The Journal of hospital infection
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Influenza vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is essential for patient safety, their own safety, and hospital operation. However, despite its strong recommendation, studies indicates a low rate of vaccine uptake. ⋯ A good uptake of influenza vaccine was achieved during the 2014/15 season following adoption of mandatory vaccination policy. Awareness programmes are needed to correct HCWs' misconceptions about the vaccine. Efforts need to focus especially on physicians, younger staff and new recruits.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Unique characteristics of community-onset healthcare- associated bloodstream infections: a multi-centre prospective surveillance study of bloodstream infections in Japan.
Analysis of bloodstream infections (BSIs) is valuable for their diagnosis, treatment and prevention. However, limited data are available in Japan. ⋯ CHA- and HA-BSIs had higher mortality rates than CA-BSIs. The prognoses of E. coli- and K. pneumonia-related BSIs differed according to the category of bacteraemia.
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The combination of personal protective equipment (PPE) together with donning and doffing protocols was designed to protect British and Canadian military medical personnel in the Kerry Town Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) in Sierra Leone. The PPE solution was selected to protect medical staff from infectious risks, notably Ebola virus, and chemical (hypochlorite) exposure. PPE maximized dexterity, enabled personnel to work in hot temperatures for periods of up to 2h, protected mucosal membranes when doffing outer layers, and minimized potential contamination of the doffing area with infectious material by reducing the requirement to spray PPE with hypochlorite. ⋯ Competency in using PPE was developed during a nine-day pre-deployment training programme. This allowed over 60 clinical personnel per deployment to practice skills in PPE in a simulated ETU and in classrooms. Overall, the training provided: (i) an evidence base underpinning the PPE solution chosen; (ii) skills in donning and doffing of PPE; (iii) personnel confidence in the selected PPE; and (iv) quantifiable testing of each individual's capability to don PPE, perform tasks and doff PPE safely.
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Observational Study
Hand hygiene in intensive care units: a matter of time?
Healthcare-associated infections are a frequent threat to patient safety and cause significant disease burden. The most important single preventive measure is hand hygiene (HH). Barriers to adherence with HH recommendations include structural aspects, knowledge gaps, and organizational issues, especially a lack of time in daily routine. ⋯ Complying with guidelines is time-consuming. Sufficient time for HH should be considered in staff planning.