American journal of infection control
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Am J Infect Control · Jan 2013
Hospital-wide assessment of compliance with central venous catheter dressing recommendations.
This hospital-wide assessment of central venous catheter (CVC) site maintenance evaluated a total of 420 CVC sites and found deficiencies in 31%. Internal jugular CVC dressings were the most frequently deficient type (P = 0.001). No correlation between CVC site maintenance and central line-associated bloodstream infections was detected (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.007; P = 0.98).
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Am J Infect Control · Jan 2013
Continuous passive disinfection of catheter hubs prevents contamination and bloodstream infection.
Catheter hub decontamination requires a thorough scrub and compliance varies. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a disinfection cap with 70% alcohol in preventing contamination/infection. ⋯ Disinfecting caps reduce line contamination, organism density, and CLABSIs.
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Am J Infect Control · Jan 2013
Universal rapid screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the intensive care units in a large community hospital.
Health care-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) infections constitute a significant risk for hospitalized patients. This study evaluates the costs and effects of comprehensive and state-mandated MRSA screening for intensive care unit (ICU) patients and subsequent contact precautions on the rate of HA-MRSA. ⋯ In low prevalence hospitals without MRSA outbreaks, it is recommended that MRSA screening be conducted on patients admitted from skilled nursing and similar facilities because they are most likely to be colonized with MRSA. Results do not support mandates to conduct screening on all patients admitted to critical care units.
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Am J Infect Control · Jan 2013
Behind the mask: Determinants of nurse's adherence to facial protective equipment.
As the predominant occupation in the health sector and as the health worker with the most patient interaction, nurses are at high risk for occupational transmission of communicable respiratory illness. The use of facial protective equipment (FPE) is an important strategy to prevent occupational transmission. ⋯ Whereas increasing knowledge should enhance competence, strategies to improve adherence to recommended use of FPE in a busy and complex health care setting should focus on ready availability of equipment, training and fit testing, organizational support for worker health and safety, and good communication practices.
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Am J Infect Control · Dec 2012
Comparative StudyRetrospective evaluation of colistin versus tigecycline for the treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii and/or carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections.
Therapeutic options are limited for infections because of Acinetobacter baumannii and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Study aim was to compare the efficacy of colistin to tigecycline for the treatment of these types of infections. ⋯ Compared with patients who received tigecycline alone, patients who received colistin alone or in combination had a higher severity of acute illness indices and delays in initiation of effective therapy. This increased severity of illness contributed to the increased rate of mortality among patients treated with colistin for A baumannii or CRE infections.