Published in American journal of infection control
Operating room (OR) traffic disrupts airflow and increases particle count, which predisposes patients to surgical site infections, particularly in longer surgeries with hardware placement. The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of traffic during neurosurgical procedures, as well as reasons for and perceptions of OR traffic. This is a single-...
Published in American journal of infection control
Robot-assisted total joint arthroplasty (robotic-TJA) has become more widespread over the last 20 years due to higher patient satisfaction and reduced complications. However, robotic-TJA may have longer operative times and increased operating room traffic, which are known risk factors for contamination events. Contamination of surgical instruments ...
Published in American journal of infection control
This study analyzed the validity of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) data of the Korean National healthcare-associated Infections Surveillance System. The validation process consisted of external (EV) and internal (IV) validation phases. Of the 193 hospitals that participated from July 2016 through June 2017, EV was performed for 10 hospitals ...
Published in American journal of infection control
Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are a major driver of morbidity and cost in health systems. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) require intensive surveillance and review. All-cause hospital-onset bacteremia (HOB) may be a simpler reporting metric, correlates with CLABSI, and is viewed positively by HAI experts. Despite the ...
Published in American journal of infection control
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a frequent hospital-acquired infection and public health concern. In an attempt to reduce the number of CAUTIs, an intervention that emphasized the appropriate laboratory evaluation by ordering providers was implemented. This intervention supplemented ongoing standard bundle protocols. Compa...
Published in American journal of infection control
Surgical site infection (SSI) rates can be impacted by air quality, and a high-efficiency particulate air and ultraviolet air recirculation system (HUAIRS) has been shown to improve operating room air quality. This study examined the impact of HUAIRS devices on SSI rates when used at an orthopedic specialty hospital. HUAIRS devices were used intrao...
Published in American journal of infection control
A preoperative, in-community antimicrobial decolonization protocol combining chlorohexidine gluconate (CHG) sponges and mupirocin ointment to reduce surgical site infections amongst hip and knee replacement patients has been adopted in Alberta, Canada. Patient compliance with the protocol is essential for effectiveness. It is, therefore, important ...
Published in American journal of infection control
In the decade since the largest Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in history, hospitals within the United States have discovered deficiencies in EVD infection control protocols. A large academic level I trauma medical center and frontline EVD receiving hospital in northeast Florida conducted a large-scale review and revision of the facility's EVD ...
Published in American journal of infection control
The COVID-19 pandemic in the United States has disproportionately impacted communities deemed vulnerable to disease outbreaks. Our objectives were to test (1) whether infection and mortality decreased in counties in the most vulnerable (highest) tercile of the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and (2) whether disparities between terciles of SVI wer...
Published in American journal of infection control
Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a common issue in health care settings, caused by environmental microorganisms, leading to health risks and financial strain. Despite efforts to reduce HAIs, the role of the physical environment in reducing HAIs is not fully understood. This literature review aimed to identify physical environment variab...
