The Journal of hospital infection
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The use of central venous access devices is increasingly common within healthcare, and such devices carry an associated risk of infection. Additional risk reduction strategies need exploring to reduce avoidable infections. A prospective 12-month audit was performed on the use of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate transparent, antimicrobial dressing to cover the catheter exit site in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition. The results showed a decrease in catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) from eight cases to zero (P=0.057), making this film dressing a possible useful addition in the goal of zero avoidable CRBSIs within this high risk group of patients.
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Review Meta Analysis
Effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccination in healthcare workers: a systematic review.
Vaccination is considered a key measure to protect vulnerable groups against influenza infection. The objectives of this review are to determine the effect of influenza vaccinations in reducing laboratory-confirmed influenza infections, influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), working days lost among vaccinated HCWs, and associated adverse effects after vaccination. Twenty-two healthcare-related databases and internet resources, as well as reference lists, and the bibliographies of all of the retrieved articles were examined. ⋯ There is no definitive conclusion on the effectiveness of influenza vaccinations in HCWs because of the limited number of related trials. Further research is necessary to evaluate whether annual vaccination is a key measure to protect HCWs against influenza infection and thus increase their confidence in the vaccine. In the mean time, the direction of promoting influenza vaccination to HCWs can be shifted from staff protection to patient protection, with accurate information to address concerns and misconceptions.