American journal of infection control
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Am J Infect Control · Sep 2014
Evaluation of the effectiveness of improved hydrogen peroxide in the operating room.
The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 1-step, ready-to-use improved hydrogen peroxide (IHP) cleaner and disinfectant for between-case use in the operating room. We found high cleaning efficacy (84%-96%) and a high compliance rate with the IHP (84%). With good surface compatibility, low toxicity, rapid dwell time, ease of use, and excellent cleaning efficacy, the IHP may be considered an option for between-case cleaning and disinfection in the operating room.
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Am J Infect Control · Sep 2014
Common infection control practices in the emergency department: a literature review.
Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a major health concern, despite being largely avoidable. The emergency department (ED) is an essential component of the health care system and subject to workflow challenges, which may hinder ED personnel adherence to guideline-based infection prevention practices. ⋯ Standardized methods and definitions of compliance monitoring are needed to compare results across settings.
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Am J Infect Control · Sep 2014
Effect of a ventilator-focused intervention on the rate of Acinetobacter baumannii infection among ventilated patients.
Acinetobacter baumannii is a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia, often as a result of ventilator equipment contamination. Evidence-based guidance on optimal care of ventilator equipment to prevent infection is lacking. Here, we report on a significant and persistent reduction in A baumannii infection rates achieved by introducing a strict policy on ventilator care. ⋯ Implementing a stricter standard of ventilator care than that currently defined in published guidelines can significantly decrease health care-associated A baumannii acquisition and related adverse outcomes among ventilated patients.
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Am J Infect Control · Sep 2014
Nasal screening is useful in excluding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening performed for infection control purposes may be useful in guiding decisions regarding the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in the intensive care unit. A cohort study of adults with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) found that admission MRSA nasal swabs had a negative predictive value of 94% for later MRSA VAP.
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Am J Infect Control · Aug 2014
Health care-associated infection prevention in Japan: the role of safety culture.
Limited data exist on the use of infection prevention practices in Japan. We conducted a nationwide survey to examine the use of recommended infection prevention strategies and factors affecting their use in Japanese hospitals. ⋯ Although certain practices were used commonly, the rate of regular use of many evidence-based prevention practices was low in Japanese hospitals. Our findings highlight the importance of fostering an organization-wide atmosphere that prioritizes patient safety. Such a commitment to patient safety should in turn promote the use of effective measures to reduce health care-associated infections in Japan.