The Journal of hospital infection
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Review Meta Analysis
Oral topical decontamination for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Oral decontamination is proposed to be an effective prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). ⋯ Oral decontamination reduced the incidence of VAP in adults undergoing ventilation, but did not affect all-cause mortality, duration of ventilation, or duration of ICU stay in ventilated patients. Further evidence from higher quality trials is necessary.
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Healthcare workers in China have a high risk of tuberculosis infection. This study measured the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in 210 healthcare workers in a chest hospital in Harbin using two interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) [QuantiFERON(®)-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) and A. TB] and the tuberculin skin test. ⋯ TB) but <50% of subjects returned for tuberculin skin test readings. Risk of infection increased with patient exposure. IGRAs may be more useful than tuberculin skin test in monitoring tuberculosis infections in high risk environments.
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Tru-D™ is an automated room disinfection device that uses ultraviolet-C radiation to kill micro-organisms. The device was deployed in six side-rooms and an operating theatre. ⋯ The device was easy to transport and utilize, and able to disinfect rooms rapidly. This appears to be a practical alternative technology to other 'no-touch' automated room disinfection systems.
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Multi-modal hand hygiene programmes that include patient empowerment are promoted as a necessary component of hand hygiene compliance. However, the question still remains, do we have enough information to determine if, and under what conditions, patients will be able to play an immediate role in healthcare workers' hand hygiene behaviour? ⋯ There is ongoing support from patients that they are willing to be empowered. There is a need to develop programmes that empower both healthcare workers and patients so that they become more comfortable in their roles.
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Multicenter Study
Infections acquired in intensive care units: results of national surveillance in Belgium, 1997-2010.
To describe the methodology and output of the Belgian surveillance for infections acquired in intensive care units (ICUs) between 1997 and 2010. ⋯ In Belgium, national surveillance of ICU-acquired infections allows acute care hospitals to track the incidence of infections at local level, enabling comparison with national and European reference data. Between 1997 and 2010, the incidence of ICU-acquired infections increased and the incidence of device-associated infections decreased.