Human resource management to assist infection prevention and control professionals: a scoping review.

Infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals are key intermediaries between hospital managers and frontline staff. During the novel coronavirus disease pandemic, IPC professionals faced new challenges. Unfortunately, research on human resource management (HRM) to support IPC during and between pandemics is lacking. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to elucidate the existing knowledge on HRM measures in this context and thus contribute to the pandemic preparedness of healthcare facilities. It was conducted as part of the "PREparedness and PAndemic REsponse in Germany (PREPARED)" project within the Network University Medicine (NUM), using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. PubMed was searched without time restriction until 2023 (filter: English, German). Two reviewers assessed titles/abstracts and full texts, respectively. A total of nine publications were included, eight of which were published in the USA. All publications reported survey data (quantitative: six). Measures targeting personnel development and the qualification of IPC personnel were reported in six studies, i.e., almost two-thirds of the studies, of which five focused on the tasks of IPC professionals. In contrast, management of personnel costs and remuneration systems were reported less frequently (three studies), and only regarding issues around retention, compensation and dismissal. In conclusion, research gaps include trials on implementation and effectiveness of HRM for IPC. Given the increasing shortage of IPC professionals, HRM measures during and between pandemics become more important for establishing pandemic preparedness.

[The nasal and pharyngeal swab techniques during the COVID-19-pandemic - the ENT-perspective - SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus, nasal swab, pharyngeal swab, complications]. / Der Nasen- oder Rachenabstrich in der COVID-19-Pandemie ­ Aspekte für den HNO-Arzt/die HNO-Ärztin ­ SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus, Nasenabstrich, Rachenabstrich, Komplikationen.

Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, swabs or other samples have increasingly been taken from the upper aero-digestive tract, since high viral loads exist here, especially in the early stages of the disease. As diagnostic options, swabs from the anterior nose, from the nasopharynx, from the oropharynx or the extraction of throat rinse water or saliva are possible. The laboratory methods available are antigen tests that can be read in a few minutes or more lengthy RT-PCR methods in a lab. Swabs are carried out by physicians, medical staff, laypeople and in the self-test, in each case according to prior instructions. Many of these factors therefore have an influence on the informative value and the sensitivity of the entire diagnostic process. The PCR laboratory method is more sensitive than the antigen method; the swabs from the nasopharynx are considered the most valid smear site; correct execution of a test can be achieved even with non-professional individuals with good instructions. Complications with such swabs are reported very rarely, given the assumed number of procedures performed. Short-term nosebleeds after traumatic smears can be assumed without publications about it being found. Broken parts of swabs had to be removed by an ENT doctor. There are only very few reports on injuries to the skullbase with CSF-leaks, including 2 times with anomalies such as meningoceles. The choice of a suitable diagnostic medium depends on many parameters such as availability, the timing of the result, a smear test by knowledgeable staff or a self-test, and a number of other practical considerations.

Hand hygiene in intensive care units: a matter of time?

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections are a frequent threat to patient safety and cause significant disease burden. The most important single preventive measure is hand hygiene (HH). Barriers to adherence with HH recommendations include structural aspects, knowledge gaps, and organizational issues, especially a lack of time in daily routine. AIM: To determine the number of hand hygiene opportunities (HHOs), compliance rates, and time spent on hand hygiene in intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS: We conducted an observational study in two ICUs to determine the average number of HHOs per patient. Documentation was based on the World Health Organization concept of 'five moments for hand hygiene'. HHOs were collected in 12 patient rooms for 12h each. FINDINGS: On average, 134 (internal ICU) and 182 (surgical ICU) HHOs per patient were observed during the 12h observation period. Overall HH compliance was 42.6%. Considering additional HHOs during the night shift, we estimated 218 (internal ICU) and 271 (surgical ICU) HHOs per patient-day. The average duration of hand disinfection was 7.6s. The time spent on HH was 8.3 (internal ICU) and 11.1 (surgical ICU) min during the day shift for each patient for all healthcare workers (nurses: 6.9min in the internal ICU and 8.3min in the surgical ICU). If nurses fully complied with guidelines, 58.2 (internal ICU) and 69.8 (surgical ICU) min would be spent on HH for each patient during the day shift. CONCLUSION: Complying with guidelines is time-consuming. Sufficient time for HH should be considered in staff planning.

Psychosocial determinants of self-reported hand hygiene behaviour: a survey comparing physicians and nurses in intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: Research applying psychological behaviour change theories to hand hygiene compliance is scarce, especially for physicians. AIM: To identify psychosocial determinants of self-reported hand hygiene behaviour (HHB) of physicians and nurses in intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire that applied concepts from the Health Action Process Approach on hygienic hand disinfection was conducted in 10 ICUs and two haematopoietic stem cell transplantation units at Hannover Medical School, Germany. Self-reported compliance was operationalized as always disinfecting one's hands when given tasks associated with risk of infection. Using seven-point Likert scales, behavioural planning, maintenance self-efficacy and action control were assessed as psychological factors, and personnel and material resources, organizational problems and cooperation on the ward were assessed as perceived environmental factors. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed. FINDINGS: In total, 307 physicians and 348 nurses participated in this study (response rates 70.9% and 63.4%, respectively). Self-reported compliance did not differ between the groups (72.4% vs 69.4%, P = 0.405). While nurses reported stronger planning, self-efficacy and action control, physicians indicated better personnel resources and cooperation on the ward (P < 0.02). Self-efficacy [odds ratio (OR) 1.4, P = 0.041], action control (OR 1.8, P < 0.001) and cooperation on the ward (OR 1.5, P = 0.036) were positively associated with HHB among physicians, but only action control was positively associated with HHB among nurses (OR 1.6, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The associations between action control (self-regulatory strategies where behaviour is evaluated continuously and automatically against guidelines) and compliance indicate that HHB is a habit in need of self-monitoring. The fact that perceived cooperation on the ward was the only environmental correlate of HHB among physicians stresses the importance of team-directed interventions.

[Compliance with hand hygiene guidelines on intensive care units at a university medical centre with surgical focus]. / Hygienische Händedesinfektion - Leitlinien-Compliance auf Intensivstationen eines Universitätsklinikums mit chirurgischem Schwerpunkt.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hand hygiene practice is one of the most effective measures to prevent healthcare-associated infections. This study examines the trends of hand hygiene compliance among physicians and nurses on the intensive care units (ICU) and hematopoetic stem cell transplantation units (HSCTU) at Hannover Medical School. An observational study via repeated cross-sectional assessments was conducted during the first 6 years of the "AKTION Saubere Hände" (ASH), i.e. the German adaptation of WHO's "Clean Care is Safer Care" campaign. METHODS: Compliance rates were directly observed in accordance with WHO definitions on the 10 ICU and two HSCTU. Overall, 13,175 hand hygiene opportunities were observed between 2008 and 2013. RESULTS: In 2008, compliance rates of physicians and nurses did not differ significantly in statistical terms (53% vs. 57%, p=0.085). Physicians' compliance improved to 64% in 2011, but declined again to 48.4% in 2013 (p < 0.001). In contrast, hand hygiene compliance among nurses had increased to 71.3% as soon as 2009 /10 (p < 0.001). Their compliance dropped to 55.8% in 2013 and thus to baseline level (p=0.444), while remaining higher than that of physicians (p=0.003). Similar trends pertained to the surgical ICU. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that during the ASH-campaign hand hygiene compliance increased initially both among physicians and nurses, albeit so far not in a sustainable fashion. This implies an increased demand for interventions which not only promote motivation, but also its translation into stable and sustained behavior in accordance with guidelines.

[Strategies to prevent surgical site infections]. / Strategien zur Prävention von postoperativen Wundinfektionen.

Surgical site infections (SSI) are a severe complication following surgical or orthopaedic procedures and are associated with significant increases in hospital length of stay (LOS), additional costs, morbidity and mortality. Hence, the prevention of SSI is essential and poses a major challenge in the healthcare system. Strategies and key points are presented and discussed. Infection control measures such as active surveillance of SSI, implementation of a checklist, compliance observations and instruction/training of healthcare workers as well as Staphylococcus aureus/MRSA screening, clipping instead of shaving, adherence to perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, maintaining intraoperative normothermia and blood glucose control are essential for a comprehensive bundle in order to prevent SSI.

[Multiresistant pathogens in surgery]. / Multiresistente Erreger in der Chirurgie.

Nosocomial infections caused by multidrug resistant organism (MDRO) are an increasingly common healthcare-associated problem. In surgery methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is still the most important of these bacteria, and the management of MRSA infections and the prevention of their nosocomial transmission are a major challenge. Hence, a comprehensive strategy for the prevention of nosocomial MRSA infections is imperative including optimization of antibiotic use in hospital, antibiotic stewardship as well as admission surveillance cultures, and improved compliance of hand hygiene.

Costs of nosocomial pneumonia caused by meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Nosocomial infections with meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lead to increased health and economic costs. The purpose of this study was to determine costs for nosocomial MRSA pneumonia compared with meticillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) pneumonia. A case-control study was conducted with patients who acquired nosocomial pneumonia with either MRSA or MSSA between January 2005 and December 2007. Patients were matched for age, severity of underlying disease, stay on intensive care units and non-intensive care units, admission and discharge within the same year, and in-hospital stay at least as long as that of cases before MRSA pneumonia. Our analysis includes 82 patients (41 cases, 41 controls). The overall costs for patients with nosocomial MRSA pneumonia were significantly higher than for patients with MSSA pneumonia (€60,684 vs €38,731; P=0.01). The attributable costs for MRSA pneumonia per patient were €17,282 (P<0.001). The financial loss was higher for patients with MRSA pneumonia than for patients with MSSA pneumonia (€11,704 vs €2,662; P=0.002). More cases died than controls while in the hospital (13 vs 1 death, P<0.001). Hospital personnel should be aware of the attributable costs of MRSA pneumonia, and should implement control measures to prevent MRSA transmission.

Long-term persistence of MRSA in re-admitted patients.

BACKGROUND: A better knowledge of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) persistence in hospitalised patients may impact on specific prevention strategies. We have investigated the persistence of MRSA-carriage in patients admitted and re-admitted to a university hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and October 2005 all MRSA-positive patients admitted to the university hospital of Hannover Medical School were assessed at first admission and all subsequent re-admissions. Patients re-admitted at least once were analysed for the persistence or loss of MRSA. The association of possible factors influencing the persistence of MRSA colonisation or infection (age group, gender, decolonisation therapy during first hospital stay due to MRSA positivity and colonisation of different anatomical sites) was analysed using univariate, multivariate and time-dependent analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1,032 patients who had tested positive at least once for MRSA were admitted to our hospital during the study period, accounting for 2,038 admissions. Of these patients, 403 (39.1%) were admitted more than once (from two times to 21 times), and 238 (59.1%) of the re-admitted patients remained MRSA positive during all subsequent admissions. Fifty-five (13.6%) patients tested MRSA negative at their last admission, and 61 (15.1%) tested MRSA negative at at least two consecutive admissions. In 27 (6.7%) patients, the MRSA status differed more than once between subsequent admissions. Overall, the half-life time (HLT) of MRSA persistence was 549 days, with the duration of persistence dependent on the colonisation of different anatomical sites (HLT only wounds 117 days; HLT mouth, throat, bronchial secretions 627 days; HLT nose, wounds and other body sites 801 days; p < 0.01) and was prolonged if more than one body site was MRSA-positive (HR 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.52-3.15). CONCLUSION: A detailed knowledge of the dynamics of the loss of MRSA infection could result in a reduction of the incidence of MRSA in the future. Multiple anatomical site carriage of MRSA appeared to predict a prolonged persistence in our cohort of patients re-admitted to a university hospital.

[Hand hygiene and campaigns]. / Händehygiene und Kampagnen.

BACKGROUND: Hand disinfection is a well-known and appropriate practise for infection prevention. Hence, it is logical to encourage its compliance and to provide its sustainability in the daily routine of a hospital. Several campaigns address an improvement of this important prevention measure. METHODS: In the Hannover Medical School the health staffs on the intensive care units and bone marrow transplantation wards were examined for this topic by a standardised questionnaire. The aim was to detect deficiencies and the level of knowledge. RESULTS: The forms were handed out to 838 health-care workers on 12 wards. 346 (41.2 %) were analysed. Inadequate hand disinfection due to a lack of time was the most common answer (43.1 %), followed by "there is no reason" (37.3 %). The alcoholic hand rub should be better available (50.3 %) and a continuing education programme should be provided (42.8 %) for improving hand hygiene practise. CONCLUSION: The survey revealed the known risk factors for non-compliance. At this point, the national hand campaign "Aktion Saubere Hände" supports training courses by providing instruction materials for all participants. These materials are used for training health-care workers individually.

[Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in patients in long-term care in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes of a rural district in Germany]. / MRSA-Prävalenz in medizinischen und pflegerischen Einrichtungen eines Landkreises.

BACKGROUND: In recent years multi-resistant pathogens, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been causing increasing problems in hospitals and nursing homes. In Germany area-wide and interdisciplinary studies of prevalence of MRSA have not previously been conducted. For this reason we investigated the its prevalence in a cross-sectional study, which included patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes in a rural district in Germany. METHODS AND PATIENTS: The MRSA prevalence was determined by obtaining cultures from the nose, throat and any existing skin lesions of each patient in medical institutions and nursing homes in the the Höxter district. The presence of methicillin resistance, Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene were determined and and staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing was done. Potential risk factors for MRSA colonization were also determined. RESULTS: S. aureus was isolated from 319 of 1 083 patients (614 females, 469 males; median age 68,2 years) from five hospitals, five nursing homes und three rehabilitation centers. The MRSA prevalence was 2,5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1,7-3,7%). In hospitals the MRSA prevalence was 3,4%, in the nursing homes 2,3% and in rehabilitation centers 1,2%, without any significant difference between these three establishments. The proportion of MRSA in all S. aureus isolates was 8,5%. The PVL gene was not detected. It was found by multivariate analysis that variables independently associated with evidence of MRSA were haemodialysis (odds ratio (OR) 11,2; 95% CI 1,9-67,4) and an acute infection in the six months before hospital admission (OR 6,5; 95% CI 1,5-29,2). The spa typing showed different regional distribution of the MRSA subtypes. With 30% the spa type t003 (ST225 clone; in Germany called "Rhine-Hessen strain") occurred most frequently, followed by t032 with 22,2% (ST22 clone, also called "Barnimer strain"). CONCLUSIONS: This first regional cross-sectional study provides supportive data for MRSA surveillance in Germany and the data provide a basis for additional preventative measures.

[Multiple abscesses in immunocompetent patients caused by Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive Staphylococcus aureus]. / Multiple Abszesse bei immunkompetenten Patienten durch Panton-Valentin-Leukozidin-positiven Staphylococcus aureus.

We report cases of immunocompetent patients showing multiple abscesses by a Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) positive Staphylococcus aureus. PVL is considered to be an important virulence factor. The most common manifestations by this pathogen are recurrent or multiple abscesses of the skin. Seldom necrotizing pneumonia with high mortality occurs. Even methicillin-resistant PVL positive isolates have been identified in Germany. Only appropriate infection control measures in combination with antimicrobial therapy resulted in successful eradication of this pathogen. Dermatologists should be informed about this specific type of infection and about the appropriate infection control measures.

[Which rate describes the MRSA situation appropriately?]. / Welche Rate beschreibt die MRSA-Situation am besten?

In hospitals the pathogen MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) causes wound infections, sepsis and respiratory tract infections at an increasing number of patients. This prolongs the length of stay and results in additional high costs. Even worse is the fact that MRSA infections have been associated with a higher mortality than MSSA (methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus) infections. The steadily increasing number of patients with MRSA in German hospitals requires an objective description of the situation using reliable data. This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of different ways of expressing MRSA rates of infection and discusses which describes best the occurrence of MRSA in different situations.

[Infection control measures and surveillance of patients with ventricular assist devices]. / Infektionsprävention und -Surveillance bei Kunstherzpatienten.

Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are a new routine therapy option for end-stage heart failure. However, the incidence of VAD-related infections varies between 20 and 188% and makes a major contribution to VAD-related morbidity. Therefore, optimised infection control policies should be applied to prevent VAD-related infections. As to date only a few studies exist investigating particular prevention measures for VAD recipients, we have tried to adapt evidence-based guidelines. In detail the following preventive measures are discussed: antibiotic prophylaxis, endocarditis prophylaxis, dressing technique for the driveline-exit site and education of patients and medical staff. A new patient-based surveillance system is proposed which reflects the different times since implantation of VADs and therefore allows a fair method for interhospital comparison.

Surveillance of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria and routine use of contact isolation: experience from a three-year period.

The usefulness and applicability of isolation precautions were questioned for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains of Enterobacteriaceae in the endemic setting. We performed a surveillance programme for ESBL-positive organisms and the infection control management of patients colonized or infected with these organisms. Between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2004, a total of 147 cases of ESBL-producing strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis from 123 patients were noted. The overall incidence of ESBL-producing-strain-positive cases was 0.12/1000 patient-days. The proportion of referred cases was 35% (N=51); 65% of cases (N=96) were acquired in our institution. Infections developed in 57 cases (38.8%), of which 36 (63.3%) were nosocomial. Contact isolation precautions were carried out for 79.6% of the cases, with a median duration of contact isolation precautions for 14 days (range: 0-144). The contact isolation precautions resulted in 2985 isolation days in total, i.e. 995 isolation days per year. Typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed clonal diversity in 94.2% of the isolates from patients. Seven patient-to-patient transmissions were noted. Only in 10 cases (6.8%) was colonization with ESBL-producing strains cleared. Considering the large number of immunocompromised patients treated in our institution (>1500 bone marrow or solid organ transplantations performed during 2002-2004), we will continue to isolate patients who are colonized or infected with ESBL-producing organisms.

[Prevention and control of the spread of vancomycin-resistant enterococci: results of a workshop held by the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology]. / Prävention und Kontrolle der Ausbreitung von Vancomycin-resistenten Enterokokken: Ergebnisse eines Workshops der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie.

The incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), especially E. faecium, is increasing in several German hospitals and some facilities have experienced VRE outbreaks. The German National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System has also noticed a sharp increase in the incidence of nosocomial VRE infections per 10,000 patients from 0.5 in 2003 to 11.0 in 2005 accompanied by a rise in VRE-associated mortality. However, the reasons of this increase remain unknown. As VRE may cause severe nosocomial infections, transmission must be restricted. This article provides the guidelines as defined by the workshop of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology for the prevention of VRE transmission in both, endemic and epidemic, settings. The following topics are discussed: indication for VRE screening, microbiological diagnostics, general infection control measures (isolation precautions and use of protective clothing) and additional hygiene measures in the nosocomial VRE outbreak setting.

[Control of methicillin-resistant S. aureus by active surveillance. Results of a workshop held by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie]. / Prävention von Methicillin-resistentem S. aureus durch Screeninguntersuchungen. Ergebnisse eines Workshops der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie.

In Germany, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is increasing continuously. To control the spread of MRSA, active surveillance and admission screening are recommended. In most cases, screening cultures of patients at risk for MRSA will be sufficient. Screening of all patients admitted to an ICU is cost-effective when the incidence of MRSA and nosocomial MRSA infections is high (>2 cases/100 patients and 0.3 MRSA infections/100 patients, respectively): Under these circumstances, a decrease in the incidence of nosocomial MRSA infections of 50% leads to cost-effectiveness at costs of 16 Euro/sample (including subsequent costs). If the incidence of nosocomial MRSA infections decreases by 75%, costs of 24 Euro/sample (including subsequent costs) are cost-effective. If the incidence of MRSA is high, screening by PCR may be cost-effective for patients at high risk for MRSA, especially if they are isolated prophylactically. Recently, PCR methods have been developed which allow the specific identification of MRSA even from nasal swabs.

[Legionella prevention in intensive care units]. / Legionellenprävention auf Intensivstationen.

From time to time hospitals are in the focus of the local and national media because of cases of nosocomial Legionnaires' disease. In particular intensive care patients are a risk group because of their high amount of immunocompromised patients with an increased risk of developing a Legionellosis. Therefore it is an important aim to maintain an effective prevention system. Nevertheless in some hospitals legionella can be identified. Particularly in these hospitals a high level of attention is required to recognize cases of legionellosis and to take adequately steps to avoid outbreaks of legionellosis. The following article explains the recently published recommendations of the American hospital hygiene experts.