Infection control and hospital epidemiology : the official journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Oct 2005
Patterns and predictors of inpatient falls and fall-related injuries in a large academic hospital.
Most research on hospital falls has focused on predictors of falling, whereas less is known about predictors of serious fall-related injury. Our objectives were to characterize inpatients who fall and to determine predictors of serious fall-related injury. ⋯ There is considerable variation in fall rates and fall-related injury percentages by service. More detailed studies should be conducted by floor or service to identify predictors of serious fall-related injury so that targeted interventions can be developed to reduce them.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Sep 2005
Workers' compensation claims for needlestick injuries among healthcare workers in Washington State, 1996-2000.
To characterize accepted workers' compensation claims for needlestick injuries filed by healthcare workers (HCWs) in non-hospital compared with hospital settings in Washington State. ⋯ There was a difference in the incidence rate and mechanisms of needlestick injuries on review of workers' compensation claim records for HCWs in non-hospital and hospital settings.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Jun 2005
Why is it that internists do not follow guidelines for preventing intravascular catheter infections?
High morbidity of CVC-related infections has led to national guidelines for their prevention. Despite recommendations for the use of maximal barrier precautions (mask, sterile gloves, gown, and large drape) and skin antisepsis with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate during CVC insertion, internists in the United States are not implementing these practices frequently. This study sought to identify and characterize the obstacles to and potential opportunities for improving adherence. ⋯ Despite established efficacy, use of maximal barrier precautions and chlorhexidine gluconate is low among internists. Because improved adherence to these practices will require increased outcome expectancy for maximal barrier precautions and availability of chlorhexidine gluconate, targeting these areas through focused education and systems modifications is essential.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Jun 2005
Dynamics of hemodialysis catheter colonization by coagulase-negative staphylococci.
Catheter colonization is a necessary but poorly characterized step in the pathogenesis of catheter-related infections. Colonization dynamics of central venous hemodialysis catheters were studied with emphasis on coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and their population genetics, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation. The homogeneity of CoNS colony morphotypes was evaluated. ⋯ Colonization of hemodialysis catheters is dominated by multidrug-resistant, icaA-positive CoNS clones. Mixed CoNS colonization occurs, but is delayed, suggesting a process of sequential superinfection.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Jun 2005
Comparative StudyTetrasodium EDTA as a novel central venous catheter lock solution against biofilm.
Central venous catheter (CVC)-related bloodstream infections (BSIs) are known to increase rates of morbidity and mortality in both inpatients and outpatients, including hematology-oncology patients and those undergoing hemodialysis or home infusion therapy. Biofilm-associated organisms on the lumens of these catheters have reduced susceptibility to antimicrobial chemotherapy. This study tested the efficacy of tetrasodium EDTA as a catheter lock solution on biofilms of several clinically relevant microorganisms. ⋯ Antimicrobial lock treatment using 40 mg/mL(-1) of tetrasodium EDTA for at least 21 hours could significantly reduce or potentially eradicate CVC-associated biofilms of clinically relevant microorganisms.