Thesis (MCur)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Nurses are being held responsible and accountable for the quality of nursing care, which includes quality infection control nursing, they provide. This change in accountability has been brought about by the need to reduce the ever escalating costs of health care. During the 1980's, health care services created a demand for high-quality, efficient, cost-effective and competitively priced health services. In order to provide these services, health care organisations are forced to consider new strategies. This is a process that produces outcomes. Quality improvement methods, which include infection control, help organisations to produce these outcomes. Donabedian (1980) defined high-quality care as "that kind of care which is expected to maximise an inclusive measure of patient welfare, after one has taken account of the balance of expected gains and losses that attend the process of care in all its parts" (Grossman, 1998: 43). Quality improvement in infection control relates to the activities employed to improve the performance of a process, and includes the process of planning and control. Management is responsible and accountable for providing resources In order to implement quality infection control nursing care. The purpose of the study was to identify factors influencing the implementation of an effective infection control process in aNICU. An exploratory and descriptive design with a qualitative orientation was implemented. It consisted of a narrative and a literature study by means of which factors have been identified to influence the implementation of an infection control process in a NICU. The case study design, an indepth analysis of a single unit of study, was utilised in this study as part of the data-gathering process. Recommendctions were made on the macro, meso and micro levels, which included quality circles, hand hygiene and antibiotic usage, in-service education, recognition of personnel, mission statement and the infection control manual. The shortage of human and physical resources in nursing is a global problem. In S.A. there has been no previous study to emphasise the importance of an effective infection control process, and therefore no solutions to the problem have been suggested. The Japanese view with regard to quality circles is recommended. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verpleegkundiges is verantwoordelik en aanspreeklik vir die gehalte van verpleging wat gelewer word, insluitende gehalte infeksiebeheer verpleging. Hierdie verandering in aanspreeklikheid het voortgespruit uit die behoefte om die voortdurende styging in gesondheidskoste te verminder. Gedurende die 1980s, het 'n aanvraag vir hoë gehalte, kosteeffektiewe en kompeterende gesondheidsorgdienste ontstaan. Gesondheidsorg dienste moes nuwe strategieë oorweeg om in hierdie dienste te kan voorsien. Uitkomste word op hierdie proses gebaseer. Om hierdie uitkomste te bereik, behoort organisasies gehalteverbetering metodes, wat infeksie beheer insluit, te implemeteer. Donabedian (1980) definieer hoë gehalte as "that kind of care which is expected to maximise an inclusive measure of patient welfare, after one has taken account of the balance of expected gains and losses that attend the process of care in all its parts" (Grossman, 1998: 43). Gehalteverbetering in infeksiebeheer , verwys na die aktiwitieite wat geimplementeer word om die uitvoer van In proses te verbeter, insluitende beplanning en beheer. Bestuur is verantwoordelik en aanspreeklik vir die voorsiening van hulpbronne, om gehalte infeksiebeheer verpleegsorg te implementeer. Die doel van die studie was om faktore wat die implementering van 'n effektiewe infeksie beheer proses in 'n NICU beinvloed, te identifiseer. In Verkennende en beskrywende ontwerp, met 'n kwalitatiewe orientering, is geimplementeer. Dit het bestaan uit In narratief en In literatuur studie, waardeur faktore wat die implementering van In effektiewe infeksie beheer proses in 'n NICU beinvloed, geidentifiseer word. Die gevallestudie ontwerp, wat 'n in-diepte ondersoek van In enkele eenheid van studie is, is in hierdie studie gebruik as deel van die data-insamelings proses. Aanbevelings is gemaak of makro, meso en mikro vlak, en sluit in gehalte sirkels, handhigiëne en antibiotika gebruik, indiensopleiding, erkenning van personeel, In missieverklarin~ en ten opsigte van die infeksiebeheerhand- leiding in. Die tekort aan menslike en fisiese hulpbronne in verpleging is I n globale probleem. Aangesien daar nog nie voorheen In studie in S.A. gedoen is om die belang van I n effektiewe infeksiebeheerproses te beklemtoon nie, is daar nog nooit oplossings vir die probleem voorgestel nie. Die Japanese siening van gehalte sirkels word aanbeveel.

Submitted by Filipe dos Santos (fsantos@pucsp.br) on 2016-11-29T11:27:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Juliana Vaz.pdf: 3364230 bytes, checksum: 3d8d38bd51667b7aa95a158dc47949cc (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-29T11:27:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Juliana Vaz.pdf: 3364230 bytes, checksum: 3d8d38bd51667b7aa95a158dc47949cc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-09-22 / Introduction: The nurse is the responsible one for acting in the prevention and control of infections in Health Services. Objectives: To assess in the undergraduate nursing course with active methodologies, the approach of the subject infections in Health Services; identify through the perspective of professors and students the approach of infections in Health Services and verify the teaching and learning methods that include this subject. Materials and Methods: A descriptive and exploratory, documentary and quanti-qualitative study held at the Undergraduate Nursing Course at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. The documentary research covered the Bank of Tutorials Problems and Material Support of the virtual environment. Participated in 12 (66.6%) teachers and 60 students (57.6%) who answered a questionnaire containing a Likert Scale and open questions. Results: The documentary study showed that the content is approached gradually, and meets the specificities of the axis of each year of graduation. The instruments are reliable, Cronbach's alpha value of 0.90 for professors and 0.91 for students. In characterizing the sample, teachers were 100% female. Students were 95% female and 5% male. 24 (40%) of the students are workers and eight (13.3%) perform paid internship. In the Structure dimension professors feel prepared to address the issue and do not provide material in the virtual environment. In Process they agreed that the practical activities allow the learning and there was no consensus for the approach of the subject as a learning objective in the study of problems. In Results they indicated that the student performs procedures applying the concepts. Students claimed that the structure of the materials used in practical activities are sufficient for learning and internship sites offer learning opportunities. In Process they agreed that the time spent on the subject is sufficient and had participated in activities addressing the subject. In the Result dimension they recognize that are applying the concepts in practice and claim that teaching activities developed in the course lead to the improvement of care quality. In comparing the three dimensions (analysis students instrument), the one that obtained the highest favorability score was Process (64%) and the worst, Structure (36%). Professors and students converged their views on the importance of the theme approach and suggest it to be further explored in the learning objectives and further deepening of the subject, respectively. Discussion: The findings allowed to verify the potential of active methods for teaching prevention of infections in Health Services and show the points that deserve more emphasis / Introdução: O Enfermeiro é o responsável em atuar na prevenção e controle de infecção em serviços de saúde. Objetivos: Avaliar no curso de graduação de enfermagem com metodologias ativas, a abordagem do tema infecções em Serviços de Saúde; identificar sob a perspectiva do docente e discente a abordagem de infecção em serviços de saúde e verificar as modalidades de ensino aprendizagem que contemplam essa temática. Material e Método: Estudo exploratório-descritivo, documental e quantiqualitativo realizado no Curso de Enfermagem da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo. A pesquisa documental foi no Banco de Problemas Tutoriais e Material de Apoio do ambiente virtual. Participaram 12 (66,6%) docentes e 60 discentes (57,6%) que responderam um questionário, contendo uma escala de Likert e perguntas abertas. Resultados: O estudo documental mostrou que o conteúdo é abordado de forma gradativa, atende as especificidades do eixo de cada ano. Os instrumentos mostraram-se confiáveis, valor de Alfa de Cronbach de 0,90 dos professores e 0,91 dos alunos. Na caracterização, os docentes 100% eram do sexo feminino. Os discentes eram 95% do sexo feminino e 5% do sexo masculino. 24 (40%) são alunos trabalhadores e oito (13,3%) realizam estágio remunerado. Na dimensão Estrutura os docentes sentem-se preparados para abordar o tema e não disponibilizam material no ambiente virtual. No Processo concordaram que as atividades práticas permitem o aprendizado e não houve consenso quanto a abordagem do tema como objetivo de aprendizagem nos problemas. Em Resultado referiram que o aluno realiza procedimentos aplicando os conceitos. Os alunos alegaram que na Estrutura os materiais utilizados nas atividades práticas são suficientes para o aprendizado e que os locais de estágio oferecem oportunidade de aprendizado. No Processo concordaram que o tempo dispendido sobre o assunto é suficiente e que participaram de atividade sobre a temática. Na dimensão Resultado reconhecem que aplicam os conceitos na prática e que as atividades de ensino desenvolvidas no curso acarretam melhoria na qualidade da assistência. Na comparação das três dimensões (análise instrumento dos alunos), a que obteve maior escore de favorabilidade foi a de Processo (64%) e a pior o Estrutura (36%). Docentes e alunos confluíram suas opiniões quanto a importância da abordagem do tema e sugerem que seja mais explorado nos objetivos de aprendizagem e maior aprofundamento respectivamente. Discussão: Os achados permitiram verificar a potencialidade das metodologias ativas para o ensino de prevenção de infecções nos serviços de saúde e mostrar os pontos que merecem maior ênfase

Many researchers have alluded to the inequity in distribution of HIV preventive services in South Africa (SA). Other researchers have demonstrated that socio-demographic factors are main determinants of distribution of preventive services like voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) in SA. VCT is a primary HIV prevention tool through which infected persons enter the treatment, care, and support programs; identifying the impact of socio-demographic determinants (SDDs) on VCT uptake in SA could help direct VCT services to areas and individuals that need them most. The research question in this study examined what and how SDDs impact the uptake of VCT in SA using the integrated theory of health behavior change (ITHBC) as its theoretical framework. A quantitative study with a cross-sectional design using secondary data from a population-based survey by the John Hopkins Education and Health SA (2012) was conducted. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, SDDs like province, settlement, employment, races, and age were statistically significant while marital status, education, and SES (socio-economic status) did not have statistically significant impact on VCT uptake. This study demonstrated that Black, unemployed men of low to medium SES between the ages of 15-49 years living in peri-urban and urban-informal areas of all provinces but especially Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and North West provinces of SA had the lowest VCT uptake. This study advocates policies and programs to improve VCT distribution and accessibility in places and individuals with lowest uptake. Improved uptake will help reduce new HIV infection, HIV-associated morbidity, and mortality; as well as ensure equity, equality, and social justice in the distribution of HIV preventive services in SA.

Abstract not available

Healthcare personnel (HCP) frequently wear gloves when they care for patients in Standard Precautions to prevent contact with potentially infectious blood or body fluids. When HCP use gloves appropriately they reduce the risk of cross-contamination and decrease the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAI). However, if HCP use gloves inappropriately they may inadvertently spread pathogens to patients and the patients’ environment. This study used a descriptive structured observational design to investigate three aspects of HCP glove use in a United States long-term care facility (LTCF). First, the PI examined the degree of inappropriate HCP glove use in a random sample of 76 HCP. Results indicate that the HCP used gloves inappropriately, failing to change gloves 66% of the time when a glove change was indicated. Over 44% of the HCP gloved touch points were defined as contaminated. Second, the PI examined the reliability of a new glove use tool (GUST). Results indicate the GUST is a reliable tool when used by trained observers documenting HCP glove use during toileting and perineal care events in LTCF, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 2,1) over 0.75 for indicators of inappropriate glove use. Third, exploratory analysis indicated significant differences between inappropriate glove use in females and males. Female HCP had significantly more failed glove changes and contaminated touch points than male HCP in this study (p = 0.003). Future research studies should assess US HCP glove use to provide data needed for development of strategies to improve HCP glove use and reduce HAI.

Background: Healthcare personnel (HCP) often experience undesirable working conditions. Risk behaviours for organism transmission can lead to healthcare associated infections and risk behaviours has been described to be influenced by working conditions. Research is lacking regarding HCPs working conditions and its relation to risk behaviours for organism transmission which this thesis aims to investigate.  Methods: Study I had a mixed-methods convergent design. Observations and interviews were performed with 79 HCP, i.e., registered nurses (RNs) and assistant nurses (ANs). First-line managers were interviewed about the unit´s overall working conditions. The qualitative and quantitative data were analysed separately and then merged. Study II was a cross-sectional study with 417 RNs and ANs. The questionnaire included: self-efficacy to aseptic care, structural empowerment (SE), work engagement (WE) and work-related stress (WRS). Correlational analysis and group comparisons were performed.  Results: In Study I risk behaviours frequently occurred regardless of measurable and perceived working conditions. The HCP described e.g. staffing levels and interruptions to influence risk behaviours. In the statistical analyses, risk behaviours were more frequent in interrupted activities and when the HCP worked together. In Study II the HCP rated high levels of self-efficacy to aseptic care. Differences were found between self-efficacy and some of the grouped working condition variables and definite but small relationships were found between self-efficacy to aseptic care and SE/WE/WRS.  Conclusion: The HCP rated high levels of self-efficacy to aseptic care, but on the other hand, risk behaviours frequently occurred irrespective of working conditions. Healthcare managers are responsible for HCPs work environment and should continuously work to promote sufficient working conditions and to increase HCPs understanding of risk behaviours, which consequently also promote patient safety.

As infecções de corrente sanguíneas relacionadas a cateter venoso central (ICS-CVC) são as causas mais freqüentes de morbidade e mortalidade em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Muitos estudos mostram que educação e treinamento dos profissionais da área da saúde (PAS) sobre as práticas do cuidado com o CVC é uma importante ferramenta na prevenção e redução das ICS-CVC, entretanto o melhor modelo de educação ainda não está bem estabelecido. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o impacto de dois modelos de intervenção educacional na redução das taxas de ICS-CVC, avaliar o conhecimento de boas práticas do cuidado com o CVC pelos profissionais da área da saúde (PAS) e avaliar a aderência às recomendações do cuidado com o CVC pelos PAS após aplicação dos diferentes modelos de intervenção. Realizou-se um estudo observacional, prospectivo, no período de Janeiro de 2005 a Junho de 2007 em duas unidades médicas de terapia intensiva (UTI A e UTI B) em um grande hospital escola (976 leitos sendo 120 leitos de UTI). O estudo foi dividido em três períodos: basal (somente as taxas de ICS-CVC e densidade de utilização do CVC foram avaliadas), diagnóstico (aplicação de questionário para avaliar o conhecimento dos PAS, seguido de observação das práticas realizado pelos PAS de cuidado durante a inserção, manipulação e curativo do CVC em ambas UTIs) e período de intervenção. Na UTI A, baseado nos problemas encontrados na observação, foram aplicadas aulas, dinâmicas, divulgação mensal das taxas de ICS-CVC, cartazes e etiquetas nos CVCs com lembretes sobre práticas de cuidado com esses dispositivos. Essa intervenção ocorreu para todos os PAS da unidade além de novos funcionários e residentes de medicina. Na UTI B uma única aula foi aplicada. Essa aula continha informações sobre cuidados durante a inserção, manipulação e curativo do CVC. Uma tabela foi criada e os dados foram armazenados no programa Epidata-2.1. Qui-quadrado foi calculado comparando o período de diagnóstico e de intervenção. Durante esses dois períodos, 940 e 843 CVCdias foram avaliados respectivamente na UTI A e 2175 e 1694 na UTI B. Questões sobre inserção CVC, desinfecção da conexão e curativo com solução alcoólica foi respondido corretamente por 70% a 100% dos PAS, entretanto a aderência as praticas de cuidados com o CVC durante a observação foi baixa, especialmente para a higiene das mãos (6%-35%) e desinfecção da conexão do CVC (45-68%). Após a intervenção das taxas de ICS-CVC caíram nas duas UTIs, entretanto na UTI A que ocorreu intervenção contínua, o decréscimo das taxas foi progressivo e sustentado. Na UTI B, onde uma única intervenção foi aplicada (aula) as taxas de ICS-CVC caíram inicialmente e voltaram a subir ao longo do tempo. Na UTI A, foram identificados 12 ICS-CVC por 1000 cateteresdias no período basal e nove meses após o início da intervenção contínua, não foi identificado nenhuma ICS-CVC. Na UTI B, 16,2 ICS por 1000 cateteres-dias no período basal caiu para 6,7 ICS por 1000 cateteres-dias. Em conclusão, programa educacional contínuo e personalizado parece desenvolver uma cultura de prevenção e é mais efetivo que uma única intervenção, com sustentação dos índices baixos de ICS-CVC / Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections (CVC-BSI) are a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit (ICU). Many studies have shown that education and training of health-care workers (HCW) on practices concerning CVCs are important tools to decrease and prevent CVC-BSI but the best educational model has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of two models of educational intervention on the rates of CVC-BSI in the intensive care units (ICUs), to evaluate the knowledge of HCWs regarding the recommendations of CVC care and to evaluate the adherence to practices concerning CVC for each ICU, comparing the preintervention and interventions periods. This prospective observational study was conducted from January 2005 to June 2007 in two medical intensive care units (ICU A and ICU B) in a large teaching hospital. The study was divided in 3 periods: Baseline (only CVC-BSI rates and DU were evaluated) Pre-intervention (questionnaire to evaluate the knowledge of HCWs and observation phase of CVC insertion, handling and dressing practices by the HCWs in both ICUs) and Intervention periods (in ICU A, the tailored and continuous intervention was started, in ICU B a single intervention lecture was given. A database was created using the program Epi info. Chi-square was calculated comparing the pre-intervention and intervention periods. During the pre-intervention and intervention periods 940 and 843 CVC-days were evaluated respectively in ICU A and 2175 and 1694 CVC-day in ICU B. Questions regarding CVC insertion, disinfection during manipulation and the use of an alcohol-based product during dressing were answered correctly by 70- 100% of the HCWs. Notwithstanding the compliance of HCWs to these practices in the pre-intervention period was low, especially to hand hygiene (6%-35%) and disinfection of hub (45-68%). After the intervention CVC-BSI rates declined in both units, however in the ICU in which continuous intervention was used, this decrease was progressive and sustained. In the ICU B in which a single lecture was given, the rates dropped initially and increased over time. In ICU A, 12 CVC-BSI per 1000 catheters-days in baseline period to zero after 9 months intervention. In ICU B 16.2 CVC-BSI per 1000 catheters -days in baseline period dropped to 6.7 CVC-BSI per 1000 catheters-day. In conclusion, personal customized continuous education seems to develop a culture of prevention and is more effective than single intervention, it leading to a sustained reduction of infection rates

O objetivo desta dissertação foi descrever a investigação de um surto de Klebsiella pneumoniae em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal cujo elo entre os casos foi a mão, persistentemente colonizada pelo agente, de uma técnica de enfermagem que apresentava onicomicose em primeiro quirodáctilo esquerdo. Revisou-se a história da aplicação do método epidemiológico na investigação de surtos de infecção relacionada à assistência à saúde. Foi revisada também a literatura pertinente à investigação de surtos na busca de situações semelhantes. Embora seja bem conhecido o papel das mãos de profissional de saúde na transmissão cruzada de agentes causadores de infecção nosocomial, poucos surtos foram publicados em que estes profissionais atuaram como fonte comum e persistente de infecção. É mais freqüente Gram-positivos envolvidos, havendo cinco relatos de Gram-negativos neste contexto. A contribuição desta dissertação é alertar para o risco que profissionais de saúde com alterações tróficas em mãos e anexos podem representar quando atuam em unidades críticas de assistência, assim como durante investigações de surto em que a evidências apontam para uma fonte comum, a busca de profissional com tais alterações deve ser considerada / The aim of this study was to describe the investigation of an outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae at a neonatal intensive care unit, associated with the persistently colonized hands of a nurse who had onychomycosis on her left thumb. We reviewed the use of the epidemiological method for investigating healthcare related outbreaks of infections. We also reviewed the literature concerning the hands of health care personnel. Although the hands of healthcare workers (HCW) play a role in the cross-transmission of nosocomial pathogens, there are few reports in which the persistently colonized hands act as a common source perpetuating an outbreak. In this setting, Gram-positive outbreaks are frequently reported and five Gramnegative outbreaks were reported. By means of this work, we have sought to draw attention to the role of the healthcare professional with chronic lesions on the hand skin and/or fingernails. They may pose a risk of persistent transmission of nosocomial pathogens, especially for critical patients with invasive devices. During healthcare infection outbreaks, examination of the hands of HCW should be included in the investigation

O objetivo desta dissertação foi descrever a investigação de um surto de Klebsiella pneumoniae em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal cujo elo entre os casos foi a mão, persistentemente colonizada pelo agente, de uma técnica de enfermagem que apresentava onicomicose em primeiro quirodáctilo esquerdo. Revisou-se a história da aplicação do método epidemiológico na investigação de surtos de infecção relacionada à assistência à saúde. Foi revisada também a literatura pertinente à investigação de surtos na busca de situações semelhantes. Embora seja bem conhecido o papel das mãos de profissional de saúde na transmissão cruzada de agentes causadores de infecção nosocomial, poucos surtos foram publicados em que estes profissionais atuaram como fonte comum e persistente de infecção. É mais freqüente Gram-positivos envolvidos, havendo cinco relatos de Gram-negativos neste contexto. A contribuição desta dissertação é alertar para o risco que profissionais de saúde com alterações tróficas em mãos e anexos podem representar quando atuam em unidades críticas de assistência, assim como durante investigações de surto em que a evidências apontam para uma fonte comum, a busca de profissional com tais alterações deve ser considerada / The aim of this study was to describe the investigation of an outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae at a neonatal intensive care unit, associated with the persistently colonized hands of a nurse who had onychomycosis on her left thumb. We reviewed the use of the epidemiological method for investigating healthcare related outbreaks of infections. We also reviewed the literature concerning the hands of health care personnel. Although the hands of healthcare workers (HCW) play a role in the cross-transmission of nosocomial pathogens, there are few reports in which the persistently colonized hands act as a common source perpetuating an outbreak. In this setting, Gram-positive outbreaks are frequently reported and five Gramnegative outbreaks were reported. By means of this work, we have sought to draw attention to the role of the healthcare professional with chronic lesions on the hand skin and/or fingernails. They may pose a risk of persistent transmission of nosocomial pathogens, especially for critical patients with invasive devices. During healthcare infection outbreaks, examination of the hands of HCW should be included in the investigation

Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) are not uncommon in healthcare facilities. They are usually prevented by sanitation techniques and by maintaining a high standard of care. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) make up a large percentage of hospital-acquired infections and are often the most preventable type of HAI. Patterns in infection rate could provide new ideas on prevention techniques, which might further reduce infection rate, saving lives and cutting costs. CAUTI infection rate was measured from January KJIY to September KJIL and was differentiated based on hospital ward as well as month and season. Overall, ICU units tended to have a higher CAUTI infection rate than ward units, particularly in January, February, April, and May. The CAUTI infection rate was highest in the ICU units during spring and May, and lowest during fall and October. In the ward units, the CAUTI infection rate was highest during summer and March, and lowest during winter and February.