ABSTRACT
There is no doubt that epidemics and pandemics have transformed dentistry beyond recognition. In this commentary we recapitulate the possible reasons for the emergence of major global epidemics and pandemics, how and why they emerge, and the successful attempts of the dental profession to mitigate infectious transmission in the clinic, which in turn has metamorphosed our profession today. We also peer into the future of dentistry through the prism of the new conceptual approach of 'one world, one health' recently declared by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Finally, we discuss five realms of dentistry that have been irretrievably impacted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, viz vaccines, point of care diagnostics, teledentistry, reinforced infection control, and dental pedagogy. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Vaccines and vaccinations have become integral to societal wellbeing and the prevention of global pandemics.
ABSTRACT
Background: Correct use of personal protective equipment is vital to minimise the risk of patients acquiring healthcare-associated infections. These measures are also important in preventing exposure to occupational infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment was associated with anxiety, uncertainty and additional training requirements. This study investigated midwives' experiences using personal protective equipment during the pandemic. Methods: This systematic scoping review searched seven academic databases and grey literature. Data analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis framework. Results: A total of 16 studies were included. Four themes were found: 'fear and anxiety', 'personal protective equipment/resources', 'education and training needs' and 'communication'. Conclusions: Management and administration inconsistences, logistical issues and lack of training on personal protective equipment led to midwives' negative feedback. A gap has been identified in the exploration of midwives' experiences as personal protective equipment end-users during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
The article presents the discussion on news related to various topics. Topics include Infection preventionists (IPs) urging to take a leadership role in the burgeoning national patient safety movement after the 1999 Institute of Medicine report;and MRSA killing more people annually than human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the US.
ABSTRACT
The article presents the discussion on Hospital Infection Control & Prevention's (HIC) celebrating 50th year of publication. Topics include strengthening a field providing efficacy in preventing health care associated infections (HAIs) and protecting patients;and hospitals need an infection control program, and the programs including a balanced plan of both surveillance and control strategies.
ABSTRACT
Failure to discontinue transmission-based precautions (TBP) for eligible ambulatory patients may decrease stakeholder buy-in, adherence, and experience. Successful removal is hindered by unclear criteria and inadequate resources. We sought to create a pre-visit review process to identify TBP removal opportunities to support stakeholders without exhausting resources. Study period was 11/02/2020 – 11/30/2021. We generated an electronic medical record (EMR) report of ambulatory encounters in the coming week with a TBP flag. Interventions tested included: A spreadsheet macro to filter and format the EMR report (implemented 01/29/21);Standardized IP chart review and notification;Clinical stakeholder engagement to define and evaluate process expectations. We used a standard t-test for weekly encounter and percent no-change review comparisons. During 11/02/2020-01/28/21, 3,111 encounters were reviewed for TBP removal. Of those, 310(9.96%) had TBP status updated, 1,134(36.45%) required email communication to determine status, and 1,667(53.58%) had no change. These no-change encounters included cystic fibrosis patients (remain in life-long TBP) and ineligible long term TBP. We built the macro to remove no-change encounters to focus on encounters needing review. During 1/29/21-11/27/21, 6,060 encounters were reviewed, with 1,818(30.00%) updated, 1,646(27.16%) requiring email, and 2,596(42.84%) no-change. Macro implementation reduced average reviewed encounters weekly (246 to 142, p<.0001) and the proportion of no-change encounters (56.36% to 47.39%, p=0.0224). Subjectively, reviews took less time (approximately 15 hours to 5 hours per week). Process standardization and stakeholder engagement were well-received. Macro utilization increased review efficiency by removing no-change encounters. Despite a reduction in pre- and post-implementation proportions of no-change encounters, there is still opportunity to further reduce time wasted on no-change encounters. Standardizing our process allowed for cross training of IPs, alleviating burden on others. Stakeholder engagement improved relationships between IPs and ambulatory staff.