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Fracarolli IFL, Watanabe E, Oliveira VDC, Machado MB, Bim FL, Bim LL, Andrade DD, Marziale MHP. The implications of healthcare professionals wearing jewelry on patient care biosafety: observational insights and experimental approaches. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18601. [PMID: 39127856 PMCID: PMC11316805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69711-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of jewelry among healthcare professionals poses a risk of cross contamination due to potential bacterial accumulation and spread. Through a mixed-method design, this study first analyzed the implications of healthcare professionals wearing jewelry on patient care biosafety as well as on the residual bacterial load of hands and rings after hand hygiene. Firstly, an observational prevalence study to verify whether nursing professionals wear personal accessories during healthcare assistance was carried out. Second, an experimental design involving intentional contamination and hygiene of the hands, with and without a ring, was conducted. The bacterial load of both hands and rings was measured by counting colony forming units. The observational study showed that nursing workers frequently wear jewelry during healthcare assistance. Nonetheless, the experimental study did not indicate differences in bacterial contamination between hands with and without a ring, despite the hand hygiene procedure applied. In conclusion, many nursing workers wear jewelry in the workplace. Although hands with and without a ring exhibited similar microbial load, rings appeared as a potential source of bacterial contamination, reinforcing the need to remove jewelry during working hours. Hand hygiene using alcohol, or soap and water significantly decreased the bacterial load on the participants' hands, with handwashing proving to be the most efficient method for removing intentional contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evandro Watanabe
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café, s/n. Campus Universitário, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil.
| | - Viviane de Cássia Oliveira
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marinila Buzanelo Machado
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Lazarini Bim
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Lazarini Bim
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Denise de Andrade
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Helena Palucci Marziale
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Aguiar Cabrera EM, Barroso Rosa S, Ojeda Vargas MDM, Hernández Flores CN, Hernández Costa EM. A single plain ring is not associated with increased bacterial load on hands: An experimental study among healthcare worker students undertaking mock surgery. Infect Dis Health 2024; 29:51-60. [PMID: 37993309 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2023.10.003] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate hand hygiene is considered as one of the most effective strategies in healthcare-related infection prevention. The potential negative effect of rings in hand disinfection and thus, in increased nosocomial infections rates is still controversial. Therefore, the present study was designed with the purpose of examining if rings frequently exposed to surgical scrubbing were associated or not with increased bacterial counts. METHODS 32 volunteers were randomized into 4 groups: A (no rings), B (participants wore a ring), C (no rings and performed surgical scrubbing with chlorhexidine every 48 h) and D (participants wore a ring and performed surgical scrubbing every 48 h). Glove juice samples were obtained at day 0 (T0) and after a 90-min mock-surgery on day 14 (T1). Quantitative (number of UFC/mL) and qualitative data (microorganism type) were collected as study variables. RESULTS All groups were comparable at T0. All ring carriers obtained negative cultures at T1. Ring presence was not associated with higher bacterial counts; comparisons between A vs B groups and C vs D groups showed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.076 and 1.000). T1 negative cultures were more frequent in participants performing surgical scrubbing every second day (93.8 % vs 75 %), although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.332). CONCLUSIONS The presence of single plain ring does not seem to be associated with an increased hand bacterial load. Regular surgical scrubbing with chlorhexidine impregnated sponges reduces bacterial contamination of hands, even in the presence of plain rings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva María Aguiar Cabrera
- Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Sergio Barroso Rosa
- Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; The Orthopaedic Research Institute of Queensland, Pimlico, Australia.
| | - María Del Mar Ojeda Vargas
- Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Clinical Sciences Department, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Microbiology Department, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | | | - Elena María Hernández Costa
- Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Surgical Area, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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Seidelman JL, Baker AW, Lewis SS, Advani SD, Smith B, Anderson D. Surgical site infection trends in community hospitals from 2013 to 2018. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023; 44:610-615. [PMID: 35844062 PMCID: PMC10194399 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2022.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sparse recent data are available on the epidemiology of surgical site infections (SSIs) in community hospitals. Our objective was to provide updated epidemiology data on complex SSIs in community hospitals and to characterize trends of SSI prevalence rates over time. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS SSI data were collected from patients undergoing 26 commonly performed surgical procedures at 32 community hospitals in the southeastern United States from 2013 to 2018. SSI prevalence rates were calculated for each year and were stratified by procedure and causative pathogen. RESULTS Over the 6-year study period, 3,561 complex (deep incisional or organ-space) SSIs occurred following 669,467 total surgeries (prevalence rate, 0.53 infections per 100 procedures). The overall complex SSI prevalence rate did not change significantly during the study period: 0.58 of 100 procedures in 2013 versus 0.53 of 100 procedures in 2018 (prevalence rate ratio [PRR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.66-1.08; P = .16). Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) complex SSIs (n = 480, 13.5%) were more common than complex SSIs caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA; n = 363, 10.2%). CONCLUSIONS The complex SSI rate did not decrease in our cohort of community hospitals from 2013 to 2018, which is a change from prior comparisons. The reason for this stagnation is unclear. Additional research is needed to determine the proportion of or remaining SSIs that are preventable and what measures would be effective to further reduce SSI rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Seidelman
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Arthur W. Baker
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sarah S. Lewis
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sonali D. Advani
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Becky Smith
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Deverick Anderson
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE Approximately 0.5% to 3% of patients undergoing surgery will experience infection at or adjacent to the surgical incision site. Compared with patients undergoing surgery who do not have a surgical site infection, those with a surgical site infection are hospitalized approximately 7 to 11 days longer. OBSERVATIONS Most surgical site infections can be prevented if appropriate strategies are implemented. These infections are typically caused when bacteria from the patient's endogenous flora are inoculated into the surgical site at the time of surgery. Development of an infection depends on various factors such as the health of the patient's immune system, presence of foreign material, degree of bacterial wound contamination, and use of antibiotic prophylaxis. Although numerous strategies are recommended by international organizations to decrease surgical site infection, only 6 general strategies are supported by randomized trials. Interventions that are associated with lower rates of infection include avoiding razors for hair removal (4.4% with razors vs 2.5% with clippers); decolonization with intranasal antistaphylococcal agents and antistaphylococcal skin antiseptics for high-risk procedures (0.8% with decolonization vs 2% without); use of chlorhexidine gluconate and alcohol-based skin preparation (4.0% with chlorhexidine gluconate plus alcohol vs 6.5% with povidone iodine plus alcohol); maintaining normothermia with active warming such as warmed intravenous fluids, skin warming, and warm forced air to keep the body temperature warmer than 36 °C (4.7% with active warming vs 13% without); perioperative glycemic control (9.4% with glucose <150 mg/dL vs 16% with glucose >150 mg/dL); and use of negative pressure wound therapy (9.7% with vs 15% without). Guidelines recommend appropriate dosing, timing, and choice of preoperative parenteral antimicrobial prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Surgical site infections affect approximately 0.5% to 3% of patients undergoing surgery and are associated with longer hospital stays than patients with no surgical site infections. Avoiding razors for hair removal, maintaining normothermia, use of chlorhexidine gluconate plus alcohol-based skin preparation agents, decolonization with intranasal antistaphylococcal agents and antistaphylococcal skin antiseptics for high-risk procedures, controlling for perioperative glucose concentrations, and using negative pressure wound therapy can reduce the rate of surgical site infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Seidelman
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christopher R Mantyh
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Deverick J Anderson
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Szumska E, Czajkowski P, Zablocki M, Rozkiewicz D. The Association between Hand Disinfection Techniques and Their Barriers, as Well as the "Bare below the Elbows" Concept, among Healthcare Professionals-A Study Based on a Polish Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811781. [PMID: 36142054 PMCID: PMC9517209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent nosocomial infections. Nevertheless, the hands of healthcare professionals are still the primary route of transmission of pathogens responsible for such infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate hand disinfection techniques and investigate the risk factors that may explain the improper hand disinfection techniques among healthcare workers. We selected 7544 hospital workers directly involved in patient care. We recorded data based on the questionnaires, demographic data, and the preparation of hands for disinfection, including risk factors. Correct hand disinfection was verified by COUCOU BOX, with a UV camera. Proper hand disinfection was demonstrated among 4879 (64.7%) subjects, while 2665 (35.3%) subjects disinfected their hands incorrectly. In most places of work, nurses properly disinfected their hands more often than the physicians, particularly in general departments (62.1% vs. 69.2%; p = 0.0019). We observed that long nails and artificial/polished nails were more often observed in the group of nurses than in the group of physicians (7.3% vs. 4.7%, respectively; p = 0.0006 and 19.3% vs. 10.1%; p = 0.0000), while an inverse relationship was found in relation to watches (24.0% vs. 12.0%; p = 0.0000) and long sleeves (24.4% vs. 8.1%; p = 0.0000). Incorrect and less effective hand hygiene among some groups of hospital workers is still present. Therefore, the continuation of education actions concerned with hand hygiene among healthcare workers is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Szumska
- Medilab Sp. z o. o., Niedzwiedzia 60, 15-531 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Przemyslaw Czajkowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Jana Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Michal Zablocki
- Medilab Sp. z o. o., Niedzwiedzia 60, 15-531 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dorota Rozkiewicz
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
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Abera W, Gintamo B, Shitemaw T, Mekuria ZN, Gizaw Z. Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among food handlers in food establishments in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: an institution-based, cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061688. [PMID: 35858725 PMCID: PMC9305799 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the associated factors among food handlers in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. DESIGN An institution-based, cross-sectional study design was used. Stool samples were collected from food handlers and examined using direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration techniques. Personal and establishment-related information was collected using a pretested questionnaire, with a structured observation. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites on the basis of adjusted OR (AOR) and 95% CI and p values <0.05. SETTING Food establishments in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS 411 food handlers participated in the study. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the prevalence of intestinal parasites, defined as the presence of one or more intestinal parasitic species in stool samples. RESULTS One or more intestinal parasites were detected in 171 (41.6%; 95% CI 36.6% to 46.4%) stool samples. The most common intestinal parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (12.7%), Giardia duodenalis (11.2%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (8.3%). The presence of intestinal parasites among food handlers was associated with low monthly income (AOR: 2.83, 95% CI 1.50 to 8.84), untrimmed fingernails (AOR: 4.36, 95% CI 1.98 to 11.90), no food safety training (AOR: 2.51, 95% CI 1.20 to 5.58), low level of education (AOR: 3.13, 95% CI 1.34 to 7.44), poor handwashing practice (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.22) and lack of medical check-up (AOR: 2.31, 95% CI 1.18 to 6.95). CONCLUSION The prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers in food establishments in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa was high. The presence of intestinal parasites was linked to socioeconomic conditions, poor hand hygiene conditions and absence of food safety training. It is crucially important to promote handwashing practices and provide food hygiene and safety training in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woinishet Abera
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Binyam Gintamo
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, Addis Ababa Medical and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tewoderos Shitemaw
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Anesthesia Department, Menelik II Health and Medical Science College, Kotebe Metropolitan University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Negash Mekuria
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, Addis Ababa Medical and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Sanderford J, Krumrey J, Campaigniac E, Lin J, Tsai P, Pipitone O. The Utility of Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) and Fungal Cultures in Orthopaedic Infections. Cureus 2022; 14:e26639. [PMID: 35949753 PMCID: PMC9357251 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction When diagnosing suspected orthopaedic-related infections, fungal and acid-fast bacilli (AFB) cultures are often obtained intraoperatively. These cultures are difficult and time-consuming to grow and increase healthcare costs. This study aimed to quantify the rate of positive AFB and fungal cultures in orthopaedic infections and to compare potential risk factors for a positive result. Methods Orthopaedic surgical cases for suspected infection at one institution from March 2013 through December 2019 were included. Data were collected on patient demographics and procedure characteristics for patients with surgical AFB or fungal lab tests ordered on the day of surgery. Results Of the 813 patients for whom intraoperative AFB or fungal cultures were ordered, 3.8% (N=31) had a positive result. Of the 31 positive results, 30 were from fungal cultures and one was from AFB cultures. Patients with a positive versus negative culture result did not differ significantly by age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, diabetes, obesity, or HIV/AIDS. In both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) was associated with higher odds of a positive fungal culture result (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.5, 95%CI=1.3-8.4). Likewise, in both unadjusted and adjusted models, a hand/foot operating region was associated with higher odds of a positive fungal culture result compared with all other regions (aOR=4.2, 95%CI=1.9-9.8). Conclusion Intraoperative fungal and AFB cultures may not need to be obtained except in orthopaedic surgical cases for hand or foot infections or in patients with PVD.
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Gizaw Z, Yalew AW, Bitew BD, Lee J, Bisesi M. Effects of local handwashing agents on microbial contamination of the hands in a rural setting in Northwest Ethiopia: a cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056411. [PMID: 35568490 PMCID: PMC9109095 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of handwashing with water and wood ash in reducing faecal contamination of the hands. DESIGN A cluster randomised controlled trial was employed with two arms: handwashing with water and wood ash versus handwashing with water alone. SETTING Rural households of East Dembiya District, Central Gondar Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS 440 mothers and caregivers of children younger than 5 years assigned (1:1, 220 in each group) in clusters, with buffer zones between each cluster. INTERVENTION Health education on effective handwashing was given to the intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group used wood ash of the same quantity (ie, one closed palm). OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was microbial contamination of the hands, measured by means of Escherichia coli counts before and after handwashing. RESULTS At baseline, 75.9% and 67.7% of the participants in the intervention and control groups, respectively, had dirt on their fingernails, and the hands of all participants in both groups were contaminated with E. coli. The mean E. coli counts recovered at baseline were 3.07 log10 colony forming unit (CFU)/swab in the intervention group and 3.03 log10 CFU/swab in the control group, while at endline it was 1.4 log10 CFU/swab in the intervention group and 3.02 log10 CFU/swab in the control group. The mean E.coli counts was reduced by 1.65 log10 due to the intervention (difference-in-differences: β= -1.65, 95% CI= -1.84 to -1.46). CONCLUSION Two-thirds of the swab samples tested positive for E. coli after handwashing with water and wood ash, which indicates wood ash is not very effective in terms of completely removing micro-organisms on the hands. However, wood ash was significantly better than water alone in reducing the concentration of faecal coliform organisms on the hands. Local health authorities should primarily promote handwashing with soap. However, in the absence of soap, use of wood ash over water alone might be appropriate. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PACTR202011855730652.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Global One Health Initiative (GOHi), the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Bikes Destaw Bitew
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Bisesi
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Gizaw Z, Yalew AW, Bitew BD, Lee J, Bisesi M. Fecal indicator bacteria along multiple environmental exposure pathways (water, food, and soil) and intestinal parasites among children in the rural northwest Ethiopia. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:84. [PMID: 35220951 PMCID: PMC8882269 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02174-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children in low-resource settings are exposed to multiple risk factors for enteropathogens. However, the probability of exposures may be different across exposure pathways. Accordingly, this study was conducted to assess environmental exposures of children to intestinal parasites in the east Dembiya district of Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted for 372 households with children aged 24-59 months. The potential for external exposure of children to intestinal parasites was assessed by determining the presence of fecal indicator organism (Escherichia coli (E. coli)) in drinking water at point of use, ready-to-eat foods, and courtyard soil from children's outdoor play areas. For internal exposure assessment, ova of parasites in stool samples was detected using wet mount and Kato-Katz techniques to estimate exposure to intestinal parasites. The external and internal exposure assessments were also complemented using questionnaire and spot-check observations to assess behaviors that result in high risk of exposure. Individual and community-level predictors of intestinal parasites were identified using a multilevel logistic regression model. Statistically significant variables were identified on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05. RESULTS Ova of one or more intestinal parasites was detected among 178 (47.8%) (95% CI 42.8, 52.6%) of the children. The most common intestinal parasites were A. lumbricoides (20.7%) and S. mansoni (19.1%). Furthermore, E. coli was detected in 69.1% of drinking water samples at point of use, 67.5% of ready-to-eat food samples, and 83.1% of courtyard soil samples from children's outdoor play areas. Exposure of children to intestinal parasites among children in the studied region was associated with poor hand hygiene of mothers (AOR 1.98, 95% CI (1.07, 3.66), poor hand hygiene of children (AOR 3.20, 95% CI (1.77, 5.77), mouthing of soil contaminated materials (AOR 2.31, 95% CI (1.26, 4.24), open defecation practices (AOR 2.22, 95% CI (1.20, 4.10), limited access to water (AOR 2.38, 95% CI (1.13, 5.01), water contamination (AOR 2.51, 95% CI (1.31, 4.80), food contamination (AOR 3.21, 95% CI (1.69, 6.09), and soil contamination (AOR 2.56, 95% CI (1.34, 4.90). CONCLUSION An extensive E. coli contamination of water, foods, and courtyard soil was found in the studied region and the potential sources of contamination were open defecation practices, unhygienic disposal of wastes, poor animal husbandry and keeping practices, and poor water and food safety measures at household level. Moreover, fecal contamination of water, foods, and soil linked to exposure of children to intestinal parasites in the studied region. Thus, it is critical to implement individual-level interventions (such as latrine utilization, hand hygiene promotion, food safety, home-based water treatment, and containment of domestic animals), plus community-level interventions (such as protecting water sources from contamination, source-based water treatment, and community-driven sanitation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Global One Health Initiative (GOHi), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | | | - Bikes Destaw Bitew
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Michael Bisesi
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
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Abstract
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common and most costly health care-associated infections, leading to adverse patient outcomes and death. Wound contamination occurs with each incision, but proven strategies exist to decrease the risk of SSI. In particular, improved adherence to evidence-based preventive measures related to appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis can decrease the rate of SSI. Aggressive surgical debridement and effective antimicrobial therapy are needed to optimize the treatment of SSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Seidelman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Deverick J Anderson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Pegu KD, Perrie H, Scribante J, Fourtounas M. Microbial contamination of the hands of healthcare providers in the operating theatre of a central hospital. S Afr J Infect Dis 2021; 36:221. [PMID: 34485495 PMCID: PMC8378170 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v36i1.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effort is invested in maintaining the sterility of the operating field, but less attention is paid to potential healthcare associated infection (HAI) sources through patient contact with non-scrubbed healthcare providers (HCPs). A single microbiological assessment of hands can provide a good assessment of the potential dynamic transmission of microorganisms. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the microbial growth on the hands of HCPs in the operating theatres of Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Methods A prospective, contextual and descriptive study design was followed. Seventy-five samples were collected using convenience sampling from an equal number of surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses. Specimens were taken using agar plates and underwent semi-quantitative analysis. Results All the hands of the HCPs displayed growth; 95% grew commensals and 64% grew pathogens. Eighteen commensal microorganisms and 21 pathological microorganisms were noted. Comparisons of commensal, pathological and combined levels of contamination among the three groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.061, p = 0.481, p = 0.236). No significant difference between the growth of combined microorganisms (p = 0.634) and pathological microorganisms (p = 0.499) among the groups. Surgeons had significantly more commensal growth (p = 0.041). There was no statistically significant difference between sexes (p = 0.290). Conclusion It was concerning that 100% of the hands of HCPs who were about to commence with the surgical list had microbial growth. These HCPs could have already been in contact with patients and equipment in the theatre environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylesh D Pegu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Helen Perrie
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Juan Scribante
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maria Fourtounas
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Nørreslet LB, Edslev SM, Andersen PS, Plum F, Holt J, Kjerulf A, Ebbehøj NE, Clausen ML, Flachs EM, Agner T. Colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in patients with hand eczema: Prevalence and association with severity, atopic dermatitis, subtype and nasal colonization. Contact Dermatitis 2020; 83:442-449. [PMID: 32720317 DOI: 10.1111/cod.13679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) colonization has been thoroughly studied in atopic dermatitis (AD), where S. aureus is related to flares and considered a trigger factor, S. aureus colonization in hand eczema (HE) has only been sparsely studied. OBJECTIVES To examine the 1-week prevalence of S. aureus colonization in HE patients, and its association with severity, HE subtype, AD, and nasal S. aureus colonization compared with healthy controls. METHODS In a case-control study of 50 adult HE patients and 50 healthy controls, bacterial swabs from lesional skin (patients only), non-lesional skin (dorsal hand), and the nasal cavity were sampled for culturing of S. aureus on days 1, 3, 5 and 8. Participants were characterized by demographics, AD, HE subtype, filaggrin gene mutation status, and HE severity. RESULTS Twenty-seven HE patients (54%) were colonized with S. aureus on the hand compared to one control (2%) (P < .01). Nasal S. aureus colonization was found in 72% of patients and 22% of controls (P < .01). For patients, S. aureus colonization on the hands was associated with an atopic HE subtype and HE severity (P = .01 and P < .01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Both hand and nasal S. aureus colonization were highly prevalent among HE-patients and may have an impact on the persistence of HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line B Nørreslet
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sofie M Edslev
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites, and Fungi, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paal S Andersen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites, and Fungi, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frederik Plum
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jette Holt
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Kjerulf
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Ebbehøj
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maja-Lisa Clausen
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Esben M Flachs
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tove Agner
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Conway J, Wu AG, Lipner SR. Guidance on hand jewelry for prevention of COVID-19 transmission in healthcare settings. Dermatol Ther 2020; 33:e14178. [PMID: 32785937 PMCID: PMC7436558 DOI: 10.1111/dth.14178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jade Conway
- New York Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Albert G Wu
- New York Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shari R Lipner
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Determining the organic matter burden of exercise-tracking devices using adenosine triphosphate surveillance. Am J Infect Control 2019; 47:1020-1021. [PMID: 30850255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2019.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this project is to determine the amount of organic matter burden focused on exercise-tracking devices worn by heath care professionals in the clinical setting. It was completed by using adenosine triphosphate surveillance, which measures the residual organic matter that remains on a device. Because all but 1 of the devices sampled were considered contaminated, health care professionals should be aware of the potential risk associated with wearing exercise-tracking devices in the clinical setting.
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Suen LKP, So ZYY, Yeung SKW, Lo KYK, Lam SC. Epidemiological investigation on hand hygiene knowledge and behaviour: a cross-sectional study on gender disparity. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:401. [PMID: 30975130 PMCID: PMC6460727 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6705-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The hand hygiene (HH) behaviour of the general public and its effect on illnesses are issues of growing importance. Gender is associated with HH behaviour. HH efficiency is a combination of washing efficiency and hand drying, but information about the knowledge level and HH behaviour of the general public is relatively limited. The findings of this cross-sectional study can substantially contribute to the understanding on the knowledge gap and public behaviour towards HH, thereby providing information on gender-specific health promotion activities and campaigns to improve HH compliance. Methods An epidemiological investigation by using a cross-sectional study design on the general public was conducted either via an online platform (SurveyMonkey) or paper-and-pen methods. The hand-washing and -drying questionnaire was used for data collection. Results A total of 815 valid questionnaires were collected. Majority of the respondents can differentiate the diseases that can or cannot be transmitted with poor HH, but the HH knowledge of the respondents was relatively inadequate. The female respondents had a significantly better HH knowledge than male respondents. The multiple regression analysis results also indicated that females had a significantly higher knowledge score by 0.288 towards HH than males after adjusting for age and education level. Although the majority of the respondents indicated that they performed hand cleaning under different specific situations, they admitted only using water instead of washing their hands with soap. More males than females dried their hands on their own clothing, whereas more females dried their hands through air evaporation. The average time of using warm hand dryers was generally inadequate amongst the respondents. Conclusions Being a female, middle-aged and having tertiary education level are protective factors to improve HH knowledge. Misconceptions related to the concepts associated with HH were noted amongst the public. Self-reported practice on hand drying methods indicated that additional education was needed. The findings of this study can provide information on gender-specific health promotion activities and creative campaigns to achieve sustained improvement in HH practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna K P Suen
- Squina International Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
| | - Zoe Y Y So
- Squina International Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Simon K W Yeung
- Squina International Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Kiki Y K Lo
- Squina International Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Simon C Lam
- Squina International Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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Melone L, Price L, Ness V, Simpson L, MacDonald J, Reilly J. The effect of fake tan on hand hygiene practice. J Infect Prev 2018; 19:266-269. [PMID: 38617878 PMCID: PMC11009565 DOI: 10.1177/1757177418769380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hand hygiene is the single most important measure in reducing the spread of infection. The aim of this study was to assess the uptake of fake tan in nursing students and evaluate the impact of wearing fake tan on hand hygiene training lotion removal during handwashing with soap and water. Of the 217 participants recruited, 21% wore fake tan. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between fake tan and non-fake tan wearers. Consequentially, no guidelines regarding the wearing of fake tan in clinical practice are currently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Melone
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Lesley Price
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Valerie Ness
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Liz Simpson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Jennifer MacDonald
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Jacqueline Reilly
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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Impact of a simulation-based training in hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub in emergency departments. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018; 39:1347-1352. [PMID: 30319092 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2018.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand hygiene is the primary measure for reducing nosocomial infections based on 7 steps recommended by the WHO. The aim of this study was to assess the duration and the quality of hand hygiene before and after simulation-based training (SBT). METHODS The study took place in a University Hospital Pediatric Department among its residents and nurses. In assessment A, 10 hand-rubbing procedures per participant during a work day were scored by observers using a validated, anatomically based assessment scale. Two weeks later, all participants received a didactic course and SBT, followed 1 month later by assessment B, observation of 10 hand-rubbing procedures. Assessments were performed by 2 independent observers. Before-and-after testing was used to evaluate the demonstration of theoretical knowledge. RESULTS In total, 22 participants were included, for whom 438 hand hygiene procedures were assessed: 218 for assessment A and 220 for assessment B. The duration of hand rubbing increased from 31.16 seconds in assessment A to 35.75 seconds in assessment B (P=.04). In assessment A, participants averaged 6.33 steps, and in assessment B, participants averaged 6.03 steps (difference not significant). Significant improvement in scores was observed between assessments A and B, except for the dorsal side of the right hand. The wrist and interdigital areas were the least-cleaned zones. A difference between assessments A and B was observed for nail varnish (P=.003) but not for long nails or jewelry. Theoretical scores increased from 2.83 to 4.29 (scale of 0-5; P<.001). CONCLUSION This study revealed that an optimal number of steps were performed during hand-rubbing procedures and that SBT improved the duration and quality of hand hygiene, except for the dorsal right side. Emphasis should be placed on the specific hand areas that remained unclean after regular hand-rubbing procedures.
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Wałaszek MZ, Kołpa M, Różańska A, Jagiencarz-Starzec B, Wolak Z, Wójkowska-Mach J. Nail microbial colonization following hand disinfection: a qualitative pilot study. J Hosp Infect 2018; 100:207-210. [PMID: 29969690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2018.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Effective hand hygiene among healthcare workers is one of the basic principles of preventing nosocomial infections. The aim of the study was a qualitative examination of microbial colonization of nails following hand hygiene. The results were stratified by nail length: short versus long and the presence of a varnish coating: natural versus varnished. The presence of potentially pathogenic micro-organisms was correlated with nail length (odds ratio: 7.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.83-27.39; P < 0.001) and the presence of ultraviolet (UV)-cured nail polish (7.2; 1.25-40.91; P < 0.05). There is a high probability of ineffective hand hygiene when keeping long nails and when UV-cured nail polish is present on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Z Wałaszek
- Department of Nursing, Institute of Health Sciences, State Higher Vocational School in Tarnów, Poland; St Łukasz Voivodeship Hospital, Tarnów, Poland
| | - M Kołpa
- Department of Nursing, Institute of Health Sciences, State Higher Vocational School in Tarnów, Poland
| | - A Różańska
- Department of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Z Wolak
- Department of Nursing, Institute of Health Sciences, State Higher Vocational School in Tarnów, Poland
| | - J Wójkowska-Mach
- Department of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland.
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Abstract
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.
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Fagernes M, Sorknes N, Holen Ø. Håndhygiene og antibiotikaresistens. TIDSSKRIFT FOR DEN NORSKE LEGEFORENING 2017; 137:345-346. [DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.16.0760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Wood A. Clinical Issues—October 2016. AORN J 2016; 104:357-363. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aorn.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Spierings EJW, Spierings PTJ, Nabuurs-Franssen M, Hopman J, Perencevich E, Voss A. A cross-sectional observational study about media and infection control practices: are photographic portrayals of healthcare workers setting a bad example? Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2015; 4:53. [PMID: 26613018 PMCID: PMC4660788 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-015-0094-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Attempts to increase compliance with infection control practices are complex and are - in part - based on attempts to change behaviour. In particular, the behaviour of significant peers (role models) has been shown to be a strong motivator. While role models within the working environment are obviously the most important, some experts suggest that media and public display cannot be ignored. The aim of this present study was to examine the display of technique recommended by current infection control guidelines including the “bare below the elbow” principle, which is considered a basic requirement for good infection control in many countries, in sets of professional stock photos. Findings From 20 random photo-stock websites we selected pictures with search terms “doctor and patient” and “nurse and patient”. In all selected photos a doctor or nurse and a patient were presented, healthcare workers (HCWs) were wearing white coats or uniforms, and their arms were visible. Each photo was evaluated with regard to: closure of white coat, sleeve length, personal clothing covered, hairstyle and presence of a wristwatch, bracelet and/or ring. Overall, 1600 photos were evaluated. The most common mistakes were with regard to HCWs’ white coats/uniforms. Eighty-nine percent of the photos containing doctor’s images were considered incorrect while 28 % of nurse-containing photos were incorrect. Conclusions The results seem to reflect the real world with only 40 % displaying correct behaviour with doctors being worse than nurses. It seems that the stereotypical image of a doctor does not agree with the current infection control guidelines. If we aim for higher compliance rates of HCWs, we need to change the social image of doctors and improve production, selection and display of stock photo images.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J W Spierings
- Radboud University of Nijmegen, Medical School, Platolaan 340, 6525 KD Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - M Nabuurs-Franssen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J Hopman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - E Perencevich
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - A Voss
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ; Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Korhonen A, Ojanperä H, Puhto T, Järvinen R, Kejonen P, Holopainen A. Adherence to hand hygiene guidelines - significance of measuring fidelity. J Clin Nurs 2015; 24:3197-205. [DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Johansen A, Denbæk AM, Bonnesen CT, Due P. The Hi Five study: design of a school-based randomized trial to reduce infections and improve hygiene and well-being among 6-15 year olds in Denmark. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:207. [PMID: 25886286 PMCID: PMC4351932 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1556-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious illnesses such as influenza and diarrhea are leading causes of absenteeism among Danish school children. Interventions in school settings addressing hand hygiene have shown to reduce the number of infectious illnesses. However, most of these studies include small populations and almost none of them are conducted as randomized controlled trials. The overall aim of the Hi Five study was to develop, implement and evaluate a multi-component school-based intervention to improve hand hygiene and well-being and to reduce the prevalence of infections among school children in intervention schools by 20% compared to control schools. This paper describes the development and the evaluation design of Hi Five. METHODS/DESIGN The Hi Five study was designed as a tree-armed cluster-randomized controlled trial. A national random sample of schools (n = 44) was randomized to one of two intervention groups (n = 29) or to a control group with no intervention (n = 15). A total of 8,438 six to fifteen-year-old school children were enrolled in the study. The Hi Five intervention consisted of three components: 1) a curriculum component 2) mandatory daily hand washing before lunch 3) extra cleaning of school toilets during the school day. Baseline data was collected from December 2011 to April 2012. The intervention period was August 2012 to June 2013. The follow-up data was collected from December 2012 to April 2013. DISCUSSION The Hi Five study fills a gap in international research. This large randomized multi-component school-based hand hygiene intervention is the first to include education on healthy and appropriate toilet behavior as part of the curriculum. No previous studies have involved supplementary cleaning at the school toilets as an intervention component. The study will have the added value of providing new knowledge about usability of short message service (SMS, text message) for collecting data on infectious illness and absenteeism in large study populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN19287682 , 21 December 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Johansen
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A 2., København K, DK-1353, Denmark.
| | - Anne Maj Denbæk
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A 2., København K, DK-1353, Denmark.
| | - Camilla Thørring Bonnesen
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A 2., København K, DK-1353, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Due
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A 2., København K, DK-1353, Denmark.
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Anderson MEC, Sargeant JM, Weese JS. Video observation of hand hygiene practices during routine companion animal appointments and the effect of a poster intervention on hand hygiene compliance. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:106. [PMID: 24885304 PMCID: PMC4108058 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hand hygiene is considered one of the most important infection control measures in human healthcare settings, but there is little information available regarding hand hygiene frequency and technique used in veterinary clinics. The objectives of this study were to describe hand hygiene practices associated with routine appointments in companion animal clinics in Ontario, and the effectiveness of a poster campaign to improve hand hygiene compliance. Results Observation of hand hygiene practices was performed in 51 clinics for approximately 3 weeks each using 2 small wireless surveillance cameras: one in an exam room, and one in the most likely location for hand hygiene to be performed outside the exam room following an appointment. Data from 38 clinics were included in the final analysis, including 449 individuals, 1139 appointments before and after the poster intervention, and 10894 hand hygiene opportunities. Overall hand hygiene compliance was 14% (1473/10894), while before and after patient contact compliance was 3% (123/4377) and 26% (1145/4377), respectively. Soap and water was used for 87% (1182/1353) of observed hand hygiene attempts with a mean contact time of 4 s (median 2 s, range 1-49 s), while alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) was used for 7% (98/1353) of attempts with a mean contact time of 8 s (median 7 s, range 1-30 s). The presence of the posters had no significant effect on compliance, although some staff reported that they felt the posters did increase their personal awareness of the need to perform hand hygiene, and the posters had some effect on product contact times. Conclusions Overall hand hygiene compliance in veterinary clinics in this study was low, and contact time with hand hygiene products was frequently below current recommendations. Use of ABHR was low despite its advantages over hand washing and availability in the majority of clinics. The poster campaign had a limited effect on its own, but could still be used as a component of a multimodal hand hygiene campaign. Improving the infection control culture in veterinary medicine would facilitate future campaigns and studies in this area, as well as overall patient and staff safety.
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Tacconelli E, Cataldo M, Dancer S, De Angelis G, Falcone M, Frank U, Kahlmeter G, Pan A, Petrosillo N, Rodríguez-Baño J, Singh N, Venditti M, Yokoe D, Cookson B. ESCMID guidelines for the management of the infection control measures to reduce transmission of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in hospitalized patients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2014; 20 Suppl 1:1-55. [DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 527] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Revised: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Szilágyi L, Haidegger T, Lehotsky A, Nagy M, Csonka EA, Sun X, Ooi KL, Fisher D. A large-scale assessment of hand hygiene quality and the effectiveness of the "WHO 6-steps". BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:249. [PMID: 23718728 PMCID: PMC3689096 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand hygiene compliance is generally assessed by observation of adherence to the "WHO five moments" using numbers of opportunities as the denominator. The quality of the activity is usually not monitored since there is no established methodology for the routine assessment of hand hygiene technique. The aim of this study was to objectively assess hand rub coverage of staff using a novel imaging technology and to look for patterns and trends in missed areas after the use of WHO's 6 Step technique. METHODS A hand hygiene education and assessment program targeted 5200 clinical staff over 7 days at the National University Hospital, Singapore. Participants in small groups were guided by professional trainers through 5 educational stations, which included technique-training and UV light assessment supported by digital photography of hands. Objective criteria for satisfactory hand hygiene quality were defined a priori. The database of images created during the assessment program was analyzed subsequently. Patterns of poor hand hygiene quality were identified and linked to staff demographic. RESULTS Despite the assessment taking place immediately after the training, only 72% of staff achieved satisfactory coverage. Failure to adequately clean the dorsal and palmar aspects of the hand occurred in 24% and 18% of the instances, respectively. Fingertips were missed by 3.5% of subjects. The analysis based on 4642 records showed that nurses performed best (77% pass), and women performed better than men (75% vs. 62%, p<0.001). Further risk indicators have been identified regarding age and occupation. CONCLUSION Ongoing education and training has a vital role in improving hand hygiene compliance and technique of clinical staff. Identification of typical sites of failure can help to develop improved training.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Szilágyi
- Department of Control Engineering and Information Technology (BME-IIT), Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Magyar tudósok krt, 2, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
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