Current opinion in infectious diseases
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Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. · Aug 2014
ReviewImproving ventilator-associated event surveillance in the National Healthcare Safety Network and addressing knowledge gaps: update and review.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently transitioned from ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) surveillance to ventilator-associated event (VAE) surveillance in adult inpatient settings. Since the transition, several modifications have been made to improve surveillance methods, and there is a growing body of data regarding the epidemiology, risk factors, and preventability of VAEs. ⋯ We review the CDC's recent updates on VAE surveillance definitions, methods, and tools, and provide an overview of the growing evidence base for VAE as a patient safety measure. Further work is needed to affirm and extend the current knowledge about how best to prevent VAEs.
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Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. · Aug 2014
ReviewScreening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus … all doors closed?
To describe the latest evidence for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection control strategies, with particular emphasis on active surveillance cultures with contact precautions and targeted decolonization, and their impact. ⋯ Universal decolonization is an acceptable MRSA control strategy for intensive care units; however, close monitoring of chlorhexidine and mupirocin resistance is warranted. As a strategy, screening and contact precautions are suitable for hospital-wide MRSA control. Targeted decolonization is a proven measure for patients undergoing clean surgery. Enhancement of hand hygiene is a core measure regardless of the strategy.
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As viral respiratory infections are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, and are associated with numerous challenges for infection control, we provide an overview of the most recent publications on healthcare-associated respiratory infections. ⋯ Infection control measures can be supplemented with use of polymerase chain reaction testing to determine causes, but the cornerstone of prevention relies on enforcing appropriate isolation measures for patients: hand hygiene; appropriate use of personal protective equipment by healthcare workers; illness screening of visitors; and influenza vaccination of healthcare workers, patients and families.