Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): Challenges and Measures Taken by the Radiology Department to Control Infection Transmission

Infection control measures at diagnostic imaging departments in governmental hospitals, Gaza-Strip

INTRODUCTION

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is crucial in safeguarding patient safety and minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

AIM

The study investigated infection prevention and control measures for diagnostic imaging departments at governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

METHODS

The study design was a cross-sectional analytical study. The sample included all radiographers (81) and radiologists (40) working at Al Shifa Medical Complex and European Gaza Hospital (EGH). Data was collected using an interview questionnaire (121) and an observation checklist. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26, and the result was significant (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Only 27.3 % of the participants revealed the availability of training courses for IPC. More than half of the participants received their last training sessions one year ago, and most of them attended five basic in-service training sessions related to IPC. Radiologists' and medical radiographers' knowledge and practice scores regarding IPC measures were 85.3 % and 61.7 %, respectively, and there were statistically significant differences between the participants' practice domain and their years of experience (p-value .014). There is inadequate hand hygiene among radiographers in the radiology department, and only 29 % of the staff washed their hands immediately upon arrival at the unit. The total score of the Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework domains is almost equal at the two hospitals (280/500). The total score of the eight domains of the IPC Assessment Framework is 568.5/800 for Al Shifa Hospital and 516/800 for EGH, which indicates an intermediate IPC level.

CONCLUSION

Efforts are needed to enhance the scope and quality of implementation and to concentrate on creating long-term plans to sustain and promote the existing IPC program activities.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Regular assessments should be conducted to monitor progress, identify gaps, and guide quality improvement efforts. Assessment feedback should be used to develop targeted interventions and continuously enhance IPC measures.

The Assessment of Nursing Staff Knowledge and Barriers Regarding Aseptic Techniques in Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Sudan

Background Aseptic techniques are crucial in preventing healthcare-associated infections, which are an integral part of standard precautions, and encompass a range of practices designed to safeguard patients from healthcare-associated infections. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and identify the barriers faced by nursing staff in implementing aseptic techniques. Methodology This study employed a stratified random sampling technique to ensure the representation of the research sample. A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was used to assess the knowledge and barriers of nursing staff in maintaining aseptic techniques in their medical practice at Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Sudan. The nursing staff members were divided into different units, and a proportionate number of participants were randomly selected from each stratum. A total of 83 nursing staff members were recruited for this study. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire specifically designed for this study. The questionnaire consisted of items that assessed the nursing staff's knowledge and barriers to aseptic technique implementation. Results The study findings revealed that the mean knowledge score of nursing staff was 14.12, with a median score of 15. The knowledge score had a standard deviation of 3.22. Approximately two-thirds of the nurses (66.3%) had an average level of knowledge, while 33.7% had a below-average level of knowledge. The chi-square analysis indicated a significant association between educational level, years of experience, and knowledge scores (P value=0.010) at a significance level of 0.05. Additionally, 65% of the participants reported facing multiple challenges in maintaining aseptic techniques, including insufficient training, limited resources, and inadequate support. Conclusion In conclusion, the evaluation revealed that a significant proportion of participants felt that their unit lacked adequate training and resources for aseptic techniques. Many had observed colleagues not adhering to aseptic practices, and the participants faced multiple challenges in maintaining aseptic techniques, including insufficient training, limited resources, time constraints, and inadequate support.

Investigation of the Relationship between Body Parameters and mAs Using Non-Contact Two-Dimensional Thickness Measurement in Chest Digital Radiography

The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between body parameters and the current-time product (mAs) in chest digital radiography using a non-contact infrared thickness-measurement sensor. An anthropomorphic chest phantom was first used to understand variations in mAs over multiple positionings during chest radiography when using the automatic exposure control (AEC) technique. In a human study, 929 consecutive male subjects who underwent regular chest examinations were enrolled, and their height (H), weight (W), and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. In addition, their chest thickness (T) was measured at exhalation using a non-contact infrared sensor, and chest radiography was then performed using the AEC technique. Finally, the relationship between four body parameters (T, BMI, T*BMI, and W/H) and mAs was investigated by fitting the body parameters to mAs using three curve models. The phantom study showed that the maximum mAs was 1.76 times higher than the lowest mAs during multiple positionings in chest radiography. In the human study, all chest radiographs passed the routine quality control procedure and had an exposure index between 100 and 212. In curve fitting, the comparisons showed that W/H had a closer relationship with mAs than the other body parameters, while the first-order power model with W/H fitted to mAs performed the best and had an R-square of 0.9971. We concluded that the relationship between W/H and mAs in the first-order power model may be helpful in predicting the optimal mAs and reducing the radiation dose for chest radiography when using the AEC technique.