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Bhan A, Green CV, Liang Philpotts L, Doherty M, Greenfield AS, Courtney A, Shenoy ES. Educational interventions to improve compliance with disinfection practices of noncritical portable medical equipment: A systematic review. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:360-366. [PMID: 37929604 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe educational interventions that have been implemented in healthcare settings to increase the compliance of healthcare personnel (HCP) with cleaning and disinfection of noncritical portable medical equipment (PME) requiring low-level disinfection (LLD). DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS Studies evaluating interventions for improving LLD practices in settings with HCP, including healthcare students and trainees, were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS In total, 1,493 abstracts were identified and 1,416 were excluded, resulting in 77 studies that underwent full text review. Among these, 68 were further excluded due to study design, setting, or intervention. Finally, 9 full-text studies were extracted; 1 study was excluded during the critical appraisal process, leaving 8 studies. Various forms of interventions were implemented in the studies, including luminescence, surveillance of contamination with feedback, visual signage, enhanced training, and improved accessibility of LLD supplies. Of the 8 included studies, 4 studies reported successes in improving LLD practices among HCP. CONCLUSIONS The available literature was limited, indicating the need for additional research on pedagogical methods to improve LLD practices. Use of visual indicators of contamination and multifaceted interventions improved LLD practice by HCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarushi Bhan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chloe V Green
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Megan Doherty
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Amy Courtney
- Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erica S Shenoy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Infection Control, Mass General Brigham, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Reinoso Schiller N, Bludau A, Mathes T, König A, von Landesberger T, Scheithauer S. Unpacking nudge sensu lato: insights from a scoping review. J Hosp Infect 2024; 143:168-177. [PMID: 37949370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.11.001] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Nudges may play an important role in improving infection prevention and control (IPC) in hospitals. However, despite the novelty of the framework, their objectives, strategies and implementation approaches are not new. This review aims to provide an overview of the methods typically used by nudge interventions in IPC in hospitals targeting healthcare workers (HCWs). The initial search in PubMed yielded nine hits. Consequently, the search criteria were broadened and a second search was conducted, introducing 'nudge sensu lato' which incorporates insights from sources beyond the traditional nudge framework while maintaining the same objectives, strategies and approaches. During the second search, PubMed, Epistemonikos, Web of Science and PsycInfo were searched in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Abstracts were screened, and reviewers from an interdisciplinary team read the full text of selected papers. In total, 5706 unique primary studies were identified. Of these, 67 were included in the review, and only four were listed as nudge sensu stricto, focusing on changing HCWs' hand hygiene. All articles reported positive intervention outcomes. Of the 56 articles focused on improving hand hygiene compliance, 71.4% had positive outcomes. For healthcare equipment disinfection, 50% of studies showed significant results. Guideline adherence interventions had a 66.7% significant outcome rate. The concept of nudge sensu lato was introduced, encompassing interventions that employ strategies, methods and implementation approaches found in the nudge framework. The findings demonstrate that this concept can enhance the scientific development of more impactful nudges. This may help clinicians, researchers and policy makers to develop and implement effective nudging interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Reinoso Schiller
- Department for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - A Bludau
- Department for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - T Mathes
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - A König
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - T von Landesberger
- Chair for Visualization and Visual Analytics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Scheithauer
- Department for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Vasudevan RS, Nedjat-Haiem MA, Mahadevan A, Herbert MS, Lander L, Warsi T, Shaikh U, Harding C, Savoia MC. Assessing Changes in Stethoscope Hygiene During COVID-19: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study. J Hosp Infect 2022; 127:1-6. [PMID: 35671861 PMCID: PMC9167726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has increased infection control vigilance across several modes of patient contact. However, it is unknown whether hygiene pertaining to stethoscopes, which carry the potential for pathogenic contamination, has also shifted accordingly. Aim To characterize pandemic-related changes in stethoscope hygiene. Methods We surveyed healthcare providers at three major medical centres. Questions quantitatively (Likert scale and frequency) assessed stethoscope hygiene beliefs and practices with two components: before and during COVID-19. Participants were grouped based on performance of optimal stethoscope hygiene (after every patient) before and during COVID-19. Groups were compared using χ2 and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings Of the 515 (10%) who completed the survey, 55 were excluded (N = 460). Optimal hygiene increased from 27.4% to 55.0% (P < 0.001). There were significant increases in Likert scores for all questions pertaining to knowledge of stethoscope contamination (P < 0.001). Belief in stethoscope contamination increased (P < 0.001) despite no change in perceived hygiene education. Resident physicians were less likely compared with attending physicians and nurses to have adopted optimal hygiene during COVID-19 (P < 0.001). Conclusion Despite a positive shift in stethoscope hygiene during COVID-19, optimal hygiene was still only performed by around half of providers. Educational interventions, particularly targeting early-career providers, are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Vasudevan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - M A Nedjat-Haiem
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - A Mahadevan
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - M S Herbert
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - L Lander
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - T Warsi
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - U Shaikh
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - C Harding
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - M C Savoia
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Abstract
Objective To evaluate whether Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile–contaminated stethoscope diaphragms remained aseptic by the placement of an aseptic diaphragm barrier. Methods On November 1, 2019, fresh cultures of C difficile were diluted to 107 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL and used to inoculate 16 stethoscope diaphragms; 8 had an aseptic diaphragm barrier applied and 8 served as nonbarrier controls. Contaminated stethoscopes were anaerobically incubated, then swabbed at 15 and 30 minutes, 2 and 4 hours, and 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after inoculation and subsequently plated onto blood, chocolate, and cycloserine-cefoxitin fructose agar. Plates were incubated for 48 hours and on November 9, 2019, the resulting colonies were manually counted. Statistical analyses (RStudio, version 1.0.153) used analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference. Results Overall, mean colony count was 33 CFU on stethoscopes without barriers vs zero on those with barriers (P≤.05). Growth was greatest at 48 hours, with colony counts as high as 160 CFU. The presence of the barrier resulted in no growth in 100% of stethoscope diaphragms for up to 1 week. Conclusion We found that stethoscope diaphragm barriers provide an aseptic patient contact point, thus reducing the potential for transmission of C difficile during the physical examination. In critical care environments, in which many hospitals use acoustically inferior disposable stethoscopes, the option of a disposable aseptic stethoscope barrier may allow high-quality auscultation while reducing the potential for pathogen transmission.
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Rostkowska OM, Zgliczyński WS, Jankowski M, Kuthan R, Pinkas J, Durlik M. Hand Hygiene Among Doctors in Transplant Departments in Poland: A Cross-sectional Survey. Transplant Proc 2020; 52:1964-1976. [PMID: 32359828 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.01.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hand hygiene (HH) is often under-discussed in clinical work, but it is hard to overestimate its role in preventing health care associated infections (HCAIs), especially among immunocompromised populations such as transplant patients. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the compliance of doctors in transplant departments in Poland with HH and other selected infection control measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS An on-line cross-sectional survey was carried out among doctors from all Polish transplant departments listed by POLTRANSPLANT. The questionnaire addressed HH in different clinical settings and based on the World Health Organization (WHO) "My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene." RESULTS Completed questionnaires were obtained from 204 physicians (49% women; response rate: 24.7%). The lowest proportion of doctors who always comply with HH was observed in 2 out of 5 critical moments for hand hygiene: "before touching a patient" (40.2%) and "after contact with patient surroundings" (21.6%). Most respondents declared correct HH action that they would apply in a particular clinical situation as listed in the survey. More than half of doctors (57.4%) declared disinfecting stethoscopes "before and/or after each use." The lack of alcohol-based hand-rub nearby or nonfunctional containers, daily rush, and occurring emergencies were identified as the main reasons for noncompliance with HH recommendations. CONCLUSION Doctors in transplant departments in Poland have a satisfactory level of knowledge about HH in various situations. However, further organizational and educational activities are needed to promote compliance with HH recommendations in health care facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Maria Rostkowska
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Mateusz Jankowski
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Kuthan
- Chair and Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Pinkas
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Durlik
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Vasudevan R, Shin JH, Chopyk J, Peacock WF, Torriani FJ, Maisel AS, Pride DT. Aseptic Barriers Allow a Clean Contact for Contaminated Stethoscope Diaphragms. Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes 2020; 4:21-30. [PMID: 32055768 PMCID: PMC7010972 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2019.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine whether a single-use stethoscope diaphragm barrier surface remains aseptic when placed on pathogen-contaminated stethoscopes. Methods From May 31 to August 5, 2019, we tested 2 separate barriers using 3 different strains of 7 human pathogens, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium. Results For all diaphragms with either of the 2 barriers tested, no growth was recorded for any of the pathogens. Stethoscopes with aseptic barriers remained sterile for up to 24 hours. These single-use barriers also provided aseptic surfaces when stethoscope diaphragms were inoculated with human specimens, including saliva, stool, urine, and sputum. Conclusion Disposable aseptic diaphragm barriers may provide robust and efficient solutions to reduce transmission of pathogens via stethoscopes.
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Key Words
- B+, stethoscope diaphragms with disc barriers
- BC, disc barriers colonized with microorganisms
- B−, colonized diaphragms without disc barriers
- CFU, colony-forming unit
- Ctrl, control
- ESBL, extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Escherichia coli
- HAI, health care–associated infection
- HP, health care provider
- MDR, multidrug resistant
- MDRO, multidrug-resistant organism
- MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- VRE, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Vasudevan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, TX
| | - Ji H Shin
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, TX
| | - Jessica Chopyk
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, TX
| | - William F Peacock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Alan S Maisel
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, TX
| | - David T Pride
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, TX.,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, TX
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Vasudevan RS, Mojaver S, Chang KW, Maisel AS, Frank Peacock W, Chowdhury P. Observation of stethoscope sanitation practices in an emergency department setting. Am J Infect Control 2019; 47:234-237. [PMID: 30415805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2018.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stethoscopes harbor pathogens that can be transferred to patients when proper sanitary measures are not taken. Our aim was to assess medical provider stethoscope cleaning and hand hygiene in an emergency department setting. METHODS The frequency and methods of stethoscope cleaning during and after provider-patient encounters were observed anonymously in an emergency department of the VA San Diego Healthcare System. RESULTS Among the total of 426 encounters, 115 (26.9%) involved the use of a personal stethoscope. In 15 of these 115 encounters (13.0%), the provider placed a glove over the stethoscope before patient contact. In 13 of these 115 encounters (11.3%), the provider cleaned the stethoscope with an alcohol swab after patient interaction. Stethoscope hygiene with water and a hand towel before patient interaction was observed in 5 of these 115 encounters (4.3%). Hand sanitizer use or handwashing was observed in 213 of the 426 encounters (50.0%) before patient interaction. Gloves were used before patient interaction in 206 of these 426 encounters (48.4%). Hand sanitizer or handwashing was used in 332 of the 426 encounters (77.9%) after patient interaction. CONCLUSIONS Rates of stethoscope and hand hygiene performance were lower than expected. Further investigation of stethoscope contamination and the associated risk of nosocomial infection are needed. Perhaps clearer guidelines on proper stethoscope cleaning would reduce this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv S Vasudevan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.
| | - Sean Mojaver
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Kay-Won Chang
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Alan S Maisel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - W Frank Peacock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Punam Chowdhury
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA; Department of Emergency Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA
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Rathore MH, Jackson MA, Byington CL, Maldonado YA, Barnett ED, Davies HD, Edwards KM, Lynfield R, Munoz FM, Nolt D, Nyquist AC, Sawyer MH, Steinbach WJ, Tan TQ, Zaoutis TE. Infection Prevention and Control in Pediatric Ambulatory Settings. Pediatrics 2017; 140:peds.2017-2857. [PMID: 29061869 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-2857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mobeen H. Rathore
- University of Florida Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education and Service (UF CARES) and Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville, Florida; and
| | - Mary Anne Jackson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine and Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
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Holleck JL, Merchant N, Lin S, Gupta S. Can education influence stethoscope hygiene? Am J Infect Control 2017; 45:811-812. [PMID: 28668135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The importance of stethoscope hygiene has been demonstrated in prior studies, and is acknowledged by guidelines, yet it is rarely done. We implemented a pilot project consisting of provider education, reminder flyers and provision of cleaning supplies at the start of clinical rotations for housestaff, medical students, and attending physicians. Hand hygiene rates did not change significantly with rates between 58% and 63% while stethoscope hygiene remained at zero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen L Holleck
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT.
| | - Naseema Merchant
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Shin Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Shaili Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Schmidt MG, Tuuri RE, Dharsee A, Attaway HH, Fairey SE, Borg KT, Salgado CD, Hirsch BE. Antimicrobial copper alloys decreased bacteria on stethoscope surfaces. Am J Infect Control 2017; 45:642-647. [PMID: 28302430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stethoscopes may serve as vehicles for transmission of bacteria among patients. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of antimicrobial copper surfaces to reduce the bacterial concentration associated with stethoscope surfaces. METHODS A structured prospective trial involving 21 health care providers was conducted at a pediatric emergency division (ED) (n = 14) and an adult medical intensive care unit located in tertiary care facilities (n = 7). Four surfaces common to a stethoscope and a facsimile instrument fabricated from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered antimicrobial copper alloys (AMCus) were assessed for total aerobic colony counts (ACCs), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative bacteria, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci for 90 days. RESULTS The mean ACCs collectively recovered from all stethoscope surfaces fabricated from the AMCus were found to carry significantly lower concentrations of bacteria (pediatric ED, 11.7 vs 127.1 colony forming units [CFU]/cm2, P < .00001) than their control equivalents. This observation was independent of health care provider or infection control practices. Absence of recovery of bacteria from the AMCu surfaces (66.3%) was significantly higher (P < .00001) than the control surfaces (22.4%). The urethane rim common to the stethoscopes was the most heavily burdened surface; mean concentrations exceeded the health care-associated infection acquisition concentration (5 CFU/cm2) by at least 25×, supporting that the stethoscope warrants consideration in plans mitigating microbial cross-transmission during patient care. CONCLUSIONS Stethoscope surfaces fabricated with AMCus were consistently found to harbor fewer bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Schmidt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
| | - Rachel E Tuuri
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Arif Dharsee
- North Shore-Long Island Jewish Medical Group, North Shore University Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Hubert H Attaway
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Sarah E Fairey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Keith T Borg
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital, Charleston, SC
| | - Cassandra D Salgado
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Bruce E Hirsch
- North Shore-Long Island Jewish Medical Group, North Shore University Hospital, New York, NY
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Jordan K, Barrett J, Murney S, Whipp A, Elliott JO. Educational programme to enhance stethoscope hygiene behaviour. J Hosp Infect 2017; 96:67-68. [PMID: 28412177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K Jordan
- Department of Medical Education, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - J Barrett
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - S Murney
- Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians, Inc., Columbus, OH, USA
| | - A Whipp
- Department of Medical Education, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - J O Elliott
- Department of Medical Education, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; OhioHealth Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
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Cunningham CE, Hutchings T, Henderson J, Rimas H, Chen Y. Modeling the hospital safety partnership preferences of patients and their families: a discrete choice conjoint experiment. Patient Prefer Adherence 2016; 10:1359-72. [PMID: 27555752 PMCID: PMC4968982 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s105605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients and their families play an important role in efforts to improve health service safety. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to understand the safety partnership preferences of patients and their families. METHOD We used a discrete choice conjoint experiment to model the safety partnership preferences of 1,084 patients or those such as parents acting on their behalf. Participants made choices between hypothetical safety partnerships composed by experimentally varying 15 four-level partnership design attributes. RESULTS Participants preferred an approach to safety based on partnerships between patients and staff rather than a model delegating responsibility for safety to hospital staff. They valued the opportunity to participate in point of service safety partnerships, such as identity and medication double checks, that might afford an immediate risk reduction. Latent class analysis yielded two segments. Actively engaged participants (73.3%) comprised outpatients with higher education, who anticipated more benefits to safety partnerships, were more confident in their ability to contribute, and were more intent on participating. They were more likely to prefer a personal engagement strategy, valued scientific evidence, preferred a more active approach to safety education, and advocated disclosure of errors. The passively engaged segment (26.7%) anticipated fewer benefits, were less confident in their ability to contribute, and were less intent on participating. They were more likely to prefer an engagement strategy based on signage. They preferred that staff explain why they thought patients should help make care safer and decide whether errors were disclosed. Inpatients, those with immigrant backgrounds, and those with less education were more likely to be in this segment. CONCLUSION Health services need to communicate information regarding risks, ask about partnership preferences, create opportunities respecting individual differences, and ensure a positive response when patients raise safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Cunningham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University
- Correspondence: Charles E Cunningham, Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, Child and Youth Mental Health Program, 237 Barton Street East, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2, Canada, Tel +1 905 521 2100 ext 77307, Fax +1 905 577 8453, Email
| | - Tracy Hutchings
- Department of Quality and Performance, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Henderson
- Department of Quality and Performance, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Rimas
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University
| | - Yvonne Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University
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Grif Alspach J. About that health care icon dangling around your neck: do we have some cleaning up to do? Crit Care Nurse 2015; 34:11-4. [PMID: 24882825 DOI: 10.4037/ccn2014437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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