The Impact of Optimizing Details in the Operating Room on the Level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Hospital Infection Prevention and Control by Surgeons, as Well as the Effectiveness of Infection Control

Objective: This paper aims to explore the impact of optimizing details in the operating room on the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of hospital infection prevention and control by surgeons, as well as the effectiveness of infection control. Methods: From January 2022 to June 2023, a total of 120 patients were screened and randomly divided into a control group (routine care and hospital infection management) and a study group (optimizing details in the operating room). Results: Significant differences were found between the two groups in the data of surgeons’ level of knowledge, attitude, and practice in hospital infection prevention and control, infection rates, and nursing satisfaction, with the study group showing better results (P Conclusion: The use of optimizing details in the operating room among surgeons can effectively improve surgeons’ level of knowledge, attitude, and practice in hospital infection prevention and control, reduce infection occurrence, and is worth promoting.

Enhancing Patients Outcomes and Infection Control through Smart Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Systems

Air pollution poses a critical threat to public health and environmental sustainability globally, and Nigeria is no exception. Despite significant economic growth and urban development, Nigeria faces substantial air quality challenges, particularly in urban centers. While outdoor air pollution has received considerable attention, the issue of indoor air quality remains underexplored yet equally critical. This study aims to develop a reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly solution for continuous monitoring and reporting of indoor air quality, accessible from anywhere via a web interface. Addressing the urgent need for effective indoor air quality monitoring in urban hospitals, the research focuses on designing and implementing a smart indoor air quality monitoring system using Arduino technology. Employing an Arduino Uno, ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, and MQ135 gas sensor, the system collects real-time air quality data, transmits it to the ThingSpeak cloud platform, and visualizes it through a user-friendly web interface. This project offers a cost-effective, portable, and reliable solution for monitoring indoor air quality, aiming to mitigate health risks and promote a healthier living environment.

Construction of competency evaluation system for infection control personnel in traditional Chinese medicine hospitals

Background:This study uses a literature review and the Delphi expert consultation method to construct a competency evaluation model for infection control personnel in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)hospitals.The aim is to strengthen infection control management in TCM hospitals,assess the competency of infection control personnel in their positions,and assist them in identifying the competencies that need improvement.Methods:Based on the literature research method and the Delphi expert consultation method,a competency model for the position was constructed through two rounds of expert consultations,analyzing the relationships between various factors and establishing a hierarchical structure model.Pairwise comparisons were made among the elements at the same level to construct a judgment matrix.Through the analytic hierarchy process,the weight coefficients of the indicators at each level in the competency model were obtained.Results:This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of various capabilities and practices related to hospital infection control.The survey results indicate that participants excelled in multiple areas,with a high overall satisfaction rate.95.28%of participants were able to develop hospital infection monitoring plans based on national infection control policies,demonstrating a good understanding and execution of these policies.94.09%of participants were familiar with high-risk populations and key departments in the hospital.91.73%of participants were able to establish monitoring scopes based on the trends of multidrug-resistant bacteria and conduct information monitoring,reflecting strong response capabilities.92.91%of participants were able to collaborate with relevant departments to conduct bacterial resistance monitoring,showing a good team spirit.94.49%of participants were able to perform targeted monitoring,including surgical site infections,indicating that they have effective monitoring strategies.91.34%of participants were able to collect and organize monitoring data and establish a systematic database,demonstrating good data management skills.90.16%of participants were able to interpret laws and regulations related to hospital infection management,indicating a high level of legal knowledge.89.37%of participants generally possessed good communication skills.92.52%of participants were able to guide medical staff on occupational safety and protective knowledge,showing an emphasis on occupational health.Participants demonstrated a strong desire to learn and innovate,with 87.01%actively participating in continuing education and research activities,reflecting a pursuit of professional development.Conclusion:Based on the results of the two rounds of expert consultations,a competency evaluation model for infection control personnel in TCM hospitals was formed.Through the analytic hierarchy process,the weight coefficients of various indicators at different levels in the model were obtained,and the research results have good scientific validity and reliability.

Knowledge and awareness of infection control practices among nursing professionals:A cross-sectional survey from South Asia and the Middle East

BACKGROUND The proficiency of nursing professionals in the infection prevention and control(IPC)practices is a core component of the strategy to mitigate the challenge of healthcare associated infections.AIM To test knowledge of nurses working in intensive care units(ICU)in South Asia and Middle East countries on IPC practices.METHODS An online self-assessment questionnaire based on various aspects of IPC practices was conducted among nurses over three weeks.RESULTS A total of 1333 nurses from 13 countries completed the survey.The average score was 72.8%and 36%of nurses were proficient(mean score>80%).43%and 68.3%of respondents were from government and teaching hospitals,respectively.79.2%of respondents worked in<25 bedded ICUs and 46.5%in closed ICUs.Statistically,a significant association was found between the knowledge and expertise of nurses,the country’s per-capita income,type of hospitals,accreditation and teaching status of hospitals and type of ICUs.Working in high-and upper-middleincome countries(β=4.89,95%CI:3.55 to 6.22)was positively associated,and the teaching status of the hospital(β=-4.58,95%CI:-6.81 to-2.36)was negatively associated with the knowledge score among respondents.CONCLUSION There is considerable variation in knowledge among nurses working in ICU.Factors like income status of countries,public vs private and teaching status of hospitals and experience are independently associated with nurses’knowledge of IPC practices.

The Infection Control Measures Taken in MRI Examination During the COVID-19 Pandemic Prevention and Control Period

Objective:To optimize the magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)detection process in view of the COVID-19 pandemic,standardize and strengthen the infection control and management MRI rooms.Methods:According to the Technical Guide for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Medical Institutions(3rd Edition),with reference to the current COVID-19 infection control plan,there are three aspects involved in the planning of MRI examination:MRI room management,medical staff management and protection,and patient management,especially the use of full plastic nose strip medical masks.Infection prevention measures are formulated,scientific prevention and control are made,and accurate policies are implemented.Results:MRI examination was carried out according to the infection control and management of MRI room plan during the epidemic,so as to ensure the safety of examination,the safety of patients and the safety of medical staff and no cross infection in hospital.Conclusion:The implementation of proper infection prevention measures during MRI examination in light of COVID-19 ensures that patients wear medical surgical masks with full plastic nose strips throughout the process to avoid cross-infection,ensure the safety of doctors and patients,and maintain the health of the population.

Impact of designed infection control educational program on nurses’knowledge and compliance with standard precautions at maternity hospitals

Objectives:This study aimed to assess the nurses’knowledge and compliance with infection control standard precautions and evaluate the impact of the designed infection control educational program on nurses’knowledge and compliance with standard precautions at the maternity hospital.Materials and Methods:A quasi‑experimental one‑group pretest‑posttest design was used on convenient sample of 60 nurses working at Obstetrics and Gynecological hospital in Cairo University Hospital,Kasr El Ainy,who received“designed infection control educational program”for 6 months.The data were collected through the questionnaire comprising demographics,knowledge,and compliance with standard precautions questionnaire.The nurses’knowledge and compliance score were compared before and after intervention.Results:The studied nurses had higher level of knowledge(85.3%)and compliance(92.8%)regarding infection control standard precautions after the educational program compared to before the program.The results revealed statistically significant difference between before and after the program regarding nurses’knowledge score(15.5±2.9 vs.17.1±1.6,P<0.001)and compliance score(58.5±13.2 vs.74.3±5.1,P<0.001).In addition,there was insignificant relation between nurses’knowledge and compliance with standard precautions both before(r=0.952,P=0.474)and after educational program(r=0.164,P=0.223).Conclusion:The nurses’level of knowledge and compliance regarding infection control standard precautions was significantly improved after the program.Therefore,it is recommended that periodical educational programs regarding the standard precautions of infection control are essential for nurses at maternity hospital.

Current issues in endoscope reprocessing and infection control during gastrointestinal endoscopy

The purpose of this article is to review the evidence regarding transmission of infection during gastrointestinal endoscopy, factors important in endoscope reprocessing and infection control, areas to focus on to improve compliance, and recent developments and advances in the field.

Microbiological screenings for infection control in unaccompanied minor refugees： the German Armed Forces Medical Service＇s experience

Background:The German Military Medical Service contributed to the medical screening of unaccompanied minor refugees(UMRs)coming to Germany in 2014 and 2015.In this study,a broad range of diagnostic procedures was applied to identify microorganisms with clinical or public health significance.Previously,those tests had only been used to screen soldiers returning from tropical deployments.This instance is the first time the approach has been studied in a humanitarian context.Methods:The offered screenings included blood cell counts,hepatitis B serology and microscopy of the stool to look for protozoa and worm eggs as well as PCR from stool samples targeting pathogenic bacteria,protozoa and helminths.If individuals refused certain assessments,their decision to do so was accepted.A total of 219 apparently healthy male UMRs coming from Afghanistan,Egypt,Somalia,Eritrea,Syria,Ghana,Guinea,Iran,Algeria,Iraq,Benin,Gambia,Libya,Morocco,Pakistan,and Palestine were assessed.All UMRs who were examined at the study department were included in the assessment.Results:We detected decreasing frequencies of pathogens that included diarrhoea-associated bacteria[Campylobacter(C.)jejuni,enteropathogenic Escherichia(E.)coli(EPEC),enterotoxic E.coli(ETEC),enteroaggregative E.coli(EAEC),enteroinvasive E.coli(EIEC)/Shigella spp.),Giardia(G.)duodenalis,helminths(comprising Schistosoma spp.,Hymenolepis(H.)nana,Strongyloides(S.)stercoralis]as well as hepatitis B virus.Pathogenic microorganisms dominated the samples by far.While G.duodenalis was detected in 11.4%of the assessed UMRs,the incidence of newly identified cases in the German population was 4.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.Conclusion:We conclude that the applied in-house PCR screening systems,which have proven to be useful for screening military returnees from tropical deployments,can also be used for health assessment of immigrants from the respective sites.Apparently healthy UMRs may be enterically colonized with a broad variety of pathogenic and apathogenic microorganisms.Increased colonization rates,as shown for G.duodenalis,can pose a hygiene problem in centralized homes for asylum seekers.

The Current Status and Challenges Regarding Tuberculosis Infection Control in Health Care Facilities in China

Health care facilities are a high-risk environment for generating and spreading respiratory infectious diseases such as tuberculosis （TB）. The TB prevention and treatment staff in health care facilities are responsible for the identification, diagnosis, treatment, supervision, and management of TB patients .

Endoscopy during COVID-19 pandemic: An overview of infection control measures and practical application

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has resulted in coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)which has affected more than 4.5 million people in 213 countries,and has been declared a pandemic by World Health Organization on March 11,2020.The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported to occur primarily through direct contact or droplets.There have also been reports that SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in biopsy and stool specimens,and it has been postulated that there is potential for fecal–oral transmission as well.Gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported in 17.6%of COVID-19 patients and transmission can potentially occur through gastrointestinal secretions in this group of patients.Furthermore,transmission can also occur in asymptomatic carriers or patients with viral shedding during the incubation period.Endoscopic procedures hence may pose significant risks of transmission(even for those not directly involving confirmed COVID-19 cases)as endoscopists and endoscopy staff are in close contact with patients during these aerosol generating procedures.This could result in inadvertent transmission of infection at time of endoscopy.

Infection Control Measures among Healthcare Workers: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice

Background: Nosocomial infections are some of public health problems globally and continue to be increased regardless of the hospital’s efforts on infection control measures and are contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality and cost. The absence of infection control policies, guidelines and trained professionals also contributes to the magnitude of the problem. The aim of this study was to assess the Knowledge, attitude and practices towards infection control measures among healthcare workers at Old Mutare Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to acquire information. A purposive sampling method was used to select 22 nurses, 15 nurse Aids and 2 laboratory technicians (Lab Tech). A self-administered questionnaire with four components addressing demographic data, knowledge, attitudes and practices was used to collect data that was completed by a checklist. Results: The study findings revealed a poor knowledge of infection control measures among the nurse’s aide. The attitude and practices among participants were impartially good in all variables. The participants had scored over 50% towards their attitude and their practices on infection control. A significant statistical difference was found between the professional status of the participants and the ability to explain how one can get Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) and awareness of infection control programs in their hospital (rs = 0.640, 0.645) with P < 0.05 (0.01, 0.01) respectively. Conclusion: Despite of having a fair attitude and practice towards infection control, the participants had presented poor knowledge;therefore, it had been recommended that in service training and workshop should be planned by the administration to update their knowledge and attain full compliance towards their practice.

Study on Application Effect of 6S Management Mode in Infection Control Management of Fangcang Shelter Hospital of National Exhibition and Convention Center

Objective:In 2022,a pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus broke out in Shanghai.A large number of medical personnel were deployed nationwide to support the Fangcang Shelter Hospital of National Exhibition and Convention Center(Shanghai).Because the of the underdeveloped infrastructure and the disorganized layout process,the phenomenon of infection among medical personnel was rampant given the highly contagious nature of the Omicron variant.This paper discusses the effect of 6S management in infection control management of Fangcang Shelter Hospital of National Exhibition and Convention Center(Shanghai).Methods:A series of 6S management practices were carried out based on the evaluation of the control management of Fangcang Shelter Hospital of National Exhibition and Convention Center(Shanghai)during the anti-epidemic period,and the effect of the implementation of 6S management was studied based on the rapport among team members and the overall control system process,the management of wearing and stripping channels,the time of wearing protective articles and the psychological and emotional changes of the team members.Results:After the implementation of 6S management mode,the management of dressing room,epidemic prevention materials,and occupational protection awareness and infection control safety were significantly improved.More than 95.5%of the team members believed that improving the working environment in the shelter increased the confidence of victory in the fight against the epidemic,reduced the preparations before entering and leaving the cabin,improved the work efficiency and ensured occupational safety.It ensures the realization of the goal of“zero infection”and is set as a benchmark of control work of Fangcang Shelter Hospital of National Exhibition and Convention Center(Shanghai).Conclusion:The application of 6S management mode to the shelter infection control management can create and maintain a good working environment in the shelter,promote the implementation effect of various systems and processes of infection control,reduce the potential infection risk in the shelter and improve the efficiency of infection control management.

Evaluation of the Validity of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Control Measures through Antibody Testing for Employees of a University and Hospital

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is spread through person-to-person transmission and has become a global pandemic. At Saitama Medical University Hospital, many medical staff members have been involved in treating patients with COVID-19. The Care Task Force was established in collaboration with physicians, medical staff, and clerical staff in the various hospital departments to strengthen infection control measures based on standard precautions. Methods: To determine the outcome of infection control measures, we administered anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests and questionnaires to all 2461 employees including nonhospital workers, as a local standard, between June 29 and July 10, 2020. Results: Among the hospital workers, 698 (33.99%) had contact with patients with COVID-19 and 325 healthcare workers worked in specialized wards for the COVID-19, intensive care unit, and high-fever outpatient clinics. Positive for the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody were only 4 (0.16%) employees. Among them, the past histories of two employees were unknown, while the other two had a history of COVID-19 before the test and were not involved in the medical care of COVID-19 patients at our hospital. Conclusion: It is the first study assessing the seropositive rate in Saitama-prefecture, a bed-town of Tokyo. Compared with the local standard, we found that health care workers are not at risk for viral droplet transmission, especially with SARS-CoV-2 and even with the current pandemic, with infection control measures based on standard precautions. Based on our findings and with no clusters formed in our university and hospital, we continued current infection control measures.

The Effectiveness of Infection Control Practices among Health Care Workers Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Background: The world is currently experiencing a healthcare crisis caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the forefront of controlling the spread of the disease;this response has resulted in a huge number of infections amongst HCWs and unfortunately some casualties. Infection prevention and control practices (IPC) are practical, proven methods that prevent avoidable harm to patients and protect health workers from contagious infection. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of IPC practices utilized in COVID-19 testing drive through facility in Lagos Nigeria. Method: The facility recruited 42 HCWs who were trained on IPC and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Training on donning and doffing of PPEs, preparation of decontaminants and sample handling were done for relevant personnel. A daily log for monitoring COVID-19 symptoms was deployed to all HCWs;to help early detection of COVID-19 infection and prevent transmission amongst staff. Results: Of 42 personnel, 92.8% had a tertiary level of education while 71.4% had at least 5 years work experience. A total of 5 (11.9%) out of 42 HCWs were positive by week six of the study. All infected persons worked at the drive through centre. Most common symptom filled in the daily log tool was headache and fatigue. Conclusion: Despite all the measures introduced, 11.9% of HCWs became positive within 6 weeks, showing the highly infectious nature of the virus and the need to research into more effective measures in preventing the transmission of highly infectious pathogens to HCWs during outbreaks.

Antimicrobial hydrogel foam dressing with controlled release of gallium maltolate for infection control in chronic wounds

Effective treatment of infection in chronic wounds is critical to improve patient outcomes and prevent severe complications,including systemic infections,increased morbidity,and amputations.Current treatments,including antibiotic administration and antimicrobial dressings,are challenged by the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance and patients’sensitivity to the delivered agents.Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of a new antimicrobial agent,Gallium maltolate(GaM);however,the high burst release from the GaMloaded hydrogel gauze required frequent dressing changes.To address this need,we developed a hydrogel foambased wound dressing with GaM-loaded microspheres for sustained infection control.First,the minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations(MIC and MBC)of GaM against two Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from chronic wounds were identified.No significant adverse effects of GaM on dermal fibroblasts were shown at the MIC,indicating an acceptable selectivity index.For the sustained release of GaM,electrospraying was employed to fabricate microspheres with different release kinetics.Systematic investigation of loading and microsphere size on release kinetics indicated that the larger microsphere size and lower GaM loading resulted in a sustained GaM release profile over the target 5 days.Evaluation of the GaM-loaded hydrogel dressing demonstrated cytocompatibility and antibacterial activities with a zone of inhibition test.An equine distal limb wound model was developed and utilized to demonstrate the efficacy of GaM-loaded hydrogel foam in vivo.This antimicrobial hydrogel foam dressing displayed the potential to combat methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA)infection with controlled GaM release to improve chronic wound healing.

Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Strategies in Risk Departments during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Objective: To explore the practice and application of infection prevention and control strategies in risk departments during the COVID-19 epidemic, and to formulate the infection prevention and control measures to provide advice and guidance in risk departments. Methods: According to the latest plan of diagnosis and treatment, prevention and control issued by the National Health Commission, expert advice and consensus, combined with the actual situation in our hospital, a series of infection prevention and control measures of COVID-19 in risk department was formulated. Results: During the epidemic period, the prevention and control measures of nine risk departments including emergency operation, anesthesiology, endoscopy center, blood purification center, otolaryngology, stomatology, medical imaging department, medical cosmetology department and pulmonary function room were established from six aspects, including pre-examination and screening, medical technology control, personnel management, personal protection, environmental disinfection, medical waste disposal, etc. Conclusion: During the epidemic period, the infection prevention and control strategy of risk departments is one of the key links to control the spread of the epidemic, and risk departments must pay attention to and strictly implement various infection prevention and control measures.

Effect and Significance of Comprehensive Training in Infection Prevention and Control on the Psychological Health of Oral Health Staff

Background:Oral health staff have close contact with patients in the process of diagnosis and treatment,and it is inevitable for them to come into contact with patients’secretions.Therefore,oral health staff are at greater risk of infectious diseases in their daily work,and their psychological health is also greatly challenged.Objective:To study the effect and significance of comprehensive training in infection prevention and control on the psychological health of oral health staff.Methods:We selected 400 oral health staff from a tertiary stomatological hospital in Guangzhou,China in this study.The respondents were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group.After the first round of investigation,the intervention group received comprehensive training in prevention and control of infection for three months,while the control group received no intervention.Results:The comprehensive training in infection prevention and control improved the respondents’psychological health and job satisfaction.Further strengthening infection prevention and control training for oral health staff will increase their self-confidence,improve their mental health,and increase their job satisfaction.Conclusion:For oral health staff,it is particularly important to formulate an effective and operable preventive and control training program and then implement it in a standardized manner.

Application of PDCA in improving hand hygiene compliance and nosocomial infection quality in orthopedics

Objective:To explore the effect of the Plan-Do-Check-Action(PDCA)cycle on hand hygiene and nosocomial infection quality of or thopedic medical staff.Methods:The whole year of 2021 was selected to monitor the quality of hand hygiene and hospitalization.Follow-up monitoring and real-time recording during the period of morning shift and medical operation concentration time,and compare the compliance of hand hygiene before and after implementation,and evaluate the quality of nosocomial infection.Results:The hand hygiene compliance of doctors and nurses in stage P was 82%.The compliance of medical staff in stage D was 93%.The compliance of stage C was 94%and that of stage A was 95%.The quality score of hospital self-examination nosocomial infection was also significantly increased.Conclusions:The PDCA management cycle can effectively improve the compliance of hand hygiene and the nosocomial infection quality,which is wor thy of circulatory application in or thopedic nosocomial infection quality control,especially improving the quality of hand hygiene.

Management of infection control and radiological protection in diagnostic radiology examination of COVID-19 cases

Since the COVID-19 outbreak,diagnostic imaging has been providing valuable radiological support for disease diagnosis and prognosis prediction.Radiological staff,especially radiographers working on the front line in the battle against the COVID-19 outbreak.They are in direct contact with the patients,bearing the responsibility and pressure of both the infection prevention and control and the radiation protection.A number of relevant professionals and experts reached a consensus,which clarifies the detailed implementing rules with respective to infection control and protection of the radiation workers,disinfection of diagnostic radiology equipment and workplace,and radiological protection.The aim is to further normalize the clinical procedures of radiological staff,reduce the infection risk,especially the radiation risk to medics and patients.

Coping with the COVID‑19 pandemic:Strategies for controlling nosocomial infections in the observation area in a general hospital in China

This study shared experiences in implementing infection prevention and control strategies in an observation area to minimize nosocomial infections of COVID‑19 in a 3A‑level general hospital in China,including area division,human resources and teamwork,instructions for infection control,and the establishment of workflow management groups in the operation center.These experiences will be helpful to countries,especially developing countries,who are fighting against COVID‑19 now and other infectious diseases in the future to control nosocomial infections.