Potential application of novel technology developed for instant decontamination of personal protective equipment before the doffing step

Preventing Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Transmission in the Intensive Care Unit with a Comprehensive Approach: A Policymaking Manual

Patients referred to intensive care units (ICU) commonly contract infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, which are typically linked to complications and high mortality. There are numerous independent factors that are associated with the transmission of these pathogens in the ICU. Preventive multilevel measures that target these factors are of great importance in order to break the chain of transmission. In this review, we aim to provide essential guidance for the development of robust prevention strategies, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of patients and healthcare workers in the ICU. We discuss the role of ICU personnel in cross-contamination, existing preventative measures, novel technologies, and strategies employed, along with antimicrobial surveillance and stewardship (AMSS) programs, to construct effective and thoroughly described policy recommendations. By adopting a multifaceted approach that combines targeted interventions with broader preventive strategies, healthcare facilities can create a more coherent line of defense against the spread of MDR pathogens. These recommendations are evidence-based, practical, and aligned with the needs and realities of the ICU setting. In conclusion, this comprehensive review offers a blueprint for mitigating the risk of MDR bacterial transmission in the ICU, advocating for an evidence-based, multifaceted approach.

Perception of Professionals from Different Healthcare Units Regarding the Use of Spray Technology for the Instantaneous Decontamination of Personal Protective Equipment during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic: A Short Analysis

Within the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, different disinfection technologies have been developed to efficiently exercise microbial control, especially to minimize the potential risks that are associated with transmission and infection among healthcare professionals. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the perception of professionals regarding the use of a new technology (chamber) for the instantaneous decontamination of personal protective equipment before the doffing stage. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study where the study data were obtained by using a questionnaire with qualitative questions. In total, 245 professionals participated in the study in three hospitals. Healthcare professionals represented 72.24% (n = 177) of the investigated sample. Approximately 69% of the professionals considered the disinfection chamber as a safe technology, and 75.10% considered it as an important and effective protective barrier for healthcare professionals in view of its application before the doffing process. The results found in this study demonstrate that the use of spray technology in the stage prior to the doffing process is acceptable to professionals, and that it can be an important tool for ensuring the additional protection of the professionals who work directly with patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19.

Evaluation of the microbial reduction efficacy and perception of use of an ozonized water spray disinfection technology

The development of new approaches for the decontamination of surfaces is important to deal with the processes related to exposure to contaminated surfaces. Therefore, was evaluated the efficacy of a disinfection technology using ozonized water (0.7–0.9 ppm of O₃) on the surfaces of garments and accessories of volunteers, aiming to reduce the spread of microbial pathogens in the workplace and community. A Log₁₀ microbial reduction of 1.72–2.40 was observed between the surfaces tested. The microbial reductions remained above 60% on most surfaces, and this indicated that the disinfection technology was effective in microbial log reduction regardless of the type of transport used by the volunteers and/or their respective work activities. In association with the evaluation of efficacy, the analysis of the perception of use (approval percentage of 92.45%) was fundamental to consider this technology as an alternative for use as a protective barrier, in conjunction with other preventive measures against microbiological infections, allowing us to contribute to the availability of proven effective devices against the spread of infectious agents in the environment.

Applications of Technological Solutions in Primary Ways of Preventing Transmission of Respiratory Infectious Diseases-A Systematic Literature Review

With the growing concern about the spread of new respiratory infectious diseases, several studies involving the application of technology in the prevention of these diseases have been carried out. Among these studies, it is worth highlighting the importance of those focused on the primary forms of prevention, such as social distancing, mask usage, quarantine, among others. This importance arises because, from the emergence of a new disease to the production of immunizers, preventive actions must be taken to reduce contamination and fatalities rates. Despite the considerable number of studies, no records of works aimed at the identification, registration, selection, and rigorous analysis and synthesis of the literature were found. For this purpose, this paper presents a systematic review of the literature on the application of technological solutions in the primary ways of respiratory infectious diseases transmission prevention. From the 1139 initially retrieved, 219 papers were selected for data extraction, analysis, and synthesis according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results enabled the identification of a general categorization of application domains, as well as mapping of the adopted support mechanisms. Findings showed a greater trend in studies related to pandemic planning and, among the support mechanisms adopted, data and mathematical application-related solutions received greater attention. Topics for further research and improvement were also identified such as the need for a better description of data analysis and evidence.