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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

Immune Control Strategies for Vaccinia Virus-related Laboratory-acquired Infections

While presenting biological characteristics of vaccinia virus and laboratory-acquired infections during related research processes, this paper focuses on benefits and risks of vaccinia virus immunization in relation to laboratory-acquired infections, describes characteristics and the adaptation of vaccinia virus vaccine, analyses the role vaccinia virus immunization plays in the prevention and control of laboratory-acquired infections, and finally proposes solutions and countermeasures to further promote and implement immune control strategies. The problem related to immune strategy and laboratory- acquired infections which is being raised, analyzed and explored plays an active and instructive role in vaccinia virus related researches and laboratory- acquired infections, and also helps to recommend and develop relevant immune strategy for future vaccine control of such infections.

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.

Tight glycemic control using an artificial endocrine pancreas may play an important role in preventing infection after pancreatic resection

It is well known that perioperative hyperglycemia is the main cause of infectious complications after surgery.To improve perioperative glycemic control,we wish to highlight and comment on an interesting paper published recently by the Annals of Surgery entitled:"Early postoperative hyperglycemia is associated with postoperative complications after pancreatoduodenectomy(PD)" by Eshuis et al.The authors concluded that early postoperative glucose levels more than 140 mg/dL was significantly associated with complications after PD.Since we recommend that perioperative tight glycemic control(TGC) is an effective method to prevent postoperative complications including surgical site infection after distal,proximal,and total pancreatic resection,we support strongly this conclusion drawn in this article.However,if early postoperative glucose control in patients undergoing PD was administrated by conventional method such as sliding scale approach as described in this article,it is difficult to maintain TGC.Therefore,we introduce a novel perioperative glycemic control using an artificial endocrine pancreas against pancreatogenic diabetes after pancreatic resection including PD.

Scenario of Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Tuberculosis in Tuberculosis Inpatient and Outpatient Department in Tertiary Care Hospital

Tuberculosis is one of the most important infectious diseases in our country. Also nosocomial infection by tuberculosis can occur, which can be prevented by implementing simple, effective and affordable tuberculosis infection control measures in health care facilities. To evaluate the effectiveness of infection control measures, such study was planned. Questionnaires were administered to all doctors, healthcare workers and servants working in outdoor and indoor department of tuberculosis at tertiary care hospital to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices on prevention and control of Tuberculosis infection. A scoring system was devised to grade them. One-time audit was also done in outpatient and inpatient department. The analysis showed scoring of poor for doctors, good for nurses and poor forward aids. There is a need to develop strategies for training of health care workers on regular basis in order to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections. Audit result shows a good level of environmental control measures. Better knowledge, attitude and practices are helpful for the prevention and control of tuberculosis. Also environmental control measures are helpful to prevent infection.

Management strategy of prevention and control of nosocomial infection of COVID-19 in blood purification center

There are many patients in the blood purification center who need maintenance hemodialysis to maintain life. Those patients generally havelow resistance and are easily exposed to coronavirus because they go back and forth the hospital and residence three times a week andclosely contact with family, caregivers, community personnel, people in various means of transportation, medical staff, and other patientsvisiting hospital. Therefore, the blood purification center has become a high‑risk environment for the spread of COVID-19 infection. In viewof this, our center quickly responded to the formulation and implementation of infection prevention and control measures suitable for thecharacteristics of the blood purification center and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) emergency plan for fever and suspectedpatients. According to these measures, we have a positive effect on preventing and controlling nosocomial infection in the blood purificationcenter.

Clinical Research of Pre-Hospital Emergency Care, Nursing, Infection Prevention and Control for Senile Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture during Epidemic Period

Background: Novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) and osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) are the high incidences of diseases in the elderly. During the epidemic period, if not treated in time, the complications are high and the mortality is high. If we do not pay attention to infection prevention and control in pre-hospital emergency care, it will lead to the first time infection of medical staff and in-hospital cross infection in emergency outpatient receiving area. The correct consideration of both and the establishment of perfect pre-hospital emergency treatment and infection prevention and control synchronous strategy is an important premise to ensure the stable, orderly and safe medical treatment. Objective: To explore the effect of synchronous implementation of pre-hospital emergency care, nursing and infection pre-vention and control for senile OVCF during the epidemic. In order to improve the efficiency of pre-hospital emergency care and prevent the spread of infection. Method: A total of 92 elderly patients with OVCF who received pre-hospital treatment in 18 hospitals in Zhangjiakou City during the epidemic prevention and control period from January 2020 to November 2022 and met the inclusion criteria were selected as research objects, including 24 males and 68 females, aged 65 - 82 (74.2 ± 2.2) years. All patients were associated with concomitant injuries and underlying diseases. All patients in this group underwent predictive pre-hospital rescue and infection prevention and control procedures. Results: All the 92 elderly patients with OVCF received timely pre-hospital treatment during the epidemic period, and no aggravation occurred of the 92 patients, 35 were in the high risk area, 10 were in the medium risk area, and 47 were in the low risk area. Exclude OVCF for NCP Patients were treated according to the conventional diagnosis and treatment principles. Suspected and confirmed cases are transferred to designated surgical hospitals for treatment. All patients were followed up 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after treatment. There was no death rate, high satisfaction of pre-hospital first aid, high diagnostic accuracy, and good curative effect. None of the rescue personnel had any infection rate, and no hospital infection transmission and nosocomial cross infection occurred. Conclusion: It is the first step to safely treat patients and prevent cross infection to establish a perfect synchronous strategy of pre-hospital first aid and infection prevention and control.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.