Original Article
Use of real-time semiquantitative PCR data in management of a neonatal intensive care unit adenovirus outbreak
- Nicholas D. Hysmith, Mary R. Tanner, Sandra R. Arnold, Steven C. Buckingham, Anami R. Patel, Ramasubbareddy Dhanireddy, Katha Comeaux, Joy Joyner, Mary Ellen Hoehn, John P. DeVincenzo
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 July 2018, pp. 1074-1079
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Objective
To describe an adenovirus outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), including the use of qualitative and semiquantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) data to inform the outbreak response.
DesignMixed prospective and retrospective observational study.
SettingA level IV NICU in the southeastern United States.
PatientsTwo adenovirus cases were identified in a NICU. Screening of all inpatients with qPCR on nasopharyngeal specimens revealed 11 additional cases.
InterventionsOutbreak response procedures, including enhanced infection control policies, were instituted. Serial qPCR studies were used to screen for new infections among exposed infants and to monitor viral clearance among cases. Changes to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) exam procedures were made after an association was noted in those patients. At the end of the outbreak, a retrospective review allowed for comparison of clinical factors between the infected and uninfected groups.
ResultsThere were no new cases among patients after outbreak identification. One adenovirus-infected patient died; the others recovered their clinical baselines. The ROP exams were associated with an increased risk of infection (odds ratio [OR], 84.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.5–1,601). The duration of the outbreak response was 33 days, and the previously described second wave of cases after the end of the outbreak did not occur. Revisions to infection control policies remained in effect following the outbreak.
ConclusionsRetinopathy of prematurity exams are potential mechanisms of adenovirus transmission, and autoclaved or single-use instruments should be used to minimize this risk. Real-time molecular diagnostic and quantification data guided outbreak response procedures, which rapidly contained and fully terminated a NICU adenovirus outbreak.
Cost-effectiveness of pre-operative Staphylococcus aureus screening and decolonization
- Susan E. Kline, Erinn C. Sanstead, James R. Johnson, Shalini L. Kulasingam
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 20 September 2018, pp. 1340-1346
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Objective
We developed a decision analytic model to evaluate the impact of a preoperative Staphylococcus aureus decolonization bundle on surgical site infections (SSIs), health-care–associated costs (HCACs), and deaths due to SSI.
MethodsOur model population comprised US adults undergoing elective surgery. We evaluated 3 self-administered preoperative strategies: (1) the standard of care (SOC) consisting of 2 disinfectant soap showers; (2) the “test-and-treat” strategy consisting of the decolonization bundle including chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) soap, CHG mouth rinse, and mupirocin nasal ointment for 5 days) if S. aureus was found at any of 4 screened sites (nasal, throat, axillary, perianal area), otherwise the SOC; and (3) the “treat-all” strategy consisting of the decolonization bundle for all patients, without S. aureus screening. Model parameters were derived primarily from a randomized controlled trial that measured the efficacy of the decolonization bundle for eradicating S. aureus.
ResultsUnder base-case assumptions, the treat-all strategy yielded the fewest SSIs and the lowest HCACs, followed by the test-and-treat strategy. In contrast, the SOC yielded the most SSIs and the highest HCACs. Consequently, relative to the SOC, the average savings per operation was $217 for the treat-all strategy and $123 for the test-and-treat strategy, and the average savings per per SSI prevented was $21,929 for the treat-all strategy and $15,166 for the test-and-treat strategy. All strategies were sensitive to the probability of acquiring an SSI and the increased risk if SSI if the patient was colonized with SA.
ConclusionWe predict that the treat-all strategy would be the most effective and cost-saving strategy for preventing SSIs. However, because this strategy might select more extensively for mupirocin-resistant S. aureus and cause more medication adverse effects than the test-and-treat approach or the SOC, additional studies are needed to define its comparative benefits and harms.
A retrospective analysis of adverse events among patients receiving daptomycin versus vancomycin during outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy
- Gregory M. Schrank, Sharon B. Wright, Westyn Branch-Elliman, Mary T. LaSalvia
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 12 June 2018, pp. 947-954
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Objective
Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a safe and effective alternative to prolonged inpatient stays for patients requiring long-term intravenous antimicrobials, but antimicrobial-associated adverse events remain a significant challenge. Thus, we sought to measure the association between choice of antimicrobial agent (vancomycin vs daptomycin) and incidence of adverse drug events (ADEs).
MethodsPatients receiving OPAT treatment with vancomycin or daptomycin for skin and soft-tissue infections, bone and joint infections, endocarditis, and bacteremia or endovascular infections during the period from July 1, 2013, through September 30, 2016, were included. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from the medical record. Logistic regression was used to compare ADEs requiring a change in or early discontinuation of therapy, hospital readmission, and emergency room visits between groups. Time from OPAT enrollment to ADE was compared using the log-rank test.
ResultsIn total, 417 patients were included: 312 (74·8%) received vancomycin and 105 (25·2%) received daptomycin. After adjusting for age, Charlson comorbidity index, location of OPAT treatment, receipt of combination therapy with either β-lactam or fluoroquinolone, renal function, and availability of safety labs, patients receiving vancomycin had significantly higher incidence of ADEs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3·71; 95% CI, 1·64–8·40). ADEs occurred later in the treatment course for patients treated with daptomycin (P<·01). Rates of readmission and emergency room visits were similar.
ConclusionsIn the OPAT setting, vancomycin use was associated with higher incidence of ADEs than daptomycin use. This finding is an important policy consideration for programs aiming to optimize outcomes and minimize cost. Careful selection of gram-positive agents for prolonged treatment is necessary to limit toxicity.
Original Articles
The Value of Electronically Extracted Data for Auditing Outpatient Antimicrobial Prescribing
- Daniel J. Livorsi, Carrie M. Linn, Bruce Alexander, Brett H. Heintz, Traviss A. Tubbs, Eli N. Perencevich
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 December 2017, pp. 64-70
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OBJECTIVE
The optimal approach to auditing outpatient antimicrobial prescribing has not been established. We assessed how different types of electronic data—including prescriptions, patient-visits, and International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes—could inform automated antimicrobial audits.
DESIGNOutpatient visits during 2016 were retrospectively reviewed, including chart abstraction, if an antimicrobial was prescribed (cohort 1) or if the visit was associated with an infection-related ICD-10 code (cohort 2). Findings from cohorts 1 and 2 were compared.
SETTINGPrimary care clinics and the emergency department (ED) at the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
RESULTSIn cohort 1, we reviewed 2,353 antimicrobial prescriptions across 52 providers. ICD-10 codes had limited sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) for validated cases of cystitis and pneumonia (sensitivity, 65.8%, 56.3%, respectively; PPV, 74.4%, 52.5%, respectively). The volume-adjusted antimicrobial prescribing rate was 13.6 per 100 ED visits and 7.5 per 100 primary care visits. In cohort 2, antimicrobials were not indicated in 474 of 851 visits (55.7%). The antimicrobial overtreatment rate was 48.8% for the ED and 59.7% for primary care. At the level of the individual prescriber, there was a positive correlation between a provider’s volume-adjusted antimicrobial prescribing rate and the individualized rates of overtreatment in both the ED (r=0.72; P<.01) and the primary care setting (r=0.82; P=0.03).
CONCLUSIONSIn this single-center study, ICD-10 codes had limited sensitivity and PPV for 2 infections that typically require antimicrobials. Electronically extracted data on a provider’s rate of volume-adjusted antimicrobial prescribing correlated with the frequency at which unnecessary antimicrobials were prescribed, but this may have been driven by outlier prescribers.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:64–70
The Risk of Cross Infection in the Emergency Department: A Simulation Study
- Vicki Stover Hertzberg, Yuke A. Wang, Lisa K. Elon, Douglas W. Lowery-North
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 April 2018, pp. 688-693
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OBJECTIVES
The risk of cross infection in a busy emergency department (ED) is a serious public health concern, especially in times of pandemic threats. We simulated cross infections due to respiratory diseases spread by large droplets using empirical data on contacts (ie, close-proximity interactions of ≤1m) in an ED to quantify risks due to contact and to examine factors with differential risks associated with them.
DESIGNProspective study.
PARTICIPANTSHealth workers (HCWs) and patients.
SETTINGA busy ED.
METHODSData on contacts between participants were collected over 6 months by observing two 12-hour shifts per week using a radiofrequency identification proximity detection system. We simulated cross infection due to a novel agent across these contacts to determine risks associated with HCW role, chief complaint category, arrival mode, and ED disposition status.
RESULTSCross-infection risk between HCWs was substantially greater than between patients or between patients and HCWs. Providers had the least risk, followed by nurses, and nonpatient care staff had the most risk. There were no differences by patient chief complaint category. We detected differential risk patterns by arrival mode and by HCW role. Although no differential risk was associated with ED disposition status, 0.1 infections were expected per shift among patients admitted to hospital.
CONCLUSIONThese simulations demonstrate that, on average, 11 patients who were infected in the ED will be admitted to the hospital over the course of an 8-week local influenza outbreak. These patients are a source of further cross-infection risk once in the hospital.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:688–693
Patient, Provider, and Practice Characteristics Associated with Inappropriate Antimicrobial Prescribing in Ambulatory Practices
- Monica L. Schmidt, Melanie D. Spencer, Lisa E. Davidson
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 30 January 2018, pp. 307-315
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OBJECTIVE
To reduce inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing across ambulatory care, understanding the patient-, provider-, and practice-level characteristics associated with antibiotic prescribing is essential. In this study, we aimed to elucidate factors associated with inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing across urgent care, family medicine, and pediatric and internal medicine ambulatory practices.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTSData for this retrospective cohort study were collected from outpatient visits for common upper respiratory conditions that should not require antibiotics. The cohort included 448,990 visits between January 2014 and May 2016. Carolinas HealthCare System urgent care, family medicine, internal medicine and pediatric practices were included across 898 providers and 246 practices.
METHODSPrescribing rates were reported per 1,000 visits. Indications were defined using the International Classification of Disease, Ninth and Tenth Revisions, Clinical Modification (ICD-9/10-CM) criteria. In multivariable models, the risk of receiving an antibiotic prescription was reported with adjustment for practice, provider, and patient characteristics.
RESULTSThe overall prescribing rate in the study cohort was 407 per 1,000 visits (95% confidence interval [CI], 405–408). After adjustment, adult patients seen by an advanced practice practitioner were 15% more likely to receive an antimicrobial than those seen by a physician provider (incident risk ratio [IRR], 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03–1.29). In the pediatric sample, older providers were 4 times more likely to prescribe an antimicrobial than providers aged ≤30 years (IRR, 4.21; 95% CI, 2.96–5.97).
CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that patient, practice, and provider characteristics are associated with inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing. Future research should target antibiotic stewardship programs to specific patient and provider populations to reduce inappropriate prescribing compared to a “one size fits all” approach.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:307–315
Original Article
Real-Time, Automated Detection of Ventilator-Associated Events: Avoiding Missed Detections, Misclassifications, and False Detections Due to Human Error
- Erica S. Shenoy, Eric S. Rosenthal, Yu-Ping Shao, Siddharth Biswal, Manohar Ghanta, Erin E. Ryan, Dolores Suslak, Nancy Swanson, Valdery Moura Junior, David C. Hooper, M. Brandon Westover
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 17 May 2018, pp. 826-833
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OBJECTIVE
To validate a system to detect ventilator associated events (VAEs) autonomously and in real time.
DESIGNRetrospective review of ventilated patients using a secure informatics platform to identify VAEs (ie, automated surveillance) compared to surveillance by infection control (IC) staff (ie, manual surveillance), including development and validation cohorts.
SETTINGThe Massachusetts General Hospital, a tertiary-care academic health center, during January–March 2015 (development cohort) and January–March 2016 (validation cohort).
PATIENTSVentilated patients in 4 intensive care units.
METHODSThe automated process included (1) analysis of physiologic data to detect increases in positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2); (2) querying the electronic health record (EHR) for leukopenia or leukocytosis and antibiotic initiation data; and (3) retrieval and interpretation of microbiology reports. The cohorts were evaluated as follows: (1) manual surveillance by IC staff with independent chart review; (2) automated surveillance detection of ventilator-associated condition (VAC), infection-related ventilator-associated complication (IVAC), and possible VAP (PVAP); (3) senior IC staff adjudicated manual surveillance–automated surveillance discordance. Outcomes included sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and manual surveillance detection errors. Errors detected during the development cohort resulted in algorithm updates applied to the validation cohort.
RESULTSIn the development cohort, there were 1,325 admissions, 479 ventilated patients, 2,539 ventilator days, and 47 VAEs. In the validation cohort, there were 1,234 admissions, 431 ventilated patients, 2,604 ventilator days, and 56 VAEs. With manual surveillance, in the development cohort, sensitivity was 40%, specificity was 98%, and PPV was 70%. In the validation cohort, sensitivity was 71%, specificity was 98%, and PPV was 87%. With automated surveillance, in the development cohort, sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 100%, and PPV was 100%. In the validation cohort, sensitivity was 85%, specificity was 99%, and PPV was 100%. Manual surveillance detection errors included missed detections, misclassifications, and false detections.
CONCLUSIONSManual surveillance is vulnerable to human error. Automated surveillance is more accurate and more efficient for VAE surveillance.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;826–833
Commentaries
Establishing a Research Agenda for Preventing Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Acute-Care Settings in the Veterans Health Administration
- Part of:
- Eli N. Perencevich, Anthony D. Harris, Christopher D. Pfeiffer, Michael A. Rubin, Jennifer N. Hill, Gio J. Baracco, Martin E. Evans, J. Stacey Klutts, Judy A. Streit, Richard E. Nelson, Karim Khader, Heather Schacht Reisinger
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- 08 February 2018, pp. 189-195
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Original Article
Five-year trends in adenoviral conjunctivitis in employees of one medical center
- Irene C. Kuo, Colleen Espinosa
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 June 2018, pp. 1080-1085
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Objective
To describe the 5-year findings after a policy to screen for, diagnose, and isolate medical center employees with adenoviral conjunctivitis was implemented.
DesignObservational report with a retrospective evaluation of a current quality improvement initiative.
SettingJohns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
ParticipantsJohns Hopkins Medicine employees.
MethodsData were retrieved from records maintained for this initiative, in which employees with suspected adenoviral conjunctivitis were evaluated in the Occupational Health Clinic and swabbed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Signs, symptoms, work area, diagnoses, and disposition of employees with eye complaints as well as PCR result and adenoviral type were recorded. Five-year data were reviewed.
ResultsFrom 2011 to 2016, of 10,000 full-time equivalent employees, 1,059 employees visited the Occupational Health Clinic with suspicion of adenoviral conjunctivitis. Of these, 104 (10%) were PCR positive for adenovirus. Of these PCR-positive employees, 26 (25%) had the worst clinical presentation, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). The Outpatient Pharmacy had the highest number of adenoviral conjunctivitis cases (n=9). The proportion of red-eye employees having PCR-positive adenoviral conjunctivitis increased over 5 years (P<.005, Cochrane-Armitage test for trend) as did the proportion of employees with EKC (P<.05). The proportion of employees with EKC caused by type 37 also increased (P<.05).
ConclusionsAdenoviral conjunctivitis represents 10% of employee cases clinically suspected of this infection. Employees in patient-care areas should be screened even if they have no direct patient contact. Despite increases in the proportions of adenoviral conjunctivitis and of EKC over 5 years, no outbreaks occurred. This policy helps identify incipient EKC outbreaks and guides infection control efforts.
Interventions to improve healthcare workers’ hand hygiene compliance: A systematic review of systematic reviews
- Lesley Price, Jennifer MacDonald, Lucyna Gozdzielewska, Tracey Howe, Paul Flowers, Lesley Shepherd, Yvonne Watt, Jacqui Reilly
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 December 2018, pp. 1449-1456
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Objective
To synthesize the existing evidence base of systematic reviews of interventions to improve healthcare worker (HCW) hand hygiene compliance (HHC).
MethodsPRISMA guidelines were followed, and 10 information sources were searched in September 2017, with no limits to language or date of publication, and papers were screened against inclusion criteria for relevance. Data were extracted and risk of bias was assessed.
ResultsOverall, 19 systematic reviews (n=20 articles) were included. Only 1 article had a low risk of bias. Moreover, 15 systematic reviews showed positive effects of interventions on HCW HHC, whereas 3 reviews evaluating monitoring technology did not. Findings regarding whether multimodal rather than single interventions are preferable were inconclusive. Targeting social influence, attitude, self-efficacy, and intention were associated with greater effectiveness. No clear link emerged between how educational interventions were delivered and effectiveness.
ConclusionsThis is the first systematic review of systematic reviews of interventions to improve HCW HHC. The evidence is sufficient to recommend the implementation of interventions to improve HCW HHC (except for monitoring technology), but it is insufficient to make specific recommendations regarding the content or how the content should be delivered. Future research should rigorously apply behavior change theory, and recommendations should be clearly described with respect to intervention content and how it is delivered. Such recommendations should be tested for longer terms using stronger study designs with clearly defined outcomes.
Commentaries
Research Agenda for Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Veterans Health Administration
- Part of:
- Katie J. Suda, Daniel J. Livorsi, Michihiko Goto, Graeme N. Forrest, Makoto M. Jones, Melinda M. Neuhauser, Brian M. Hoff, Dilek Ince, Margaret Carrel, Rajeshwari Nair, Mary Jo Knobloch, Matthew B. Goetz
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 08 February 2018, pp. 196-201
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Original Articles
The Impact of the Medicaid Healthcare-Associated Condition Program on Mediastinitis Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
- Heather E. Hsu, Alison Tse Kawai, Rui Wang, Maximilian S. Jentzsch, Chanu Rhee, Kelly Horan, Robert Jin, Donald Goldmann, Grace M. Lee
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 April 2018, pp. 694-700
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OBJECTIVE
In 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expanded a 2008 program that eliminated additional Medicare payment for mediastinitis following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) to include Medicaid. We aimed to evaluate the impact of this Medicaid program on mediastinitis rates reported by the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) compared with the rates of a condition not targeted by the program, deep-space surgical site infection (SSI) after knee replacement.
DESIGNInterrupted time series with comparison group.
METHODSWe included surveillance data from nonfederal acute-care hospitals participating in the NHSN and reporting CABG or knee replacement outcomes from January 2009 through June 2017. We examined the Medicaid program’s impact on NHSN-reported infection rates, adjusting for secular trends. The data analysis used generalized estimating equations with robust sandwich variance estimators.
RESULTSDuring the study period, 196 study hospitals reported 273,984 CABGs to the NHSN, resulting in 970 mediastinitis cases (0.35%), and 294 hospitals reported 555,395 knee replacements, with 1,751 resultant deep-space SSIs (0.32%). There was no significant change in incidence of either condition during the study. Mediastinitis models showed no effect of the 2012 Medicaid program on either secular trend during the postprogram versus preprogram periods (P=.70) or an immediate program effect (P=.83). Results were similar in sensitivity analyses when adjusting for hospital characteristics, restricting to hospitals with consistent NHSN reporting or incorporating a program implementation roll-in period. Knee replacement models also showed no program effect.
CONCLUSIONSThe 2012 Medicaid program to eliminate additional payments for mediastinitis following CABG had no impact on reported mediastinitis rates.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:694–700
Original Article
Surveillance for central-line–associated bloodstream infections: Accuracy of different sampling strategies
- Elani Kourkouni, Georgia Kourlaba, Evangelia Chorianopoulou, Grammatiki-Christina Tsopela, Ioannis Kopsidas, Irene Spyridaki, Sotirios Tsiodras, Emmanuel Roilides, Susan Coffin, Theoklis E. Zaoutis, for the PHIG investigators
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- 29 August 2018, pp. 1210-1215
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Background
Active daily surveillance of central-line days (CLDs) in the assessment of rates of central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) is time-consuming and burdensome for healthcare workers. Sampling of denominator data is a method that could reduce the time necessary to conduct active surveillance.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of various sampling strategies in the estimation of CLABSI rates in adult and pediatric units in Greece.
MethodsDaily denominator data were collected across Greece for 6 consecutive months in 33 units: 11 adult units, 4 pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), 12 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and 6 pediatric oncology units. Overall, 32 samples were evaluated using the following strategies: (1) 1 fixed day per week, (2) 2 fixed days per week, and (3) 1 fixed week per month. The CLDs for each month were estimated as follows: (number of sample CLDs/number of sampled days) × 30. The estimated CLDs were used to calculate CLABSI rates. The accuracy of the estimated CLABSI rates was assessed by calculating the percentage error (PE): [(observed CLABSI rates − estimated CLABSI rates)/observed CLABSI rates].
ResultsCompared to other strategies, sampling over 2 fixed days per week provided the most accurate estimates of CLABSI rates for all types of units. Percentage of estimated CLABSI rates with PE ≤±5% using the strategy of 2 fixed days per week ranged between 74.6% and 88.7% in NICUs. This range was 79.4%–94.1% in pediatric onology units, 62.5%–91.7% in PICUs, and 80.3%–92.4% in adult units. Further evaluation with intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots indicated that the estimated CLABSI rates were reliable.
ConclusionSampling over 2 fixed days per week provides a valid alternative to daily collection of CLABSI denominator data. Adoption of such a monitoring method could be an important step toward better and less burdensome infection control and prevention.
Original Articles
Do Experts Understand Performance Measures? A Mixed-Methods Study of Infection Preventionists
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- Sushant Govindan, Beth Wallace, Theodore J. Iwashyna, Vineet Chopra
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- 05 December 2017, pp. 71-76
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OBJECTIVE
Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite a nationwide decline in CLABSI rates, individual hospital success in preventing CLABSI is variable. Difficulty in interpreting and applying complex CLABSI metrics may explain this problem. Therefore, we assessed expert interpretation of CLABSI quality data. DESIGN. Cross-sectional survey PARTICIPANTS. Members of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Research Network (SRN) METHODS. We administered a 10-item test of CLABSI data comprehension. The primary outcome was percent correct of attempted questions pertaining to the CLABSI data. We also assessed expert perceptions of CLABSI reporting.
RESULTSThe response rate was 51% (n=67).Among experts, the average proportion of correct responses was 73% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69%–77%). Expert performance on unadjusted data was significantly better than risk-adjusted data (86% [95% CI, 81%–90%] vs 65% [95% CI, 60%–70%]; P<.001). Using a scale of 1 to 100 (0, never reliable; 100, always reliable), experts rated the reliability of CLABSI data as 61. Perceived reliability showed a significant inverse relationship with performance (r=–0.28; P=.03), and as interpretation of data improved, perceptions regarding reliability of those data decreased. Experts identified concerns regarding understanding and applying CLABSI definitions as barriers to care.
CONCLUSIONSSignificant variability in the interpretation of CLABSI data exists among experts. This finding is likely related to data complexity, particularly with respect to risk-adjusted data. Improvements appear necessary in data sharing and public policy efforts to account for this complexity.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:71–76
Impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC)’s Multidimensional Approach on Rates of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection in 14 Intensive Care Units in 11 Hospitals of 5 Cities in Argentina
- Victor Daniel Rosenthal, Javier Desse, Diego Marcelo Maurizi, Gustavo Jorge Chaparro, Pablo Wenceslao Orellano, Viviana Chediack, Rafael Cabrera, Daniel Golschmid, Cristina Graciela Silva, Julio Cesar Vimercati, Juan Pablo Stagnaro, Ivanna Perez, María Laura Spadaro, Adriana Miriam Montanini, Dina Pedersen, Teresa Laura Paniccia, Ana María Ríos Aguilera, Raul Cermesoni, Juan Ignacio Mele, Ernesto Alda, Analía Edith Paldoro, Agustín Román Ortta, Bettina Cooke, María Cecilia García, Mora Nair Obed, Cecilia Verónica Domínguez, Pablo Alejandro Saúl, María Cecilia Rodríguez del Valle, Alberto Claudio Bianchi, Gustavo Alvarez, Ricardo Pérez, Carolina Oyola
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- 12 February 2018, pp. 445-451
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OBJECTIVE
To analyze the impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) Multidimensional Approach (IMA) and the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS) on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates in 14 intensive care units (ICUs) in Argentina from January 2014 to April 2017.
DESIGNThis prospective, pre–post surveillance study of 3,940 ICU patients was conducted in 11 hospitals in 5 cities in Argentina. During our baseline evaluation, we performed outcome and process surveillance of CLABSI applying Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Health Safety Network (CDC/NHSN) definitions. During the intervention, we implemented the IMA through ISOS: (1) a bundle of infection prevention practice interventions, (2) education, (3) outcome surveillance, (4) process surveillance, (5) feedback on CLABSI rates and consequences, and (6) performance feedback of process surveillance. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed using a logistic regression model to estimate the effect of the intervention on the CLABSI rate.
RESULTSDuring the baseline period, 5,118 CL days and 49 CLABSIs were recorded, for a rate of 9.6 CLABSIs per 1,000 central-line (CL) days. During the intervention, 15,659 CL days and 68 CLABSIs were recorded, for a rate of 4.1 CLABSIs per 1,000 CL days. The CLABSI rate was reduced by 57% (incidence density rate: 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.34–0.6; P<.001).
CONCLUSIONSImplementing IMA through ISOS was associated with a significant reduction in the CLABSI rate in ICUs in Argentina.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:445–451
Original Article
Impact of a simulation-based training in hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub in emergency departments
- Aiham Daniel Ghazali, Elsa Deilhes, Julie Thomas, Catherine Laland, Sarah Thévenot, Jean Pierre Richer, Denis Oriot
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 15 October 2018, pp. 1347-1352
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Background
Hand hygiene is the primary measure for reducing nosocomial infections based on 7 steps recommended by the WHO. The aim of this study was to assess the duration and the quality of hand hygiene before and after simulation-based training (SBT).
MethodsThe study took place in a University Hospital Pediatric Department among its residents and nurses. In assessment A, 10 hand-rubbing procedures per participant during a work day were scored by observers using a validated, anatomically based assessment scale. Two weeks later, all participants received a didactic course and SBT, followed 1 month later by assessment B, observation of 10 hand-rubbing procedures. Assessments were performed by 2 independent observers. Before-and-after testing was used to evaluate the demonstration of theoretical knowledge.
ResultsIn total, 22 participants were included, for whom 438 hand hygiene procedures were assessed: 218 for assessment A and 220 for assessment B. The duration of hand rubbing increased from 31.16 seconds in assessment A to 35.75 seconds in assessment B (P=.04). In assessment A, participants averaged 6.33 steps, and in assessment B, participants averaged 6.03 steps (difference not significant). Significant improvement in scores was observed between assessments A and B, except for the dorsal side of the right hand. The wrist and interdigital areas were the least-cleaned zones. A difference between assessments A and B was observed for nail varnish (P=.003) but not for long nails or jewelry. Theoretical scores increased from 2.83 to 4.29 (scale of 0–5; P<.001).
ConclusionThis study revealed that an optimal number of steps were performed during hand-rubbing procedures and that SBT improved the duration and quality of hand hygiene, except for the dorsal right side. Emphasis should be placed on the specific hand areas that remained unclean after regular hand-rubbing procedures.
The effect of timing of oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis in controlling influenza A H3N2 outbreaks in long-term care facilities in Manitoba, Canada, 2014-2015: a retrospective cohort study
- Davinder Singh, Depeng Jiang, Paul Van Caeseele, Carla Loeppky
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 12 June 2018, pp. 955-960
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Objective
This study examined the effect of the timing of administration of oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis for the control of influenza A H3N2 outbreaks among residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Manitoba, Canada, during the 2014–2015 influenza season.
MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of all LTCF influenza A H3N2 outbreaks (n=94) using a hierarchical logistic regression analysis. The main independent variable was how many days passed between the start of the outbreak and commencement of oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis. The dependent variable was whether each person in the institution developed influenza-like illness (yes or no).
ResultsDelay of oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis was associated with increased odds of infection in both univariate (t=5·41; df=51; P<·0001) and multivariable analyses (t=6·04; df=49; P<·0001) with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1·2–1·5) per day for influenza A H3N2.
ConclusionsThe sooner chemoprophylaxis is initiated, the lower the odds of secondary infection with influenza in LTCFs during outbreaks caused by influenza A H3N2 in Manitoba. For every day that passed from the start of the outbreak to the initiation of oseltamivir, the odds of a resident at risk of infection in the facility developing symptomatic infection increased by 33%.
Original Articles
Empiric Antibiotic Prescribing Decisions Among Medical Residents: The Role of the Antibiogram
- Gregory B. Tallman, Rowena A. Vilches-Tran, Miriam R. Elman, David T. Bearden, Jerusha E. Taylor, Paul N. Gorman, Jessina C. McGregor
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 March 2018, pp. 578-583
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OBJECTIVE
To assess general medical residents’ familiarity with antibiograms using a self-administered survey
DESIGNCross-sectional, single-center survey
PARTICIPANTSResidents in internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics at an academic medical center
METHODSParticipants were administered an anonymous survey at our institution during regularly scheduled educational conferences between January and May 2012. Questions collected data regarding demographics, professional training; further open-ended questions assessed knowledge and use of antibiograms regarding possible pathogens, antibiotic regimens, and prescribing resources for 2 clinical vignettes; a series of directed, closed-ended questions followed. Bivariate analyses to compare responses between residency programs were performed.
RESULTSOf 122 surveys distributed, 106 residents (87%) responded; internal medicine residents accounted for 69% of responses. More than 20% of residents could not accurately identify pathogens to target with empiric therapy or select therapy with an appropriate spectrum of activity in response to the clinical vignettes; correct identification of potential pathogens was not associated with selecting appropriate therapy. Only 12% of respondents identified antibiograms as a resource when prescribing empiric antibiotic therapy for scenarios in the vignettes, with most selecting the UpToDate online clinical decision support resource or The Sanford Guide. When directly questioned, 89% reported awareness of institutional antibiograms, but only 70% felt comfortable using them and only 44% knew how to access them.
CONCLUSIONSWhen selecting empiric antibiotics, many residents are not comfortable using antibiograms as part of treatment decisions. Efforts to improve antibiotic use may benefit from residents being given additional education on both infectious diseases pharmacotherapy and antibiogram utilization.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:578–583
Original Article
Different Types of Heater-Cooler Units and Their Risk of Transmission of Mycobacterium chimaera During Open-Heart Surgery: Clues From Device Design
- Richard Kuehl, Florian Banderet, Adrian Egli, Peter M. Keller, Reno Frei, Thomas Döbele, Friedrich Eckstein, Andreas F. Widmer
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 May 2018, pp. 834-840
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OBJECTIVE
Worldwide, Mycobacterium chimaera infections have been linked to contaminated aerosols from heater-cooler units (HCUs) during open-heart surgery. These infections have mainly been associated with the 3T HCU (LivaNova, formerly Sorin). The reasons for this and the risk of transmission from other HCUs have not been systematically assessed.
DESIGNProspective observational study.
SETTINGUniversity Hospital Basel, Switzerland.
METHODSContinuous microbiological surveillance of 3 types of HCUs in use (3T from LivaNova/Sorin and HCU30 and HCU40 from Maquet) was initiated in June 2014, coupled with an epidemiologic workup. Monthly water and air samples were taken. Construction design was analyzed, and exhausted airflow was measured.
RESULTSMycobacterium chimaera grew in 8 of 12 water samples (66%) and 22 of 24 air samples (91%) of initial 3T HCUs in use, and in 2 of 83 water samples (2%) and 0 of 41 (0%) air samples of new replacement 3T HCUs. Moreover, 7 of 12 water samples (58%) and 0 of 4 (0%) air samples from the HCU30 were positive, and 0 of 64 (0%) water samples and 0 of 50 (0%) air samples from the HCU40 were positive. We identified 4 relevant differences in HCU design compared to the 3T: air flow direction, location of cooling ventilators, continuous cooling of the water tank at 4°C, and an electronic alarm in the HCU40 reminding the user of the next disinfection cycle.
CONCLUSIONSAll infected patients were associated with a 3T HCU. The individual HCU design may explain the different risk of disseminating M. chimaera into the air of the operating room. These observations can help the construction of improved devices to ensure patient safety during cardiac surgery.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;834–840
Original Articles
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Among Prescribers at Acute-Care Hospitals
- Elizabeth Salsgiver, Daniel Bernstein, Matthew S. Simon, Daniel P. Eiras, William Greendyke, Christine J. Kubin, Monica Mehta, Brian Nelson, Angela Loo, Liz G. Ramos, Haomiao Jia, Lisa Saiman, E. Yoko Furuya, David P. Calfee
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 06 February 2018, pp. 316-322
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OBJECTIVE
To assess antimicrobial prescriber knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antimicrobial stewardship (AS) and associated barriers to optimal prescribing.
DESIGNCross-sectional survey.
SETTINGOnline survey.
PARTICIPANTSA convenience sample of 2,900 US antimicrobial prescribers at 5 acute-care hospitals within a hospital network.
INTERVENTIONThe following characteristics were assessed with an anonymous, online survey in February 2015: attitudes and practices related to antimicrobial resistance, AS programs, and institutional AS resources; antimicrobial prescribing and AS knowledge; and practices and confidence related to antimicrobial prescribing.
RESULTSIn total, 402 respondents completed the survey. Knowledge gaps were identified through case-based questions. Some respondents sometimes selected overly broad therapy for the susceptibilities given (29%) and some “usually” or “always” preferred using the most broad-spectrum empiric antimicrobials possible (32%). Nearly all (99%) reported reviewing antimicrobial appropriateness at 48–72 hours, but only 55% reported “always” doing so. Furthermore, 45% of respondents felt that they had not received adequate training regarding antimicrobial prescribing. Some respondents lacked confidence selecting empiric therapy using antibiograms (30%), interpreting susceptibility results (24%), de-escalating therapy (18%), and determining duration of therapy (31%). Postprescription review and feedback (PPRF) was the most commonly cited AS intervention (79%) with potential to improve patient care.
CONCLUSIONSBarriers to appropriate antimicrobial selection and de-escalation of antimicrobial therapy were identified among front-line prescribers in acute-care hospitals. Prescribers desired more AS-related education and identified PPRF as the most helpful AS intervention to improve patient care. Educational interventions should be preceded by and tailored to local assessment of educational needs.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:316–322