Management of acute stroke and urgent neurointerventional procedures during COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations on the Scientific Department on Cerebrovascular Diseases of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, Brazilian Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Brazilian Society of Neuroradiology / Tratamento do acidente vascular cerebral agudo e realização de procedimentos de neurointervenção urgentes durante a pandemia de COVID-19: recomendações do Departamento Científico de Doenças Cerebrovasculares da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, Sociedade Brasileira de Doenças Cerebrovasculares e Sociedade Brasileira de Neurorradiologia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although the 2019 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) pandemic poses new challenges to the healthcare system to provide support for thousands of patients, there is special concern about common medical emergencies, such as stroke, that will continue to occur and will require adequate treatment. The allocation of both material and human resources to fight the pandemic cannot overshadow the care for acute stroke, a time-sensitive emergency that with an inefficient treatment will further increase mortality and long-term disability. Objective: This paper summarizes the recommendations from the Scientific Department on Cerebrovascular Diseases of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, the Brazilian Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases and the Brazilian Society of Neuroradiology for management of acute stroke and urgent neuro-interventional procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including proper use of screening tools, personal protective equipment (for patients and health professionals), and patient allocation.

RESUMO Introdução: A pandemia causada pelo novo coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) apresenta novos e importantes desafios à gestão de saúde no Brasil. Além da difícil missão de prestar atendimento aos milhares de pacientes infectados pelo COVID-19, os sistemas de saúde têm que manter a assistência às emergências médicas comuns em períodos sem pandemia, tais como o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), que continuam ocorrendo e requerem tratamento com presteza e eficiência. A alocação de recursos materiais e humanos para o enfrentamento à pandemia não pode comprometer o atendimento ao AVC agudo, uma emergência cujo tratamento é tempo-dependente e se não realizado implica em importante impacto na mortalidade e incapacitação a longo prazo. Objetivo: Este trabalho resume as recomendações do Departamento Científico de Doenças Cerebrovasculares da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, da Sociedade Brasileira de Doenças Cerebrovasculares e da Sociedade Brasileira de Neurorradiologia para o tratamento do AVC agudo e para a realização de procedimentos de neurointervenção urgentes durante a pandemia de COVID-19, incluindo o uso adequado de ferramentas de triagem e equipamentos de proteção pessoal (para pacientes e profissionais de saúde), além da alocação apropriada de pacientes.

Management of central nervous system demyelinating diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a practical approach / Manejo de doenças desmielinizantes do sistema nervoso central na pandemia de doença do coronavírus 2019: uma abordagem prática

ABSTRACT Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a potential threat to patients with autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Such patients are usually treated with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive agents, which may tamper with the organism's normal response to infections. Currently, no consensus has been reached on how to manage MS and NMOSD patients during the pandemic. Objective: To discuss strategies to manage those patients. Methods: We focus on how to 1) reduce COVID-19 infection risk, such as social distancing, telemedicine, and wider interval between laboratory testing/imaging; 2) manage relapses, such as avoiding treatment of mild relapse and using oral steroids; 3) manage disease-modifying therapies, such as preference for drugs associated with lower infection risk (interferons, glatiramer, teriflunomide, and natalizumab) and extended-interval dosing of natalizumab, when safe; 4) individualize the chosen MS induction-therapy (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, alemtuzumab, and cladribine); 5) manage NMOSD preventive therapies, including initial therapy selection and current treatment maintenance; 6) manage MS/NMOSD patients infected with COVID-19. Conclusions: In the future, real-world case series of MS/NMOSD patients infected with COVID-19 will help us define the best management strategies. For the time being, we rely on expert experience and guidance.

RESUMO Introdução: A mais recente pandemia causada pelo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19, do inglês coronavirus disease 2019) representa uma ameaça potencial para pacientes com doenças autoimunes, incluindo esclerose múltipla (EM) e transtorno do espectro de neuromielite óptica (NMOSD, do inglês neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders). Esses pacientes são geralmente tratados com medicamentos imunomoduladores ou imunossupressores que podem alterar a resposta normal do organismo a infecções. Até o momento, não há consenso sobre como o manejo dos pacientes com EM e NMOSD deve ser realizado durante a pandemia. Objetivo: Discutir estratégias para manejar esses pacientes. Métodos: Focamos em como 1) reduzir o risco de infecção por COVID-19, como distanciamento social, telemedicina e exames laboratoriais e de imagem em intervalos mais amplos; 2) manejo de surtos, incluindo evitar tratamento de surto leve e uso de corticoide oral; 3) gerenciar terapias modificadoras de doença, como a preferência por medicamentos associados a menor risco de infecção (interferons, glatirâmer, teriflunomida e natalizumabe) e infusão em intervalo estendido de natalizumabe, quando seguro; 4) individualizar a escolha da terapia de indução para EM (anticorpos monoclonais anti-CD20, alentuzumabe e cladribina); 5) manejar terapias preventivas de NMOSD, incluindo seleção inicial de terapia e manutenção do tratamento atual; 6) manejar pacientes com EM/NMOSD que foram infectados por COVID-19. Conclusão: No futuro, séries de casos de pacientes com MS/NMOSD infectados com COVID-19 nos ajudará a definir as melhores estratégias de manejo. Por enquanto, contamos com a experiência e orientação especializadas.

COVID-19: Measures to prevent hospital contagion. what do urologists need to know?

ABSTRACT A new outbreak of respiratory infection caused by the novel coronavirus in late December 2019 in China caused standards of medical care to change not only for related areas but for the entire healthcare system, and when the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic new strategies of patient care had to be defined initially to optimize resources to confront the pandemic and then to protect healthcare personnel. As urologists, we must be involved in these new standards, since without an effective vaccine the risk of contagion is high; thus, the purpose of this review is to have orientation on the measures urologists should take in their everyday clinical practice.

Chest tubes in COVID-19 times: a safe way to protect the team

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION What has been published so far regarding safe methods to deal with chest tube insertion during COVID-19. METHODS A descriptive study of the literature available in the Medline/PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus databases and specialized books. The search was carried out using the terms "infectious diseases"; "COVID-19"; "Chest tubes". RESULTS This paper aggregates and consolidates some old concepts to new tactics to minimize the contamination of teams who deal with chest tubes, before, during, and after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS Health officials are under increasing pressure to control the spread of COVID-19, which is a very virulent disease. Our analysis brought together old rules against contamination along with new tactics for professionals who deal with chest drains in order to minimize the contamination of teams during the Pandemic.

Recomendaciones odontológicas en la pandemia COVID-19: revisión narrativa / Dental recommendations in the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad por coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) es un problema mundial de salud pública debido a su morbimortalidad, especialmente en grupos de riesgo. El entorno odontológico tiene un alto riesgo de transmisión viral, por ello el objetivo de este estudio fue identificar recomendaciones para la atención odontológica durante esta pandemia. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda de evidencia científica publicada desde 2002 hasta el 23 de marzo de 2020 en bases de datos electrónicas (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane y Epistemonikos) y en las páginas electrónicas de la Asociación Dental Americana, de Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oral Health, del Ministerio de Salud de Chile y de sociedades científicas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron nueve artículos publicados, en los cuales se recomienda el uso irrestricto de elementos de protección personal, preferir técnicas radiográficas extraorales, uso de enjuagues bucales con peróxido de hidrógeno al 1% o povidona yodada al 0,2%, técnica a cuatro manos con aspiración constante y uso de suturas reabsorbibles. Además, existe consenso respecto a que durante los periodos de transmisión comunitaria se deben posponer los tratamientos odontológicos no urgentes. CONCLUSIONES: Debido al alto riesgo de infección cruzada que presentan los equipos odontológicos, deben implementarse recomendaciones basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible, con el fin de preservar la salud de los miembros del equipo y de la población a su cuidado.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is a world public health problem due to its morbidity and mortality, especially in at-risk groups. The dental environment has a high risk of viral transmission; accordingly, this study aimed to identify recommendations based on the best available evidence for dental care during this pandemic. METHODS: We performed a search for scientific evidence published since 2002 to March 23th 2020 in electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Epistemonikos) and the web pages of the American Dental Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oral Health, the Ministry of Health in Chile and scientific societies. RESULTS: We included nine published studies. The recommendations were the following: unrestricted use of personal protection elements, use of extraoral radiographic techniques, use of mouth rinses with 1% hydrogen peroxide or 0.2% iodine povidone, a four-hand technique with ongoing aspiration and the use of absorbable sutures. Furthermore, there is a consensus that non-urgent treatments should be postponed during periods of community transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Dental practitioners are exposed to a high risk of cross-infection, meaning they must implement recommendations based on the best available evidence to preserve the health of team members and the population they are caring for.

Laparoscopic surgery and coronavirus disease: What do we know now?

Questions regarding the transmissibility of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remain unanswered. It is known that the transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) occurs predominantly through droplets and contact. However, aerosols can be generated in some situations, such as orotracheal intubation, ventilation, and the use of electric or ultrasonic scalpels, and can therefore potentially contaminate the care team if adequate protection is not used. It is therefore necessary to assess issues of transmissibility of COVID-19 during surgery in infected patients. This review gathers the recent research pertaining to this topic. A search of the literature was performed using the PubMed and UpToDate databases with the search terms "surgery" and "covid-2019," in addition to other MeSH variants of these terms. We do not have consistent evidence on the exposure of healthcare professionals assisting patients with COVID-19 undergoing laparoscopy or the impact of such exposure. In view of the evidence obtained and drawing parallels with other infectious and contagious diseases, medical personnel must wear complete protective attire for proper protection against the generated aerosol. Further studies are required to assess the impact of such surgeries on healthcare professionals conducing or assisting with these procedures.

Recommendations for head and neck surgical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread exponentially worldwide. In Brazil, the number of infected people diagnosed has been increasing and, as in other countries, it has been associated with a high risk of contamination in healthcare teams. For healthcare professionals, the full use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory, such as wearing surgical or filtering facepiece class 2 (FFP2) masks, waterproof aprons, gloves, and goggles, in addition to training in care processes. A reduction in the number of face-to-face visits and non-essential elective procedures is also recommended. However, surgery should not be postponed in the case of the most essential elective indications (mostly associated with head and neck cancers). As malignant tumors of the head and neck are clinically time sensitive, neither consultations for these tumors nor their treatment should be postponed. Postponing surgical treatment can result in a change in the disease stage and alter an individual's chance of survival. In this situation, planning of all treatments must begin with the request for, in addition to routine examinations, a nasal swab polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 and chest computed tomography. Only if the results of these tests are positive or if fever or other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 are present should the surgical procedure be postponed until the patient completely recovers. This is mandatory not only because of the risk of contamination of the surgical team but also because of the increased risk of postoperative complications and high risk of death. During this pandemic, the most effective safety measures are social distancing for the general public and the adequate availability and use of PPE in the healthcare field. The treatment of other chronic diseases, such as cancer, should be continued, as the damming of cases of these diseases will have a deleterious effect on the public healthcare system.

Nasal carriage rate of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Iranian healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Globally, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a major cause of healthcare-associated infections. Healthcare workers (HCWs), patients and the environment may act as reservoirs for the spread of MRSA to patients and other HCWs. Screening and eradication of MRSA colonization is an effective method of reducing the MRSA infection rate. There are limited data on the prevalence of MRSA among Iranian HCWs. We performed a systematic search by using different electronic databases including Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, and Iranian Databases (from January 2000 to July 2016). Meta-analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Biostat V2.2) software. The meta-analyses showed that the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA among HCWs were 22.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 19.3-26.6] and 32.8% (95% CI: 26.0-40.4) respectively. The high rate of nasal MRSA carriage among Iranian HCWs has been attributed to poor compliance to hand hygiene, injudicious use of antibiotics, and ineffective infection control and prevention measures. The rational use of antibiotics plus strict infection control are the main pillars for controlling multidrug resistant microorganisms such as MRSA in the hospital setting. These measurements should be applied nationally.

Improving hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers: an intervention study in a Hospital in Guizhou Province, China

Abstract Objective Hand hygiene (HH) is a critical component for controlling hospital-acquired infection (HAI). The present study was designed to develop an intervention approach to improve compliance with HH among healthcare workers in a hospital setting. Methods The HH intervention study was conducted in Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China and organized by its Department of HAI Management. It was an observational, prospective, quasiexperimental (before-after intervention) study. The study was divided into two phases: the baseline phase and the intervention phase. The investigative team included clinical monitoring staff and infection control practitioners who received a series of instructions on HH compliance, monitoring skills, and measurement of the use of HH products. Results Based on 27,852 observations in a 17-month period, the rate of compliance with HH improved from 37.78% at baseline to 75.90% after intervention. Significant improvement in compliance and an increase in consumption of HH products was observed after intervention. The per patient-day consumption of alcohol-based hand rub products and handwash agents increased by 4.75 mL and 4.55 mL, respectively. The consumption of paper towels increased 3.41 sheets per patient-day. During the same period, the prevalence rate of HAI decreased 0.83%. Conclusions This study demonstrates that a significant improvement in compliance with HH can be achieved through a systemic, multidimensional intervention approach involving all categories of healthcare workers in a hospital setting, which may result in a decrease of the HAI rate.

Motivos e consequências da baixa adesão às precauções padrão pela equipe de enfermagem / Razones y consecuencias de la baja adhesión a precauciones estándar para el equipo de enfermería / Reasons and consequences of low adherence to standard precautions by the nursing team

RESUMO As precauções padrão (PP) são recomendações para prevenir infecções e proteger os trabalhadores de saúde durante a prestação de cuidados. Porém, constata-se baixa adesão a estas recomendações. Objetivo Analisar os motivos e as consequências da baixa adesão às PP pela equipe de enfermagem. Método Revisão integrativa da literatura, busca em sete bases de dados, período de 2005 a 2014. Resultados 30 artigos foram selecionados para análise. Os motivos da baixa adesão evidenciados relacionam-se a práticas deficitárias de educação permanente, comportamentos de risco de trabalhadores, provisão de material e equipamentos de proteção inadequados e condições de trabalho inadequadas. As consequências são os acidentes e as doenças do trabalho. Os estudos de intervenção são escassos e limitam-se à educação dos profissionais. Conclusões A baixa adesão às PP está vinculada a aspectos individuais dos trabalhadores e às instituições empregadoras e formadoras. As estratégias de intervenção realizadas mostram-se pouco eficientes por focar apenas o trabalhador.

RESUMEN Las precauciones estándares (PE) son recomendaciones para prevenir infecciones y proteger a los trabajadores de la salud durante la prestación de cuidados, pero, se constata baja adhesión a estas recomendaciones. Objetivo analizar los motivos y consecuencias de la baja adhesión a las PE por el equipo de enfermería. Método revisión integradora de la literatura, busca en siete bases de datos, periodo de 2005 a 2014. Resultados 30 artículos fueron seleccionados para análisis. Los motivos de la baja adhesión evidenciados se relacionan a precarias prácticas de educación permanente, comportamientos de riesgo de trabajadores, inadecuada provisión de material y equipos de protección e inadecuadas condiciones de trabajo. Las consecuencias son los accidentes y las enfermedades del trabajo. Son escasos los estudios de intervención y se limitan a la educación de los profesionales. Conclusiones la baja adhesión a las PE se vincula a los aspectos individuales de los trabajadores, las instituciones empleadoras y formadoras. Las estrategias de intervención realizadas se muestran poco eficientes por enfocar solo al trabajador.

ABSTRACT Standard precautions (SP) are recommendations to prevent infection and protect health care workers during the provision of care, however, still exists low adherence to these recommendations. Objective To analyze the reasons and consequences of low adherence to standard precautions by the nursing staff. Method integrative literature review, search in seven databases, from 2005 to 2014. Results 30 articles were selected for analysis. The reasons for low adherence evidenced relate to deficient practices of lifelong learning, risk behaviors of workers, inadequate provision of equipment and protective equipment and inadequate working conditions. The consequences are accidents and occupational diseases. There are few intervention studies, which merely provide guidance to professionals. Conclusions The low adhesion to standard precautions is linked to individual aspects of workers, employers and educational institutions. Intervention strategies carried out have shown little efficient by only focusing on the worker.

Higiene de las manos: conocimientos de los profesionales y áreas de mejora / Hand hygiene: health professionals' knowledge and areas for improvement / A higiene das mãos: as competências profissionais e as áreas de melhoria

El objetivo fue analizar los conocimientos sobre la higiene de las manos de los profesionales del Sistema Sanitario Público Andaluz (España). Estudio mediante encuestas en 2011, utilizando el Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire for Health-Care Workers con la técnica de análisis de clases latentes. La media de respuestas correctas fue de 17,51 ± 3,68. Las preguntas con porcentajes de respuestas correctas más bajos son las referidas a la prevención, mediante la higiene de las manos, de la transmisión de microorganismos después de la exposición al paciente y aquellas relacionadas con la utilización de preparados de base alcohólica. Se obtuvo un modelo de 7 clases latentes. Principales diferencias socio-demográficas: los profesionales con conocimientos más bajos suelen ser hombres, jóvenes y no sanitarios; el haber recibido formación previa no discrimina a los que presentan excelentes conocimientos. Concluimos que la revisión de los programas de formación en higiene de las manos es necesaria para mejorar los conocimientos sobre aspectos conceptuales de la transmisión de microorganismos a través de las manos.

The objective of this study was to analyze knowledge on hand hygiene among staff workers in the Andalusian Public Health System (Spain). This was a cross-sectional study with surveys (2011) using the Hand Hygiene Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire for Healthcare Workers with the latent class analysis technique. The average number of questions answered correctly was 17.51±3.68. Questions with lower percentages of correct responses were those on hand hygiene for prevention of microorganism transmission to patients and those on hand- rubbing versus hand-washing. We obtained a model with 7 latent classes. Workers with lower knowledge tended to be younger, males, and non-healthcare workers. Having received previous training did not necessarily ensure excellent knowledge. The study concludes that hand hygiene training programs need to be revised in order to improve knowledge on conceptual characteristics involved in the transmission of microorganisms via the hands.

O objetivo foi analisar o conhecimento sobre a higiene das mãos dos profissionais do Sistema de Saúde Andaluz (Espanha). Os inquéritos foram realizados em 2011, por meio do questionário Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire for Health-Care Workers, usando a técnica da análise de classe latente. Questões com porcentagens mais baixas de acertos são as relacionadas com a prevenção da transmissão de micro-organismos após exposição ao paciente por higiene das mãos e aquelas relacionadas com a utilização de preparações à base de álcool. Obtivemos um modelo de sete classes latentes. Principais diferenças sociodemográficas: os profissionais de conhecimentos mais baixos são homens, jovens e profissionais não relacionados à saúde; ter recebido treinamento anterior e não discriminar as pessoas com grande conhecimento. Concluímos que é necessária a revisão dos programas de formação de higiene das mãos para melhorar o conhecimento sobre aspectos conceituais da transmissão de micro-organismos pelas mãos.

Guideline on the prevention and control of seasonal influenza in healthcare setting

No abstract available.

Should acellular pertussis vaccine be recommended to healthcare professionals? / A vacina pertússis acelular deve ser recomendada a profissionais de saúde? / ¿La vacuna contra la tos ferina acelular se debe recomendar a los profesionales de la salud?

The aim of this study was to describe recent changes in the epidemiology of pertussis and existing policies regarding recommended and mandatory occupational vaccinations for healthcare professionals (HCPs). The authors carried out an extensive review of references on the PubMed and SciELO databases and the official sites of the World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Brazilian Ministry of Health, using the keywords pertussis, vaccines and healthcare professionals. Vaccination against pertussis is recommended for HCPs in the United States, Canada, nine European countries, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Costa Rica, Argentina and Uruguay, and in some countries it is compulsory. In Brazil, only one publication discussing the risk of pertussis among HCPs was found. Considering the reemergence of pertussis and the great number of associated hospitalizations and deaths registered in 2011, it is necessary to review public policies regarding HCP pertussis vaccination, particularly among workers in frequent contact with young babies.

O objetivo deste artigo é descrever as recentes mudanças na epidemiologia da pertússis e as políticas de vacinação voltadas à prevenção da coqueluche para profissionais de saúde. Os autores fizeram um levantamento dos artigos publicados no PubMed, SciELO e páginas da Internet da Organização Mundial da Saúde, Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Estados Unidos) e do Ministério da Saúde usando as palavras-chave: pertussis, vacinas e profissionais de saúde. A vacinação de profissionais de saúde contra coqueluche é recomendada pela OMS, OPAS, CDC, e autoridades de saúde de nove países europeus, da Austrália, Hong Kong, Cingapura, Costa Rica, Argentina e Uruguai, e em alguns países é compulsória. No Brasil, identificamos apenas um artigo abordando a vacinação de profissionais de saúde contra coqueluche, mas considerando a reemergencia da doença com grande número de hospitalizações e mortes em 2011, consideramos necessário rediscutir as políticas públicas envolvendo a vacinação dos profissionais de saúde, particularmente daqueles que têm contato frequente com lactentes jovens.

El propósito de este artículo es describir los recientes cambios en la epidemiología y políticas de vacunación para la prevención de la tos ferina en los profesionales de la salud. Los autores realizaron un estudio de los artículos publicados en PubMed, sitios como SciELO, de la OMS, OPS, CDC y Ministerio de Salud de Brasil con las siguientes palabras clave: vacunas contra la tos ferina y profesionales de la salud. La vacunación de los trabajadores de la salud contra la tos ferina es recomendada por la OMS, la OPS, CDC y por las autoridades sanitarias de 9 países europeos, de Australia, Hong Kong, Singapur, Costa Rica, Argentina y Uruguay, y en algunos países es obligatoria. En Brasil, se ha identificado un solo artículo sobre la vacunación de los trabajadores de la salud contra la tos ferina, sin embargo, frente al resurgimiento de la enfermedad con un gran número de hospitalizaciones y muertes en 2011, consideramos que es necesario revisar la política pública de vacunación de los profesionales de la salud, especialmente si tienen contacto con niños pequeños.

Infraestrutura e adesão à higienização das mãos: desafios à segurança do paciente / Infrastructure and adherence to hand hygiene: challenges to patient safety / Infraestructura y adhesión a la higienización de las manos: desafíos a la seguridad del paciente

Considerando a importância das mãos na cadeia de transmissão de microrganismos, esta pesquisa observacional investigou a infraestrutura material e a adesão à higienização das mãos em unidade de terapia intensiva do sul do Brasil, em 2010. Os dados foram coletados por observação direta não participante e emprego de instrumento autoaplicável a 39 profissionais, analisados com auxílio de Teste do χ², estatística descritiva e análise de discurso quantitativa. Embora os profissionais superestimem a adesão, reconheçam a prática como relevante para a prevenção de infecções e refiram não haver fatores de impedimento, entre 1277 oportunidades observadas, a adesão foi de 28,6%, e significativamente menor antes do contato e dos procedimentos assépticos do que após o contato com o paciente. A infraestrutura apresentou-se deficiente em funcionalidade. Os resultados implicam risco para a segurança dos pacientes, sendo relevante o planejamento de ações corretivas e que promovam essa prática.

Considering the importance of hands in the chain of transmission of microorganisms, this observational research investigated the material infrastructure and compliance of hand hygiene in an intensive care unit in the south of Brazil, in 2010. The data was collected by direct non-participant observation and through the use of self-administered questionnaires to be completed by the 39 participants, which was analyzed with the assistance of the χ² Test, descriptive statistics and quantitative discourse analysis. Although health professionals overestimate compliance rates, recognize the practice as relevant to the prevention of infection and refer there are no impeding factors, of the 1,277 opportunities observed, compliance was 26% and significantly lower before patient contact and the use of aseptic procedures than after patient contact: infrastructure was shown to be deficient. The results indicate risk to patient safety, and, thus, the planning of corrective actions to promote hand washing is relevant.

Con base en la importancia de las manos en la cadena de transmisión de microorganismos, esta investigación observacional tuvo el objetivo de observar la infraestructura material y la adhesión a la higienización de las manos en unidad de terapia intensiva del sur de Brasil, en 2010. Los datos fueron recogidos por la observación directa no participante y empleo de instrumento autoaplicable a 39 participantes, analizados con ayuda del Test de χ², estadística descriptiva y análisis de discurso cuantitativo. A pesar de que los profesionales sobrestimen la adhesión, reconocen la práctica como relevante para la prevención de infecciones y refieren no haber factores de impedimento. Entre 1277 oportunidades observadas, la adhesión fue del 28,6% y significativamente menor antes del contacto y procedimientos asépticos que después del contacto con el paciente; la infraestructura se ha presentado deficiente en funcionalidad. Los resultados revelan riesgo para la seguridad de los pacientes siendo relevante el planeamiento de acciones correctivas y que promuevan esa práctica.

Immunization status of residents in pediatrics at the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil / Imunização de residentes em Pediatria da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brasil

Vaccination of health care workers is an efficient way to reduce the risk of occupational infection and to prevent nosocomial transmission to vulnerable patients. Despite this, achieving high immunization rates among those professionals is a challenge. We assessed the immunization status of Residents in Pediatrics at the Federal University of São Paulo from June to December 2008. Their immunization records were checked and evaluated according to the Brazilian Immunization Schedule for health care workers. Considering all required vaccines, only 3.1 percent of the 64 Residents were up-to-date with their immunizations. Influenza was the vaccine with the lowest uptake (3.1 percent) and measles and rubella were diseases with the highest evidence of immunity (62.5 percent each). Only 37.5 percent of Residents had received three hepatitis B vaccine doses with a subsequent serology confirming seroconversion. Moreover, the vast majority of Residents in Pediatrics who were not up-to-date were unaware of the fact. Both medical schools and Pediatric Residence programs should not only offer information but also check vaccination records in an effort to keep their healthcare workers´ vaccinations up-to-date.

A vacinação de profissionais da saúde representa maneira eficiente de reduzir o risco ocupacional a infecções e de prevenir a transmissão nosocomial de doenças a pacientes vulneráveis. Apesar disso, atingir altas taxas de cobertura vacinal entre estes profissionais continua sendo um desafio. Avaliamos a situação vacinal dos residentes de Pediatria da Universidade Federal de São Paulo entre junho e dezembro de 2008. Suas carteiras de vacinação foram checadas e avaliadas de acordo com a orientação do calendário nacional para profissionais da saúde. Considerando as vacinas propostas, apenas 3,1 por cento dos 64 residentes estavam em dia com sua imunização. A vacina para Influenza foi a mais negligenciada (3,1 por cento) e sarampo e rubéola, as doenças com maior evidência de imunidade (62,5 por cento). Apenas 37,5 por cento dos residentes haviam recebido três doses da vacina para hepatite B e possuíam sorologia confirmando soroconversão. Além disso, a grande maioria dos residentes que estavam com atraso vacinal desconhecia este fato. Tanto as escolas médicas quanto os programas de residência em Pediatria deveriam não apenas orientar, como também checar os registros de vacinação num esforço para manter em dia a imunização dos profissionais de saúde.

Hand hygiene among health care workers.

Healthcare-associated infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients worldwide. Transmission of health care associated pathogens generally occurs via the contaminated hands of health care workers. Hand hygiene has long been considered one of the most important infection control measures to prevent health care-associated infections. For generations, hand washing with soap and water has been considered a measure of personal hygiene. As early as 1822, a French pharmacist demonstrated that solutions containing chlorides of lime or soda could eradicate the foul odor associated with human corpses and that such solutions could be used as disinfectants and antiseptics. This paper provides a comprehensive review of data regarding hand washing and hand antisepsis in healthcare settings. In addition, it provides specific recommendations to uphold improved hand-hygiene practices and reduce transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to patients and personnel in healthcare settings. This article also makes recommendations and suggests the significance of hand health hygiene in infection control.