1
|
Yuan P, Liu H, Dong X. Scenario-based assessment of emergency management of urban infectious disease outbreaks. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1368154. [PMID: 38721540 PMCID: PMC11076719 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1368154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases pose a severe threat to human health and are accompanied by significant economic losses. Studies of urban outbreaks of infectious diseases are diverse. However, previous studies have neglected the identification of critical events and the evaluation of scenario-based modeling of urban infectious disease outbreak emergency management mechanisms. In this paper, we aim to conduct an empirical analysis and scenario extrapolation using a questionnaire survey of 18 experts, based on the CIA-ISM method and scenario theory, to identify the key factors influencing urban infectious disease outbreaks. Subsequently, we evaluate the effectiveness of urban infectious disease outbreak emergency management mechanisms. Finally, we compare and verify the actual situation of COVID-19 in China, drawing the following conclusions and recommendations. (1) The scenario-based urban infectious disease emergency management model can effectively replicate the development of urban infectious diseases. (2) The establishment of an emergency command center and the isolation and observation of individuals exposed to infectious diseases are crucial factors in the emergency management of urban outbreaks of infectious disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengwei Yuan
- Business School, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Huifang Liu
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqing Dong
- Business School, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tabash MI, Abu Saada AAS, AbuQamar M, Mansour HH, Alajerami Y, Abushab K. Infection control measures at diagnostic imaging departments in governmental hospitals, Gaza-Strip. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:567-573. [PMID: 38286039 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infection prevention and control (IPC) is crucial in safeguarding patient safety and minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections. AIM The study investigated infection prevention and control measures for diagnostic imaging departments at governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. METHODS The study design was a cross-sectional analytical study. The sample included all radiographers (81) and radiologists (40) working at Al Shifa Medical Complex and European Gaza Hospital (EGH). Data was collected using an interview questionnaire (121) and an observation checklist. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26, and the result was significant (P < 0.05). RESULTS Only 27.3 % of the participants revealed the availability of training courses for IPC. More than half of the participants received their last training sessions one year ago, and most of them attended five basic in-service training sessions related to IPC. Radiologists' and medical radiographers' knowledge and practice scores regarding IPC measures were 85.3 % and 61.7 %, respectively, and there were statistically significant differences between the participants' practice domain and their years of experience (p-value .014). There is inadequate hand hygiene among radiographers in the radiology department, and only 29 % of the staff washed their hands immediately upon arrival at the unit. The total score of the Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework domains is almost equal at the two hospitals (280/500). The total score of the eight domains of the IPC Assessment Framework is 568.5/800 for Al Shifa Hospital and 516/800 for EGH, which indicates an intermediate IPC level. CONCLUSION Efforts are needed to enhance the scope and quality of implementation and to concentrate on creating long-term plans to sustain and promote the existing IPC program activities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Regular assessments should be conducted to monitor progress, identify gaps, and guide quality improvement efforts. Assessment feedback should be used to develop targeted interventions and continuously enhance IPC measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M I Tabash
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine.
| | | | - M AbuQamar
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
| | - H H Mansour
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Y Alajerami
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
| | - K Abushab
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ye Q, Gao Y, Ding W, Niu Z, Wang C, Jiang Y, Wang M, Fang EF, Menpes-Smith W, Xia J, Yang G. Robust weakly supervised learning for COVID-19 recognition using multi-center CT images. Appl Soft Comput 2022; 116:108291. [PMID: 34934410 PMCID: PMC8667427 DOI: 10.1016/j.asoc.2021.108291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The world is currently experiencing an ongoing pandemic of an infectious disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (i.e., COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Computed Tomography (CT) plays an important role in assessing the severity of the infection and can also be used to identify those symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers. With a surge of the cumulative number of COVID-19 patients, radiologists are increasingly stressed to examine the CT scans manually. Therefore, an automated 3D CT scan recognition tool is highly in demand since the manual analysis is time-consuming for radiologists and their fatigue can cause possible misjudgment. However, due to various technical specifications of CT scanners located in different hospitals, the appearance of CT images can be significantly different leading to the failure of many automated image recognition approaches. The multi-domain shift problem for the multi-center and multi-scanner studies is therefore nontrivial that is also crucial for a dependable recognition and critical for reproducible and objective diagnosis and prognosis. In this paper, we proposed a COVID-19 CT scan recognition model namely coronavirus information fusion and diagnosis network (CIFD-Net) that can efficiently handle the multi-domain shift problem via a new robust weakly supervised learning paradigm. Our model can resolve the problem of different appearance in CT scan images reliably and efficiently while attaining higher accuracy compared to other state-of-the-art methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghao Ye
- Hangzhou Ocean's Smart Boya Co., Ltd, China
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yuan Gao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, UK
- Aladdin Healthcare Technologies Ltd, UK
| | | | | | - Chengjia Wang
- BHF Center for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yinghui Jiang
- Hangzhou Ocean's Smart Boya Co., Ltd, China
- Mind Rank Ltd, China
| | - Minhao Wang
- Hangzhou Ocean's Smart Boya Co., Ltd, China
- Mind Rank Ltd, China
| | - Evandro Fei Fang
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jun Xia
- Radiology Department, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang G, Ye Q, Xia J. Unbox the black-box for the medical explainable AI via multi-modal and multi-centre data fusion: A mini-review, two showcases and beyond. AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON INFORMATION FUSION 2022; 77:29-52. [PMID: 34980946 PMCID: PMC8459787 DOI: 10.1016/j.inffus.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) is an emerging research topic of machine learning aimed at unboxing how AI systems' black-box choices are made. This research field inspects the measures and models involved in decision-making and seeks solutions to explain them explicitly. Many of the machine learning algorithms cannot manifest how and why a decision has been cast. This is particularly true of the most popular deep neural network approaches currently in use. Consequently, our confidence in AI systems can be hindered by the lack of explainability in these black-box models. The XAI becomes more and more crucial for deep learning powered applications, especially for medical and healthcare studies, although in general these deep neural networks can return an arresting dividend in performance. The insufficient explainability and transparency in most existing AI systems can be one of the major reasons that successful implementation and integration of AI tools into routine clinical practice are uncommon. In this study, we first surveyed the current progress of XAI and in particular its advances in healthcare applications. We then introduced our solutions for XAI leveraging multi-modal and multi-centre data fusion, and subsequently validated in two showcases following real clinical scenarios. Comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analyses can prove the efficacy of our proposed XAI solutions, from which we can envisage successful applications in a broader range of clinical questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guang Yang
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
- Imperial Institute of Advanced Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinghao Ye
- Hangzhou Ocean’s Smart Boya Co., Ltd, China
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jun Xia
- Radiology Department, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Divya M, Vijayakumar S, Chen J, Vaseeharan B, Durán-Lara EF. South Indian medicinal plants can combat deadly viruses along with COVID-19? - A review. Microb Pathog 2020; 148:104277. [PMID: 32473390 PMCID: PMC7253980 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a causative agent of Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), which is considered as a fatal disease for public health apprehension worldwide. This pathogenic virus can present everywhere. As it is a virus it can extend easily and cause severe illness to humans. Hence, an efficient international attentiveness of plan is necessary to cure and prevent. In this review, epidemic outbreak, clinical findings, prevention recommendations of COVID-19 and suggestive medicinal value of south Indian plant sources have been discussed. Though the varieties of improved approaches have been taken in scientific and medicinal concern, we have to pay attention to the medicinal value of the plant-based sources to prevent these types of pandemic diseases. This is one of the suggestive and effective ways to control the spreading of viruses. In the future, it is required to provide medicinal plant-based clinical products (Masks, sanitizers, soap, etc.,) with better techniques by clinicians to contend the scarcity and expose towards the nature-based medicine rather than chemical drugs. This may be a benchmark for the economical clinical trials of specific plant material to treat the viral diseases in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mani Divya
- Nanobiosciences and Nanopharmacology Division, Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Science Campus 6th Floor, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sekar Vijayakumar
- Nanobiosciences and Nanopharmacology Division, Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Science Campus 6th Floor, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630004, Tamil Nadu, India; Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, PR China.
| | - Jingdi Chen
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, PR China.
| | - Baskaralingam Vaseeharan
- Nanobiosciences and Nanopharmacology Division, Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Science Campus 6th Floor, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630004, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Esteban F Durán-Lara
- Bio & NanoMaterials Lab| Drug Delivery and Controlled Release, Universidad de Talca, Talca, 3460000, Maule, Chile; Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad de Talca, Talca, 3460000, Maule, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao D, Yao F, Wang L, Zheng L, Gao Y, Ye J, Guo F, Zhao H, Gao R. A Comparative Study on the Clinical Features of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia With Other Pneumonias. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 71:756-761. [PMID: 32161968 PMCID: PMC7108162 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has raised world concern since it emerged in Wuhan Hubei China in December, 2019. The infection may result into severe pneumonia with clusters illness onsets. Its impacts on public health make it paramount to clarify the clinical features with other pneumonias. Methods Nineteen 2019-nCoV pneumonia (NCOVID-19) and fifteen other pneumonia patients (NON-NCOVID-19) in out of Hubei places were involved in this study. Both NCOVID-19 and NON-NCOVID-19 patients were confirmed to be infected in throat swabs or/and sputa with or without 2019-nCoV by real-time RT-PCR. We analyzed the demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and radiological features from those patients, and compared the difference between NCOVID-19 and NON-NCOVID-19. Results All patients had a history of exposure to confirmed case of 2019-nCoV or travel to Hubei before illness. The median duration, respectively, was 8 (IQR:6~11) and 5 (IQR:4~11) days from exposure to onset in NCOVID-19 and NON-NCOVID-19. The clinical symptoms were similar between NCOVID-19 and NON-NCOVID-19. The most common symptoms were fever and cough. Fifteen (78.95%) NCOVID-19 but 4 (26.67%) NON-NCOVID-19 patients had bilateral involvement while 17 (89.47%) NCOVID-19 but 1 (6.67%) NON-NCOVID-19 patients had multiple mottling and ground-glass opacity of chest CT images. Compared to NON-NCOVID-19, NCOVID-19 present remarkably more abnormal laboratory tests including AST, ALT, γ-GT, LDH and α-HBDH. Conclusion The 2019-nCoV infection caused similar onsets to other pneumonias. CT scan may be a reliable test for screening NCOVID-19 cases. Liver function damage is more frequent in NCOVID-19 than NON-NCOVID-19 patients. LDH and α-HBDH may be considerable markers for evaluation of NCOVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Feifei Yao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Lijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yongjun Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Ye
- Infectious Disease Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rongbao Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen Q, Zu ZY, Jiang MD, Lu L, Lu GM, Zhang LJ. Infection Control and Management Strategy for COVID-19 in the Radiology Department: Focusing on Experiences from China. Korean J Radiol 2020; 21:851-858. [PMID: 32524785 PMCID: PMC7289699 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2020.0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease rapidly spreading around the world, raising global public health concerns. Radiological examinations play a crucial role in the early diagnosis and follow-up of COVID-19. Cross infection among patients and radiographers can occur in radiology departments due to the close and frequent contact of radiographers with confirmed or potentially infected patients in a relatively confined room during radiological workflow. This article outlines our experience in the emergency management procedure and infection control of the radiology department during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zi Yue Zu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Di Jiang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingquan Lu
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guang Ming Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Long Jiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jeanes A, Henderson F, Drey N, Gould D. Hand hygiene expectations in radiography: A critical evaluation of the opportunities for and barriers to compliance. J Infect Prev 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1757177419836161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Good hand hygiene practices reduce the risk of transmission of infection in healthcare. In common with other areas of healthcare, infection control knowledge and practice in radiography has potential for improvement. Regular hand hygiene compliance (HHC) monitoring indicated poor compliance in radiology which did not accurately reflect practice in one organisation. Using a quality improvement cycle, the process and context of work undertaken in radiology were examined in order to improve the validity and utility of HHC monitoring data collection process in the department. Methods: Following examination of the evidence base and with agreement from the radiology team, the chest X-ray process was observed and actions notated. This was then scored using the organisation and the World Health Organization five moments of hand hygiene tool. An alternative risk-based scoring system was developed. Results: The HHC score of 22% was obtained using standard measurements. Achievement of 100% compliance would require the radiographer to clean their hands nine times for each X-ray. The sequence of taking a chest X-ray was examined and two points in the process were identified as key points at which hand cleaning should take place to reduce the risk of transmission of infection. Conclusions: Cleaning hands frequently to achieve compliance expectations in this short low-risk process is neither feasible nor beneficial. A pragmatic risk-based approach to hand hygiene expectations in predictable procedures such as taking a chest X-ray reduces ambiguity and potentially increases compliance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette Jeanes
- Infection Control Department, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Fiona Henderson
- Radiology Department, University College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
O'Donoghue M, Ng SH, Suen LK, Boost M. A quasi-experimental study to determine the effects of a multifaceted educational intervention on hand hygiene compliance in a radiography unit. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2016; 5:36. [PMID: 27777757 PMCID: PMC5070356 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-016-0133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Whilst numerous studies have investigated nurses’ compliance with hand hygiene and use of alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR), limited attention has been paid to these issues in allied health staff. Reports have linked infections to breaches in infection control in the radiography unit (RU). With advances in medical imaging, a higher proportion of patients come into contact with RU staff increasing the need for good hand hygiene compliance. This study aimed to evaluate effectiveness on compliance of an intervention to improve awareness of hand hygiene in the RU of a district hospital. Methods A quasi-experimental study design including questionnaires assessing knowledge and attitudes of hand hygiene and direct observation of participants was used to evaluate an educational programme on hand hygiene of the RU of a large district hospital. All healthcare workers (HCW), comprising 76 radiographers, 17 nurses, and nine healthcare assistants (HCA), agreed to participate in the study. Of these, 85 completed the initial and 76 the post-test anonymous questionnaire. The hand hygiene compliance of all 102 HCW was observed over a 3-week period prior to and after the intervention. The 2-month intervention consisted of talks on hand hygiene and benefits of ABHR, provision of visual aids, wall-mounted ABHR dispensers, and personal bottles of ABHR. Results Before the intervention, overall hand hygiene compliance was low (28.9 %). Post-intervention, compliance with hand hygiene increased to 51.4 %. This improvement was significant for radiographers and HCA. Additionally, knowledge and attitudes improved in particular, understanding that ABHR can largely replace handwashing and there is a need to perform hand hygiene after environmental contact. The increased use of ABHR allowed HCW to feel they had enough time to perform hand hygiene. Conclusions The educational intervention led to increased awareness of hand hygiene opportunities and better acceptance of ABHR use. The reduced time needed to perform hand rubbing and improved access to dispensers resulted in fewer missed opportunities. Although radiographers and other allied HCW make frequent contact with patients, these may be mistakenly construed as irrelevant with respect to healthcare associated infections. Stronger emphasis on hand hygiene compliance of these staff may help reduce infection risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret O'Donoghue
- The Squina International Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Suk-Hing Ng
- The Squina International Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Lorna Kp Suen
- The Squina International Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Maureen Boost
- The Squina International Centre for Infection Control, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Giacometti M, Gualano MR, Bert F, Minniti D, Bistrot F, Grosso M, Siliquini R. Microbiological contamination of radiological equipment. Acta Radiol 2014; 55:1099-103. [PMID: 24270050 DOI: 10.1177/0284185113512481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Important changes have occurred in radiological departments (RDs) over the past 30 years. The procedures have become more complex and the number of patients has increased. This scenario could have important implications for public health and infection control but, to date, the scientific literature has dealt little with matters relating to microbiological monitoring in RDs. PURPOSE To examine the level of microbiological contamination in the main RDs of Turin, a city in northern Italy, in order to analyze the presence of a possible biological risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS We analyzed data from 12 RDs. Samples were taken from X-ray tubes, control panels, radiographic cassettes, and imaging plates. We used the French guidelines "Standards NF S 90--351" in order to obtain the threshold values of reference. Through a questionnaire we investigated the use of personal protective equipment by the chiefs of the RDs. RESULTS We found values out of limits in 41.7% of the X-ray tubes sampled, in 91.7% of the control panels and imaging plates, while only 8% of the radiographic cassettes were contaminated. A total of 58.3% of RDs reported values above the threshold for three out of four samples. In 16.7% of the RDs only one surface presented acceptable values. CONCLUSION Healthcare-associated infections are a cogent issue for the RDs, and knowledge of how to prevent them is increasingly required by health professionals. This study is meant to be a first analysis of the issue that highlights the need of further investigations, maybe with a more detailed monitoring through the characterization of the microbial species involved. Moreover, the development of shared and maybe official standards for the evaluation of microbiological contamination in RDs is strongly suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Giacometti
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - MR Gualano
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - F Bert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - D Minniti
- Health Service Organization, Rivoli Hospital, Italy
| | | | - M Grosso
- Radiology Department, “Città della Salute e della Scienza of Turin”, Turin, Italy
| | - R Siliquini
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hashikura M, Kizu J. Stockpile of personal protective equipment in hospital settings: preparedness for influenza pandemics. Am J Infect Control 2009; 37:703-7. [PMID: 19748157 PMCID: PMC7132647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2009] [Revised: 05/04/2009] [Accepted: 05/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personal protective equipment (PPE) is known to be a crucial means of preventing influenza pandemics; however, the amount of PPE that should be stored in hospital settings has been unclear. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this paper is to propose a PPE calculation system to help hospitals to decide their PPE stockpile. METHODS We searched influenza guidelines from a number of countries and research papers on protective devices and infectious diseases. The PPE calculation system included factors such as the influenza pandemic period, risk classification by health care workers (HCW) type, and the type and number of PPE for a HCW per day. RESULTS We concluded that 4 sets of PPE (N95 respirators, double gloves, gowns, and goggles) per day should be prepared for HCWs in a high-risk group. Similarly, 2 sets of appropriate PPE, depending on the risk level, are required for medium- and low-risk groups. In addition, 2 surgical masks are required for every worker and inpatient and 1 for each outpatient. The PPE stockpile should be prepared to cover at least an 8-week pandemic. CONCLUSION Purchasing a PPE stockpile requires a sizable budget. The PPE calculation system in this paper will hopefully support hospitals in deciding their PPE stockpile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayuko Hashikura
- Department of Practical Pharmacy, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen CY, Chang RE, Hung MC, Lin MH. Assessing the quality of a web-based learning system for nurses. J Med Syst 2009; 33:317-25. [PMID: 19697698 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-008-9193-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Continuing professional education is essential for nurses to update their clinical skills and knowledge to meet the complex demands of current patient care. Compared to traditional in-class continuing education, a web-based learning system is efficient for nurses with a three shift-working schedule and is timely to deliver knowledge about newly emerging epidemics such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Many studies reveal the advantages of various web-based learning systems but seldom evaluate them from the perspective of quality. This study develops an instrument to assess the quality of a web-based learning system for nurses' continuing education based on the quality dimensions of a mature information systems success model. The research results show that all indicators of the instrument provide a fit to the quality measurement of a web-based learning system and have high reliability and validity. Based on the research findings, implications and limitations are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yuan Chen
- Department of Information Management, National Chung Cheng University, Minsyong, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rebmann T. APIC State-of-the-Art Report: the role of the infection preventionist in emergency management. Am J Infect Control 2009; 37:271-81. [PMID: 19321230 PMCID: PMC7132651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2008.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2008] [Revised: 11/21/2008] [Accepted: 12/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This report summarizes the scope and role of infection preventionists in emergency management for all types of disasters. Preventing the transmission of infectious agents during a disaster is an essential component of emergency management. Previous disasters have illustrated the need for better infection prevention and the involvement of an infection prevention professional in planning for and responding to such events. METHODS An evidence-based approach was used, consisting of a literature review and review by members of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc, Emergency Preparedness Committee. RESULTS Nine domains were identified that describe the role of the infection preventionist in emergency management: knowledge of disasters and emergency management, assessing readiness and emergency management plans, infection prevention coverage, participation in disaster response and recovery, health care policy development, surveillance, patient management, physical plant issues, and infection preventionist as educator. Details for each domain are provided. CONCLUSION Infection preventionists need to become more involved in emergency management at the personal, facility, and community level. This report outlines the infection preventionist's responsibilities related to emergency management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terri Rebmann
- Institute of Biosecurity, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, St. Louis University, School of Public Health, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|