scholarly journals Expanding the Use of Noninvasive Ventilation During an Epidemic

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 310-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasminka Kopić ◽  
Maja Tomić Paradžik
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Noninvasive Ventilation ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Invasive Ventilation ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Effective Therapeutic Option ◽  
Infection Control Guidelines

ABSTRACTNoninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a proved and effective therapeutic option for some patients with respiratory failure. During an epidemic, NIV can free up respirators and other intensive care unit equipment for patients with respiratory insufficiency whose survival depends exclusively on invasive ventilation. Some guidelines have indicated that NIV is potentially hazardous and should not be recommended for use during epidemics, given the perceived potential risk of transmission from aerosolized pathogen dispersion to other patients or medical staff. Conversely, some reports of previous epidemics describe NIV as a very efficient and safe modality of respiratory support, if strict infection control measures are implemented.We discuss NIV use during epidemics and indicate the need for prospective randomized clinical studies on the efficacy of NIV in epidemic conditions to provide important information to the current body of literature. Meanwhile, the use of NIV under strict infection control guidelines should be incorporated into epidemic preparedness planning. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;8:1-5)

scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Emerging and Future Challenges for Dental and Oral Medicine

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Meng ◽  
F. Hua ◽  
Z. Bian
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
The World ◽  
Essential Knowledge ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originating in Wuhan, China, has become a major public health challenge for not only China but also countries around the world. The World Health Organization announced that the outbreaks of the novel coronavirus have constituted a public health emergency of international concern. As of February 26, 2020, COVID-19 has been recognized in 34 countries, with a total of 80,239 laboratory-confirmed cases and 2,700 deaths. Infection control measures are necessary to prevent the virus from further spreading and to help control the epidemic situation. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners. For dental practices and hospitals in areas that are (potentially) affected with COVID-19, strict and effective infection control protocols are urgently needed. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and nosocomial infection in dental settings and provides recommended management protocols for dental practitioners and students in (potentially) affected areas.

scholarly journals Content Analysis of the Free COVID-19 Telephone Consultations Available during the First Wave of the Pandemic in Japan

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1593
Author(s):  
Kyoko Yoshioka-Maeda ◽  
Yuka Sumikawa ◽  
Noriha Tanaka ◽  
Chikako Honda ◽  
Riho Iwasaki-Motegi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Consultation Services

This cross-sectional study aimed to (1) describe the unclassified contents of telephone consultation services provided by a public health center during the first wave of COVID-19 in Japan and (2) examine whether the contents required assistance from public health nurses (PHNs). We analyzed a total of 207 calls in which the purpose of the call was unclassified into pre-set categories. PHNs transcribed the exact text of the consultation conversations recorded from 25 March to 20 April 2020 in City A. Approximately half of the calls were from residents. Seven categories were extracted through a qualitative content analysis. The most common topic was infection control measures, where the presence of COVID-19 infection was assumed (n = 62); the second most common was extreme anxiety and fear of infection (n = 50). Questions about the COVID-19 response system (n = 30), discrimination and misunderstandings about COVID-19 (n = 24), and response measures for COVID-19 outbreaks within organizations (n = 18) were also included. The unclassified consultations included various topics, several of which required the expertise of a PHN. Each local government should consider sharing and task-shifting telephone consultation services among PHNs and other staff to reduce their burden and allow them to concentrate on conducting infection control more effectively.

scholarly journals Community Pharmacy Response to Infection Control during COVID-19. A Cross-Sectional Survey.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Sum ◽  
Charmane Ow
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Infection Control Measures

Background: Australia received its first case of coronavirus on 25 January 2020. Since then the demands of COVID-19 has presented unparalleled levels of strain on the public healthcare systems in the country. In this time of crisis, pharmacists and community pharmacy staff have modified work strategies according to the rapidly changing environment. With a delayed dissemination of resources and guidelines, pharmacist and pharmacies are practicing innovative infection control methods across Australia to protect their staff, patients and the community. This article seeks to explore the current activities undertaken by pharmacists in various community pharmacy settings across Australia in relation to the safety of the workplace environments for staff and patients. Information collected can help inform future decisions in pandemic preparation for pharmacies in response to similar health crisis now and in the future. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Australia during the COVID-19 outbreak from 1st to 30th April 2020. The questionnaire addressed community pharmacist’s awareness and response to infection and sanitation control. Results: A total of 137 pharmacists took part in the survey, with almost half (45.26%) belonging to the age group of 25 to 34 years. Community pharmacy formed the bulk (89.05%) of the respondent’s primary place of practice. There was a good uptake of safety measures by pharmacists and their pharmacies to protect staff and patients. However the task of reassigning high health risk staff was not heavily practiced (34.31%). Regular cleaning took place in the pharmacy, but the use of gloves while cleaning was not practiced in 48.18% of respondents. In addition, only 46.72% of respondents reported observing script baskets being cleaned and disinfected. About one-third (37.96%) of pharmacists were aware of the two-step cleaning and disinfecting process, but only 18.98% of pharmacists reported observing or performing this sanitation procedure. More than half of surveyed pharmacists reported having difficulty keeping up with infection control changes and pharmacy practice guidelines during the pandemic. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the majority of pharmacists are not fully aware of the infection control measures needed in a community pharmacy setting. The influx of coronavirus updates has made it difficult for pharmacists to implement accurate procedures on some aspects of workplace hygiene, which may have led to some gaps in infection control measures. Pharmacists must aim to uphold their public health ambassador role and aim to keep up-to-date with professional guidance to provide the necessary infection control measures to ensure staff, patient and public health safety.

A review of nosocomial norovirus outbreaks: infection control interventions found effective

2012 ◽  
Vol 140 (7) ◽  
pp. 1151-1160 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. GREIG ◽  
M. B. LEE
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Population Studies ◽  
Rapid Identification ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Environmental Cleaning ◽  
Modes Of Transmission ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Government Websites

SUMMARYThe purpose of this study was to review documented outbreaks of enteric illness associated with nosocomial norovirus infections and to identify modes of transmission, morbidity and mortality patterns, and recommendations for control. Searches of electronic databases, public health publications, and federal, state/provincial public health websites were completed for 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2010. Computer-aided searches of literature databases and systematic searches of government websites identified 54 relevant outbreak reports. Transmission routes included person-to-person (18·5%), foodborne (3·7%) and in the majority (77·8%) the route was unknown. Actions taken during the outbreak to control infection included restricting the movements of patients and staff (22·5%), enhanced environmental cleaning (13·6%) and hand hygiene (10·3%). Rapid identification of norovirus outbreaks in hospitals is vital for the immediate implementation of infection control measures and isolation of infected individuals in this mainly immunocompromised population. Studies that statistically evaluate infection control measures are needed.

scholarly journals The Prevalence, Risk, and Management of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection in Diverse Populations across Canada: A Systematic Review

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Mitevska ◽  
Britney Wong ◽  
Bas G. J. Surewaard ◽  
Craig N. Jenne
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Mrsa Infection

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) first emerged after methicillin was introduced to combat penicillin resistance, and its prevalence in Canada has increased since the first MRSA outbreak in the early 1980s. We reviewed the existing literature on MRSA prevalence in Canada over time and in diverse populations across the country. MRSA prevalence increased steadily in the 1990s and 2000s and remains a public health concern in Canada, especially among vulnerable populations, such as rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Antibiotic resistance patterns and risk factors for MRSA infection were also reported. All studies reported high susceptibility (>85%) to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, with no significant resistance reported for vancomycin, linezolid, or rifampin. While MRSA continues to have susceptibility to several antibiotics, the high and sometimes variable resistance rates to other drugs underscores the importance of antimicrobial stewardship. Risk factors for high MRSA infection rates related to infection control measures, low socioeconomic status, and personal demographic characteristics were also reported. Additional surveillance, infection control measures, enhanced anti-microbial stewardship, and community education programs are necessary to decrease MRSA prevalence and minimize the public health risk posed by this pathogen.

scholarly journals Infection Control Measures among Dental Professionals, Interns, and Students in Prosthodontic Department

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28
Author(s):  
S Dixit ◽  
P B Dixit ◽  
D Pradhan ◽  
S Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Essential Knowledge ◽  
Infection Control Guidelines ◽  
Dental Professionals

Introduction: Dental professionals frequently encounter infectious agents. Those not practicing proper infection control measures are at serious risk of infections. This study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude, practice, and satisfaction of dental professionals regarding infection control guidelines to be followed in Prosthodontics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from August to October 2020 in department of Prosthodontics, Kathmandu Medical College after obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent. Participants comprised of dental surgeons, interns, students, and faculties who were recruited by convenience sampling. The data on the questionnaire were collected via Google forms and analysed with Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics have been presented as frequency and percentages. Results: A total of 154 questionnaires filled by 39 (25.32%) males and 115 (74.68%) females of mean age of 25.02±4.85 years were analysed. Of all, 25 (16.23%) had never had a lecture and 118 (76.62%) had never had attended clinical demonstration or hands-on workshop on infection control. Only 129 (83.77%) had received immunisation for hepatitis B. Most (144, 93.51%) preferred mouth rinse before any procedure; 145 (94.16%) agreed that disinfection is required between patients; and only 77 (50%) of the participants washed their hands prior to wearing gloves. Majority (123, 79.97%) were not satisfied with their knowledge and performance. Conclusions: Knowledge and attitude of participants regarding infection control was found adequate and positive, though lacking in practice. It is recommended that the infection control lectures and clinical demonstrations be increased in curriculum so that no future dentists are deprived of essential knowledge.  

scholarly journals TB Risk Perceptions among Medical Residents at a Tertiary Care Center in India

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geeta S. Pardeshi ◽  
Dileep Kadam ◽  
Ajay Chandanwale ◽  
Andrea Deluca ◽  
Pranali Khobragade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Medical Residents ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Infection Control Guidelines ◽  
Tb Infection Control

Setting. Government tertiary health care center in India.Objective. To understand the perceptions of medical residents about their risk of developing TB in the workplace.Design. Cross-sectional study in which a semistructured questionnaire which included an open-ended question to assess their main concerns regarding TB in workplace was used to collect data.Results. Out of 305 resident doctors approached, 263 (94%) completed a structured questionnaire and 200 of these responded to an open-ended question. Daily exposure to TB was reported by 141 (64%) residents, 13 (5%) reported a prior history of TB, and 175 (69%) respondents were aware of TB infection control guidelines. A majority reported concerns about acquiring TB (78%) and drug-resistant TB (88%). The key themes identified were concerns about developing drug-resistant TB (n=100; 50%); disease and its clinical consequences (n=39; 20%); social and professional consequences (n=37; 19%); exposure to TB patients (n=32; 16%); poor infection control measures (n=27; 14%); and high workload and its health consequences (n=16; 8%).Conclusion. Though many resident doctors were aware of TB infection control guidelines, only few expressed concern about lack of TB infection control measures. Doctors need to be convinced of the importance of these measures which should be implemented urgently.

scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Prevention and Control in Gynecological Outpatient Clinic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongmei Yao ◽  
Kun Yan ◽  
Jie Duan ◽  
Xian Zhang ◽  
Limin Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Outpatient Clinics ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control

Objective: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major public health challenge around the world, and outbreaks of the SARS-CoV-2 have constituted a public health emergency of international concern. Infection control measures are necessary to prevent further spread of the virus and to help control the epidemic situation. Due to the characteristics of gynecological settings, the risk of cross infection between patients and gynecologic practitioners can be high, strict and effective infection control protocols are urgently needed. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces prevention and control measures for use in gynecological outpatient clinics and provides recommended management for gynecologists in (potentially) affected areas.

scholarly journals A Case of Lassa Fever Diagnosed at a Community Hospital—Minnesota 2014

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary J Choi ◽  
Shewangizaw Worku ◽  
Barbara Knust ◽  
Arnold Vang ◽  
Ruth Lynfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Community Hospital ◽  
Lassa Fever ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Care Personnel ◽  
Secondary Transmission ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Hospital Infection Control

Abstract Background In April 2014, a 46-year-old returning traveler from Liberia was transported by emergency medical services to a community hospital in Minnesota with fever and altered mental status. Twenty-four hours later, he developed gingival bleeding. Blood samples tested positive for Lassa fever RNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Methods Blood and urine samples were obtained from the patient and tested for evidence of Lassa fever virus infection. Hospital infection control personnel and health department personnel reviewed infection control practices with health care personnel. In addition to standard precautions, infection control measures were upgraded to include contact, droplet, and airborne precautions. State and federal public health officials conducted contract tracing activities among family contacts, health care personnel, and fellow airline travelers. Results The patient was discharged from the hospital after 14 days. However, his recovery was complicated by the development of near complete bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Lassa virus RNA continued to be detected in his urine for several weeks after hospital discharge. State and federal public health authorities identified and monitored individuals who had contact with the patient while he was ill. No secondary cases of Lassa fever were identified among 75 contacts. Conclusions Given the nonspecific presentation of viral hemorrhagic fevers, isolation of ill travelers and consistent implementation of basic infection control measures are key to preventing secondary transmission. When consistently applied, these measures can prevent secondary transmission even if travel history information is not obtained, not immediately available, or the diagnosis of a viral hemorrhagic fever is delayed.

scholarly journals The Influence of Infectious Diseases on Dentistry

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-231
Author(s):  
Anil Reddy ◽  
Shankar Gouda Patil ◽  
Raghunath Puttaiah
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Dentistry, predominantly a surgical field with frequent exposure to blood and body fluids, is a high-risk occupation with respect to occupationally acquiring infectious diseases. On the same note, patients are also at risk of being infected, if adequate infection control measures are not strictly followed. Traditionally, based on the routes of disease transmission, we can categorize diseases that are bloodborne, airborne and also through fomites. Within these traditional categories also fall the new and emerging diseases that have had serious public health consequences of morbidity and mortality. As a health care provider, dentists must understand the impact of these diseases, and strictly implement practical disease control measures during provision of dental care and reduce the spread within the clinical arena. Common diseases of public health concern that need to be addressed are bloodborne diseases, such as hepatitis A, E, B, C, D and G, HIV; respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), AH1N1 influenza and immunizable childhood diseases. Apart from infection control measures, we must implement public health policy measures, such as immunization of current and prospective health care personnel (students in the dental profession) against immunizable diseases, utilize disease screening measures, postexposure disease control measures and utilize standard and additional precautions, the latter as required in certain instances.

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