Patient perspectives on infection prevention and control in cancer care: a survey of knowledge and attitudes among persons with cancer and their next of kin

BACKGROUND

With the growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, there may be a need to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in cancer care. When developing clinical guidelines, it is important to incorporate patient perspectives.

AIM

To determine the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, IPC among persons with cancer and their next of kin in Norway.

METHODS

Through discussions in expert panels and a pilot study, a survey was developed consisting of 13 knowledge statements to be judged true/false and 40 attitude items to be judged using a Likert scale and was sent to a panel of people with cancer experience on August 22nd, 2023. The mean correct responses and attitude scores were reported.

FINDINGS

Of 551 respondents, the mean correct response to IPC-related knowledge questions was 79% (95% confidence interval: 78-80). Respondents were most knowledgeable about hand hygiene (99%, 546/551), but least knowledgeable about its role in preventing antibiotic resistance (41%, 225/551). Strong support was noted for IPC, especially within the patient responsibilities theme, with a mean score of 4.83. However, there was a notable reluctance towards some selected intrusive IPC measures, such as reducing contact with close relations.

CONCLUSION

This survey revealed a high level of knowledge and attitudes that support the importance of IPC among persons with cancer in Norway and their next of kin. We recommend including patient perspectives in future development of IPC guidelines.

Increasing risk of breakthrough COVID-19 in outbreaks with high attack rates in European long-term care facilities, July to October 2021

We collected data from 10 EU/EEA countries on 240 COVID-19 outbreaks occurring from July−October 2021 in long-term care facilities with high vaccination coverage. Among 17,268 residents, 3,832 (22.2%) COVID-19 cases were reported. Median attack rate was 18.9% (country range: 2.8–52.4%), 17.4% of cases were hospitalised, 10.2% died. In fully vaccinated residents, adjusted relative risk for COVID-19 increased with outbreak attack rate. Findings highlight the importance of early outbreak detection and rapid containment through effective infection prevention and control measures.