and health care personnel, and outline the responsibilities of the health care provider related to prompt public health notification for specific reportable diseases and communication with colleagues who may be providing subsequent care of an infected patient to optimize the use of isolation precautions and limit the spread of contagions.

Interventions to Improve Hand Hygiene Compliance in the ICU: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To synthesize the literature describing interventions to improve hand hygiene in ICUs, to evaluate the quality of the extant research, and to outline the type, and efficacy, of interventions described.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic searches were conducted in November 2016 using five electronic databases: Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, and Web of Science. Additionally, the reference lists of included studies and existing review papers were screened.

STUDY SELECTION

English language, peer-reviewed studies that evaluated an intervention to improve hand hygiene in an adult ICU setting, and reported hand hygiene compliance rates collected via observation, were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted on the setting, participant characteristics, experimental design, hand hygiene measurement, intervention characteristics, and outcomes. Interventional components were categorized using the Behavior Change Wheel. Methodological quality was examined using the Downs and Black Checklist.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Thirty-eight studies were included. The methodological quality of studies was poor, with studies scoring a mean of 8.6 of 24 (SD= 2.7). Over 90% of studies implemented a bundled intervention. The most frequently employed interventional strategies were education (78.9%), enablement (71.1%), training (68.4%), environmental restructuring (65.8%), and persuasion (65.8%). Intervention outcomes were variable, with a mean relative percentage change of 94.7% (SD= 195.7; range, 4.3-1155.4%) from pre to post intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This review demonstrates that best practice for improving hand hygiene in ICUs remains unestablished. Future research employing rigorous experimental designs, careful statistical analysis, and clearly described interventions is important.

Guideline Implementation: Hand Hygiene

Performing proper hand hygiene and surgical hand antisepsis is essential to reducing the rates of health care-associated infections, including surgical site infections. The updated AORN "Guideline for hand hygiene" provides guidance on hand hygiene and surgical hand antisepsis, the wearing of fingernail polish and artificial nails, proper skin care to prevent dermatitis, the wearing of jewelry, hand hygiene product selection, and quality assurance and performance improvement considerations. This article focuses on key points of the guideline to help perioperative personnel make informed decisions about hand hygiene and surgical hand antisepsis. The key points address the necessity of keeping fingernails and skin healthy, not wearing jewelry on the hands or wrists in the perioperative area, properly performing hand hygiene and surgical hand antisepsis, and involving patients and visitors in hand hygiene initiatives. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.

Infection control at an urban hospital in Manila, Philippines: a systems engineering assessment of barriers and facilitators

BACKGROUND

Healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries, including the Philippines, face substantial challenges in achieving effective infection control. Early stages of interventions should include efforts to understand perceptions held by healthcare workers who participate in infection control programs.

METHODS

We performed a qualitative study to examine facilitators and barriers to infection control at an 800-bed, private, tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 nurses, physicians, and clinical pharmacists using a guide based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS). Major facilitators and barriers to infection control were reported for each SEIPS factor: person, organization, tasks, physical environment, and technology and tools.

RESULTS

Primary facilitators included a robust, long-standing infection control committee, a dedicated infection control nursing staff, and innovative electronic hand hygiene surveillance technology. Barriers included suboptimal dissemination of hand hygiene compliance data, high nursing turnover, clinical time constraints, and resource limitations that restricted equipment purchasing.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified facilitators and barriers may be used to prioritize possible opportunities for infection control interventions. A systems engineering approach is useful for conducting a comprehensive work system analysis, and maximizing resources to overcome known barriers to infection control in heavily resource-constrained settings.

Poor Hand Hygiene Procedure Compliance among Polish Medical Students and Physicians-The Result of an Ineffective Education Basis or the Impact of Organizational Culture?

Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the knowledge of Polish physicians and medical students about the role of hand hygiene (HH) in healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention. Study design: A survey was conducted using an author-prepared questionnaire, which was filled out on the first day of hospital work (or internship) by newly admitted physicians who had worked in other hospitals and students of different medical schools in Poland. Methods: 100 respondents participated in the study: 28 students, 18 medical interns and 54 physicians. Results: As many as 3/4 of physicians and students did not use the HH techniques correctly. The respondents declared that they perform HH in the following situations: 74.4% of respondents before an aseptic task; 60.8% before patient contact; 57.0% after patient contact; 11.5% after body fluid exposure risk, and only two respondents (1.1%) after contact with patient surroundings. 64% of respondents declared that their supervisor checked their knowledge of the HH technique when they were touching patients, but their supervisors checked the five instances for HH only in the case of 27 respondents (27%). Students experienced any control of HH in the workplace less often. Interns and physicians mentioned that the most important preventive action in HAI is HH, but for students it is the use of gloves. Conclusions: The level of knowledge and skills of physicians and students in the field of HH is insufficient. Deficiencies in skills and knowledge of HH were identified as early as at the level of the first internship.

Hand Hygiene: An Update

The medical field has long recognized the importance of hand hygiene in preventing health care-associated infections, yet studies indicate that this important task is performed only 40% of the time. Health care workers cite several barriers to optimal performance of hand hygiene, but the time required to perform this task is foremost among them. Introduction of alcohol-based hand rubs, bundled interventions, and incorporation of technologies designed to monitor and promote hand hygiene all represent promising advances in this field.

Desiccation and ethanol resistances of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii embedded in biofilm: The favorable antiseptic efficacy of combination chlorhexidine gluconate and ethanol

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Globally, multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) has emerged as an important pathogen in nosocomial outbreaks. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the biofilm formation and survival of MDRABs, and to investigate the antiseptic efficacy of hand sanitizers for the MDRABs, embedded with biofilm (MDRAB-Bs).

METHODS

The MDRABs were selected randomly after pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and their biofilm formation was analyzed. Desiccation and ethanol tolerances were assayed to test the bacterial survival. The antiseptic efficacy of combined chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and 70% ethanol agents against MDRAB-Bs were compared with the 70% ethanol cleanser.

RESULTS

Eleven MDRABs, which varied in biofilm formation (MRDAB-B) and planktonic type (MDRAB-P), were tested. In desiccation survival, the mean survival time for the MDRAB-Bs was 49.0 days which was significantly higher than that of their planktonic type (17.3 days) (P < 0.005). The MDRAB-Ps could be eliminated after a 10 min contact with a 30% ethanol agent, however, it took 10 min of 70% ethanol to eliminate the MDRAB-Bs. On the other hand, a 2% CHG in 70% ethanol solution completely eliminated all MDRAB-Bs after 1 min contacted time. The 2% CHG in 70% ethanol agent provided a significantly superior efficacy than the 70% ethanol solution at eliminating the MDRAB-Bs (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

MDRAB with biofilm-formation presented significantly higher desiccation and ethanol resistances than their planktonic type. Moreover, the 2% CHG in 70% ethanol agent provided a superior antiseptic efficacy for MDRAB-Bs than that of the 70% ethanol agent.

Construct validity-Current issues and recommendations for future hand hygiene research

Health care-associated infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Hand hygiene is widely regarded as an effective prevention strategy. Often, hand hygiene research is designed and conducted by health care practitioners who may lack formal training in research methods, particularly in the area of social science. In a research context, a construct is a concept that can be measured or observed in some way. A construct can be directly or indirectly measured. For example, height can be directly measured by centimeters, whereas depression can be indirectly measured by a scale of 20 items. Every construct needs to be operationalized by measure(s) to make it a variable. Hence, construct validity refers to the degree of fit between the construct of interest and its operational measure. However, issues with construct validity often weaken the translation from construct to measure(s). This article will (1) describe the common threats to construct validity pertaining to hand hygiene research, (2) identify practical limitations in current research design, and (3) provide recommendations to improve construct validity in future hand hygiene research. By understanding how construct validity may affect hand hygiene research design, there is great potential to improve the validity of future hand hygiene research findings.

Clinical Issues-April 2017

Patient involvement in hand hygiene Key words: patient engagement, hand hygiene, hand washing stations, hand hygiene promotion. Alcohol-based surgical hand rubs in the OR Key words: hand hygiene, hand rub, dispenser. Personal hand hygiene dispensers Key words: hand hygiene, hand rub, hand rub dispenser, personal dispenser. Hand soap Key words: soap, hand hygiene, hand wash, plain soap, triclosan. Disposal of water used for plaster application in scrub sinks Key words: plaster, pour, sink, scrub sink. Multiple hand hygiene indications Key words: hand hygiene, hand wash, hand rub.

Nurses' perceptions of reasons for persistent low rates in hand hygiene compliance

AIM

The purpose of this study was to explore nurses' perceptions of reasons for persistent low rates in hand hygiene compliance in the Critical Care Unit and their recommendations for improvement.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study used an exploratory, descriptive survey design to identify critical care nurses' perceptions of barriers to hand hygiene compliance in the unit and their recommendations for improvement.

RESULTS

Nurses selected high workload, understaffing and suggested lack of time as the main problems with hand hygiene compliance in the critical care unit. Second to that, they identified difficulty accessing sinks and lack of appropriately located hand sanitisers at the point of care complemented by suggestions of not enough sinks and inconveniently located hand sanitiser as major barriers to hand hygiene compliance.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study indicate that high workload and understaffing added to difficulty accessing hand hygiene resources contribute to low rates of hand hygiene compliance in the critical care unit. Addressing nursing understaffing and workload and making some environmental modifications to allow easy access to sinks and hand sanitisers may facilitate nurses hand hygiene compliance in this setting. Further studies on the relationship between nurses' workload, unit staffing, and hand hygiene compliance rates are needed.

The effect of merging two infectious disease units on hand hygiene adherence in Italy

BACKGROUND

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are common and harmful to patients. Effective hand hygiene can help prevent HAIs, however, suboptimal healthcare worker hand hygiene remains problematic across the globe. This study analyses the impact of organisational changes on hand hygiene.

METHODS

This observational study assessed hand hygiene by different professions before and after a merger of a recently combined infectious diseases (ID) unit coupled with a qualitative study about barriers to optimal hand hygiene. Direct observations were compared with previous data collected on both units before they merged. We also conducted focus groups with the doctors and nurses about hand hygiene.

RESULTS

After two ID units merged in 2013, we observed 681 provider-patient interactions. We compared these with a previous observation period in 2012. Hand hygiene adherence among nurses significantly declined after the merger (from 36% to 24%, P <0.001). However, adherence among doctors increased from 51% to 63% after the merger (P = 0.004). Data from the focus groups revealed a gap between doctor and nurses perceptions of education and goal adherence rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underscore the important role played by effective unit leaders to prevent infection. We found long-term sustainability of hand hygiene practices among doctors. However, adherence among nurses was substantially lower.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Biocompatibility of Newly Synthesized Bis-Quaternary Ammonium Compounds with Spacer Structures Derived from Pentaerythritol or Hydroquinone

　With the object of developing new biocides milder for human use than the current antiseptics, we synthesized a series of bis-quaternary ammonium compounds (bis-QACs). The antimicrobial activity of the newly synthesized bis-QACs and common biocides used as antiseptics was compared by examining minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). Moreover, the cytotoxicity of these compounds against human cells was determined to calculate the biocompatibility index (BI) of these compounds. BI was the ratio of the concentration of a biocide giving a 50% lethal effect on normal human epidermal keratinocytes to its MBC against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The commonly used antiseptics tested were benzalkonium chloride (BAC), octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT), chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). In comparison with these antiseptics, it was shown that some of new bis-QACs exhibited a wider and more potent antimicrobial spectrum than OCT. The cytotoxicity of these bis-QACs was equal or lower compared to that of the quaternary ammonium compounds (BAC and OCT), although these bis-QACs showed higher toxicity than the biguanide-based compounds (CHG and PHMB). Finally, the comparison of BIs revealed that new bis-QACs such as N-dodecyl ｛4,4'-(2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro［5.5］undecan-3,9-diyl) ｝dipyridinium dibromide (4TOSU-12), 3,3'-［1,4-Phenylenebis (oxy)］bis (1-dodecylpyridinium) dibromide (3PHBO-12) and 3-(3-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-｛［(1-dodecylpyridinium-3-yl) oxy］methyl｝propoxy)-1-dodecylpyridinium dibromide (3HHDMP-12) had equal or greater biocompatibility than the commonly used biocides tested. Thus, these results strongly suggested that 4TOSU-12, 3PHBO-12 and 3HHDMP-12 could be useful as antiseptics for topical application to the skin.

Chlorhexidine avoids skin bacteria recolonization more than triclosan

BACKGROUND

We do not know whether differences exist between the residual effect of 2% chlorhexidine in 70% isopropyl alcohol when compared with 1% triclosan in 70% isopropyl alcohol.

METHODS

Using an analytic, longitudinal, controlled, and comparative experimental trial, with blinded measurements, we recruited healthy, adult volunteers from the University of Guanajuato who completed a stabilization phase of skin microbiota and had no history of skin allergies. Four 25-cm² areas of the inner surface of the forearms were designated for study: unscrubbed control for establishing baseline bacterial counts, scrubbed control with tridistilled water, scrubbed with chlorhexidine, and scrubbed with triclosan. Quantitative cultures were taken of all the areas at 0, 3, and 24 hours, using agar plates with neutralizing agents.

RESULTS

A total of 135 healthy volunteers were tested. At 24 hours, the unscrubbed control counts were 288 CFU/cm², whereas the scrubbed control counts were 96 CFU/cm²; 24 CFU/cm² for chlorhexidine and 96 CFU/cm² for triclosan (Kruskal-Wallis χ²H = 64.27; P <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Chlorhexidine is the best antiseptic option when a prolonged antiseptic effect is needed; for instance, when implanting medical devices or performing surgical procedures.