ABSTRACT
Introduction: There is a risk of transmission of viruses and microbial pathogens during routine health care procedures due to improper injection, infusion, and medication-vial practices. Unsafe practices lead to outbreaks of infection resulting in unacceptable and devastating events in patients. The present study was undertaken to assess the compliance of nurses with safe injection and infusion practices in our hospital and to identify staff education requirements in relation to the safe-injection and infusion practices policy. Methods: Baseline data were collected and high risk areas were identified on this basis, a quality improvement project was implemented by infection control team. FOCUS PDCA methodology was used to conduct the improvement process. The study was performed from March to September 2021. An audit checklist based on the CDC guidelines was used for monitoring compliance with safe injection and infusion practices. Results: Poor compliance with safe injection and infusion practices in few clinical areas at baseline. During the pre-intervention period, non-compliance was mainly seen with the following elements: aseptic technique (79%), rubber septum disinfected with alcohol (66%), labelling of all IV lines and medications with date and time (83%), compliance with multidose-vial policy (77%), use of multidose vials for single patient (84%), safe disposal of sharps (84%), using trays instead of clothing/pockets to carry medications (81%). There was significant improvement in compliance with the following elements of safe injection and infusion practices in the post-intervention period: aseptic technique (94%), rubber septum disinfected with alcohol (83%), compliance with multidose-vial policy (96%), use of multidose vials for single patient only (98%), safe disposal of sharps (96%). Conclusion: Adherence to safe injection and infusion practices is very important to prevent outbreaks of infection in health care settings.
ABSTRACT
Introduction Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has limited treatment options, concern has been raised over secondary infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns. It has been observed that patients who were infected with COVID-19 were predisposed to develop secondary infections. The purpose of the study is to ascertain the prevalence of the bacterial and fungal coinfections in COVID-19 patients, and also to assess the AMR patterns in the obtained isolates. Methods We have studied 200 clinical samples obtained from 122 COVID-19 positive patients. Pathogens were identified using Vitek 2 system. The demographic and clinical patterns were also observed. Results A total of 122 patients developed secondary infections. Patients aged more than 40 years were majorly affected ( p -value < 0.0001). Respiratory samples ( n = 96) were predominant. Klebsiella pneumoniae ( n = 68) was the most common pathogen isolated followed by Acinetobacter baumannii ( n = 54) and an overall 6% rise in the Carbapenem resistance was observed in the isolates. Conclusion To contain the secondary infections in COVID-19 patients, it is imperative to adhere to antimicrobial stewardship program and timely revise the empirical antibiotic policy.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: During Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, it has been estimated that approximately 10% of health care professionals (HCPs) have been diagnosed contacting COVID-19. Aerosol-generating procedures have led to change in safety practices among HCPs. We thus evaluated the efficacy of the endoscopic safety measures among HCPs posted in the endoscopy unit. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, all endoscopic procedures performed over a period of 4 months, from 1 April to 31 July 2020 were included. We noted indications and number of COVID-positive procedures as well as comprehensive screening of HCPs posted in our endoscopy unit. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and outcome of COVID-19 among HCPs. RESULTS: Three thousand four hundred and sixty procedures were included in the analysis. Indications were divided as urgent (n = 190, 5.49%), semi-urgent (n = 553, 16%) and non-urgent group (n = 2717, 78.52%). Thirty-four procedures (0.98%) were done on diagnosed COVID-19 patients. The most common indications were gastrointestinal bleed (n = 12/34, 35.30%) followed by biliary sepsis (n = 9/34, 26.5%). Among the HCPs, the incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 was 6.58% (n = 5/76). All HCPs recovered with excellent outcomes. A comprehensive screening showed 7.90% (n = 6/76) HCPs having Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody in their sera. CONCLUSION: Addition of safety measures in endoscopy leads to low risk of transmission among HCPs.
