American journal of infection control
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Am J Infect Control · Jun 2013
Case ReportsEarly identification and control of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, originating from contaminated endoscopic equipment.
Klebsiella producing carbapenemase is an emerging pathogen. We report transmission of this organism by contaminated endoscopic instruments. Quick identification of source, staff education, contact precautions, and emphasis on hand and environmental hygiene led to case control and prevention of outbreak.
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Am J Infect Control · Jun 2013
Compliance with hand hygiene recommendations during neuromotor rehabilitation procedures in an Italian rehabilitation hospital: an observational study.
This report examines hand hygiene practices among 171 therapists from an Italian hospital for neuromotor rehabilitation, the Fondazione Santa Lucia of Rome. Compliance with hand hygiene measures was assessed by direct observation during daily neurorehabilitative activities. This study highlights that attention to this task is generally poor among therapists.
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Am J Infect Control · Jun 2013
A national survey of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship structures in Irish long-term care facilities.
Information on infection prevention and control (IPC) and antimicrobial stewardship activities in Irish long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is limited. ⋯ There are significant gaps in Irish LTCFs' IPC and antibiotic stewardship programs and governance structures, highlighting the need for specific LTCF national initiatives.
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Am J Infect Control · May 2013
Practices to prevent multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Thailand: a national survey.
Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are increasing challenges for health care institutions worldwide, and there are many factors associated with their distribution. ⋯ Multifaceted interventions to reduce, if not prevent, MDR-AB and MRSA were infrequently reported from Thai hospitals. Our survey findings provide baseline data for IPC interventions for MDR-AB and MRSA. Future efforts that correlate IPC interventions and MDRO trends will help develop evidence-based practices in these resource-limited settings.
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Whereas monitoring adherence to hand hygiene (HH) guidelines is standard practice in most acute care facilities, practice improvement has been slow. In hospitals primarily concerned with reputation, incentives to report high HH rates may create negative consequences. Practice change will require increased staff engagement and more sustainable methods to monitor HH and provide feedback.