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

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

L’impact positif des formations continues numériques dans l’amélioration de la pratique infirmière en prévention et contrôle des infections (PCI) a été documenté dans la littérature. L’analyse des besoins de formation (ABF) est recommandée comme une étape importante dans le processus de conception des formations. Malgré l’intérêt de la formation continue en PCI, il y a peu d’écrits scientifiques sur le développement de modules de formation continue numérique en PCI qui soit fondé sur une ABF des infirmières québécoises. Cette étude visait à identifier les besoins de formation ressentis en regard des compétences en PCI d’infirmières exerçant dans un centre hospitalier montréalais. Un devis descriptif quantitatif a été mené à l’aide d’une enquête de besoins de formation par questionnaire auto administré. L’ensemble des infirmières d’un établissement de santé universitaire (N=2500) a été invité à participer; 390 ont répondu au questionnaire de l’étude. Les résultats de cette étude suggèrent qu’une formation numérique hybride axée sur la gestion des risques de transmission des infections, la santé et la sécurité au travail ainsi que la gestion des déchets biologiques devrait être développée au sein de l’établissement. Les résultats de notre étude ont aussi révélé des associations significatives entre certaines caractéristiques sociodémographiques et professionnelles et le besoin de formation ressenti pour une ou plusieurs compétences en PCI. Ces résultats contribuent à l’avancement des connaissances en sciences infirmières en documentant les besoins de formation numérique en PCI d’infirmières québécoises. Cette étude contribue également à l’amélioration de la qualité de la formation continue, en adaptant celle-ci aux besoins des apprenants. / The positive impact of online continuing training in infection prevention and control (IPC) nursing practice has been documented in the literature. Training Needs Analysis (TNA) is recommended as an important step in the training design process. There is little scientific literature on TNA based online continuing training module in IPC for Quebec nurses. This study aimed to identify the training needs felt with regard to the IPC skills of nurses practicing in a Montreal hospital center. 390 nurses responded to the self-administered questionnaire survey. The results of this study suggest that a hybrid online training focused on the management of infection transmission risks, occupational health and safety as well as the management of biological waste should be developed within the establishment. The results of our study also revealed significant associations between certain socio-demographic and professional characteristics and the perceived need for training for some PCI skills. These results contribute to the advancement of knowledge in nursing sciences by documenting the online training needs in IPC of Quebec nurses. This study also contributes to improving the quality of continuing education, by adapting it to the needs of learners.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become resistant to antibiotics. The purpose of this quantitative, retrospective cohort study was to examine the relationship between length of hospitalization and invasive MRSA infection rates among different racial and ethnic groups in the 8 service planning areas (SPAs) of Los Angeles County. Cane, O'Connor, and Michie's theoretical domain framework was used. Secondary data from the Healthcare-Associated (HA) Infections Program of the California Department of Public Health were analyzed. For the first research question, a Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationships between length of hospitalization and invasive HA-MRSA infection rates and counts. Length of hospital stay was not correlatedwith HA-MRSA infection rates; however, it was strongly and positively correlated with HA-MRSA infection counts. For the second research question, a one-way ANOVA was conducted on the infection count rate data, with SPA as the between-subjects factor. The results were statistically significant, indicating that HA-MRSA infection counts varied among the 8 SPAs. The findings might help medical professionals better understand the risk factors associated with MRSA infections. In doing so, findings may relieve some of the burden on the U.S. health care system and improve the overall quality of life of the patients involved.

Résumé : L’Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) a créé en 2011 une spécialisation pour les infirmières en PCI qui doivent maintenant suivre une formation de 2e cycle pour l’obtention de leur titre d’infirmière clinicienne spécialisée en PCI. Au sein de cette formation figure un cours de microbiologie et infectiologie (MI) qui vise à parfaire les connaissances et l’expertise en la matière. Jusqu’à présent, aucune étude n’avait été réalisée pour évaluer l’influence de ce cours sur le savoir infirmier des infirmières en PCI. Cette étude vise à décrire l’évolution du savoir infirmier des infirmières en PCI qui participent au cours de MI du programme de 2e cycle en PCI. Un devis qualitatif descriptif a été utilisé au cours de cette étude pour décrire l’évolution du savoir infirmier. Le modèle de réflexion structurée (MRS) de Johns (1995) a servi à l’élaboration d’entrevues semi-dirigées individuelles avant et après le cours de MI, afin de permettre l’identification du savoir infirmier selon un processus déductif. La méthode de codification de Miles et Huberman (2003) a ensuite favorisé un processus semi-inductif. Une analyse horizontale a finalement permis de repérer les récurrences ou les changements dans le savoir infirmier entre les entrevues de chaque participante ainsi qu’entre les participantes elles-mêmes. Des manifestations des dimensions du savoir infirmier telles que définies par Johns et influencées par Carper (1978) sont décrites, ainsi que l’évolution du savoir infirmier suite à la participation au cours de MI. Les thèmes qui ont découlé des entrevues sont : le développement d’un vocabulaire favorisant la communication dans l’équipe, la capacité d’aller au-delà des protocoles, une meilleure confiance en leurs capacités et l’élargissement d’une vision éthique qui comprend tous les acteurs de la communauté. Les retombées de l’étude se retrouvent au plan de la formation par la mise en valeur de la perspective infirmière dans le cours de MI et par l’évolution du savoir infirmier après avoir suivi ce cours. Sur le plan de la recherche, cette étude présente une nouvelle approche, pour de futures recherches, permettant d’évaluer la contribution d’un cours universitaire. / Abstract : As the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) has created in 2011 a specialty, making it possible for nurses to develop their expertise in infection prevention and control (IPC). In order to become an IPC clinical nurse specialist, nurses must fulfil a graduate program, which includes a course in microbiology and infectious diseases (MID), among others. Until now, there has been no study evaluating the influence of this training or course on patterns of knowing in nursing for IPC nurses. The goal of this study was to determine the evolution of the patterns of knowing in nursing for IPC nurses who have completed an MID course as part of a graduate program in IPC. A qualitative descriptive evaluation made it possible to determine the evolution of the patterns of knowing. Johns’ model (1995) for structured reflection (MSR) which was used in semi-structured, individual interviews before and after an MID course, helped identify patterns of knowing through a deductive process. Furthermore, Miles and Huberman’s (2003) codification method ensured a semi-inductive process. A horizontal analysis allowed for the detection of recurrence or change in patterns of knowing between each participant’s interviews, as well as between participants. The illustration of the scope of the patterns of knowing in nursing, as defined by Johns and influenced by Carper (1978), as well as the evolution of the patterns of knowing after completing an MID course, were described. The topics that surfaced during the interviews were: the development of a vocabulary fostering team communication, the capacity to go beyond protocols, a greater confidence in their abilities, and the expansion of an ethical view that includes all stakeholders in the community. The benefits of the study are at the level of training and research. Training is represented by the development of nursing perspective in the MID courses and the development of nursing knowledge after completing a course in MID. Finally, towards the research, this has put forward a new approach to assess the contribution of a university course.

Introdução: a derivação ventricular externa (DVE) envolve um cateter colocado no espaço ventricular cerebral para drenar o liquor (LCR) excessivo. As complicações mais comuns dessa prática incluem hemorragia em sítio de inserção, obstrução do cateter, desconexão do sistema e infecção com indicadores que variam de 1% a mais de 27%. Objetivo: analisar os indicadores de infecção relacionada à DVE e avaliar o impacto da intervenção na rotina de cuidados com cateter de DVE. Casuística e Método: estudo quase-experimental realizado na UTI Neurológica do Instituto Central do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Foram avaliados os dados de infecção em pacientes submetidos à DVE em duas etapas: pré-intervenção que ocorreu de abril de 2007 a julho de 2008 e intervenção que ocorreu de agosto de 2008 a julho de 2010. Na primeira etapa, foram realizadas observações do cuidado com DVE e aplicado questionário para avaliar o conhecimento dos profissionais. Na segunda etapa, foram realizados treinamentos da rotina de cuidados, higiene das mãos e biossegurança com intervalos de cinco, seis e sete meses e após um ano de intervenção foi realizado uma observação da higiene das mãos. Foram excluídos todos os pacientes que apresentaram traumatismo cranioencefálico com fratura exposta, presença de fístula liquórica, hidrocefalia congênita e presença de infecção ativa no sistema nervoso central. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por 30 dias após a retirada da DVE e considerou-se infecção relacionada à DVE os agentes microbiologicamente identificados em LCR de acordo com o critério do CDC. Foram realizadas cinco observações do cuidado com DVE, uma observação da higiene das mãos, uma elaboração da rotina de cuidados, três treinamentos com aulas expositivas e uma intervenção na redução do tempo de permanência do cateter de DVE, totalizando cinco intervenções. Resultados: Durante o estudo, 178 pacientes foram submetidos a 194 procedimentos correspondendo a 1217 cateteres-dia. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 48 anos, sendo 62,4% do gênero feminino. A mortalidade global entre os pacientes foi de 34,8%. Antibioticoprofilaxia foi administrada em 80,4% dos procedimentos. Os agentes Gram-negativos foram identificados em 71,4% no período pré-intervenção e de 60% no período de intervenção. Os agentes Gram-positivos foram identificados em 14,3% no período pré-intervenção, de 20% no período de intervenção e infecção polimicrobiana foi identificada em 14,3% no período pré-intervenção e de 20% no período de intervenção. Os indicadores de infecção relacionada à DVE durante o estudo foram reduzidos de 9,5% para 4,8% por paciente (redução de 50,5%), de 8,8% para 4,4% por procedimento (redução de 50%) e a densidade de incidência de 14,0 para 6,9 infecções por 1.000 cateteresdia (redução de 49,2%) (p=0,027). Após a quarta intervenção, não foi identificada nenhuma infecção microbiologicamente confirmada durante doze meses consecutivos. Conclusão: Observou-se redução sustentada dos indicadores de infecção relacionada à DVE e diante desses resultados, a intervenção educacional continuada mostrou ser uma ferramenta útil na redução desses indicadores. / Introduction: an external ventricular drain (EVD) involves the placement of a catheter into the cerebral ventricular space in order to drain excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The most common complications of this practice include hemorrhage at the insertion site, obstruction of the catheter, disconnection of the system, and infection with indicator values that vary from 1% to more than 27%. Objective: to analyze the indicators of EVD-related infection and assess the impact of intervention on the routine of care of the EVD catheter. Cases and Method: the quasi-experimental study was carried out at the Neurological Intensive Care Unit of the Central Institute at the Clinics Hospital of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine. Data regarding infection from patients submitted to EVD were analyzed in two phases: pre-intervention, which occurred from April 2007 to July 2008, and intervention, which occurred from August 2008 to July 2010. During the first stage, observations were made as to the care given to the EVD and a questionnaire was applied to evaluate the level of knowledge of the healthcare professionals. During the second stage, training was given as to a routine of care, hand hygiene, and biosafety, with intervals of five, six, and seven months; one year after the intervention, observation of hand hygiene was performed. Excluded were all patients presenting with cranioencephalic trauma with exposed fractures, presence of CSF leakage, congenital hydrocephalus, and presence of active infection of the central nervous system. Patients were followed for 30 days after EVD removal and EVDrelated infections were considered those caused by agents microbiologically identified in the CSF according to CDC criteria. We conducted five observations of the care taken with the EVD, one observation of hand hygiene, one preparation of a routine of care, three training sessions with expository classes, and one intervention to reduce the time the EVD catheter remained in place, with a total of five interventions. Results: during the study, 178 patients were submitted to 194 procedures, corresponding to 1217 catheters-day. The mean age of the patients was 48 years, and 62.4% of them were females. Global mortality among the patients was 34.8%. Prophylaxis with antibiotics was given in 80.4% of the procedures. Gramnegative agents were identified in 71.4% of the cases during the preintervention period, and 60% during the intervention period. Gram-positive agents were identified in 14.3% of the cases during the pre-intervention period, and 20% during the intervention period, and 14.3% of them were polymicrobial infection in the pre-intervention period, and 20% during the intervention period. The values of EVD-related infection indicators during the study fell from 9.5% to 4.8% per patient (a 50.5% reduction), from 8.8% to 4.4% per procedure (a 50% reduction), and the density of incidence dropped from 14.0 to 6.9 infections per 1,000 catheters-day (a 49.2% reduction) (p=0.027). After the fourth intervention, no microbiologically confirmed infection was identified throughout twelve consecutive months. Conclusion: we observed a sustained reduction in EVD-related infection and in light of these results, continued educational intervention proved to be a useful tool in reducing these indicators.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da administração prévia de antibiótico na incidência de complicações infecciosas em procedimentos de estimulação cardíaca artificial. Os pacientes foram selecionados em um estudo duplo-cego e randomizado (1:1). Grupo I Cefazolina (1,0g dose única) versus grupo II placebo. O comitê de segurança interrompeu o estudo após a inclusão de 649 pacientes devido à diferença entre os grupos (group I 314; grupo II 335 pacientes) em favor do uso de antibiótico: 2 infectados (0,63%) versus 11 infectados no grupo placebo (3,28%); p=0,016. Marcadores identificados por análise univariada: não uso de antibiótico; procedimentos de implantes (versus trocas); hematoma pós-operatório e duração do procedimento. O não uso de antibiótico e hematoma pós-operatório foram significantes em análise multivariada / The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the previous venous antibiotic administration in the incidence of infectious complications in cardiac stimulation surgical procedures. Patients were selected in a double blind, randomized (1:1) trial. Group I Cefazolin (1,0g one dose) versus group II placebo. The security committee interrupted the trial after inclusion of 649 patients due to differences between groups (group I 314; group II 335 patients) in favor of the antibiotic arm: 2 infected patients (0,63%) versus 11 infected patients in the placebo arm (3,28%); p=0,016. Markers identified by univariate analysis: non-use of preventive antibiotic; implant procedures (versus replacement); post-operative haematoma and procedure duration. The non-use of antibiotic and the post-operative haematoma were independent predictors of infection in multivariate analysis

Introdução: a derivação ventricular externa (DVE) envolve um cateter colocado no espaço ventricular cerebral para drenar o liquor (LCR) excessivo. As complicações mais comuns dessa prática incluem hemorragia em sítio de inserção, obstrução do cateter, desconexão do sistema e infecção com indicadores que variam de 1% a mais de 27%. Objetivo: analisar os indicadores de infecção relacionada à DVE e avaliar o impacto da intervenção na rotina de cuidados com cateter de DVE. Casuística e Método: estudo quase-experimental realizado na UTI Neurológica do Instituto Central do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Foram avaliados os dados de infecção em pacientes submetidos à DVE em duas etapas: pré-intervenção que ocorreu de abril de 2007 a julho de 2008 e intervenção que ocorreu de agosto de 2008 a julho de 2010. Na primeira etapa, foram realizadas observações do cuidado com DVE e aplicado questionário para avaliar o conhecimento dos profissionais. Na segunda etapa, foram realizados treinamentos da rotina de cuidados, higiene das mãos e biossegurança com intervalos de cinco, seis e sete meses e após um ano de intervenção foi realizado uma observação da higiene das mãos. Foram excluídos todos os pacientes que apresentaram traumatismo cranioencefálico com fratura exposta, presença de fístula liquórica, hidrocefalia congênita e presença de infecção ativa no sistema nervoso central. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por 30 dias após a retirada da DVE e considerou-se infecção relacionada à DVE os agentes microbiologicamente identificados em LCR de acordo com o critério do CDC. Foram realizadas cinco observações do cuidado com DVE, uma observação da higiene das mãos, uma elaboração da rotina de cuidados, três treinamentos com aulas expositivas e uma intervenção na redução do tempo de permanência do cateter de DVE, totalizando cinco intervenções. Resultados: Durante o estudo, 178 pacientes foram submetidos a 194 procedimentos correspondendo a 1217 cateteres-dia. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 48 anos, sendo 62,4% do gênero feminino. A mortalidade global entre os pacientes foi de 34,8%. Antibioticoprofilaxia foi administrada em 80,4% dos procedimentos. Os agentes Gram-negativos foram identificados em 71,4% no período pré-intervenção e de 60% no período de intervenção. Os agentes Gram-positivos foram identificados em 14,3% no período pré-intervenção, de 20% no período de intervenção e infecção polimicrobiana foi identificada em 14,3% no período pré-intervenção e de 20% no período de intervenção. Os indicadores de infecção relacionada à DVE durante o estudo foram reduzidos de 9,5% para 4,8% por paciente (redução de 50,5%), de 8,8% para 4,4% por procedimento (redução de 50%) e a densidade de incidência de 14,0 para 6,9 infecções por 1.000 cateteresdia (redução de 49,2%) (p=0,027). Após a quarta intervenção, não foi identificada nenhuma infecção microbiologicamente confirmada durante doze meses consecutivos. Conclusão: Observou-se redução sustentada dos indicadores de infecção relacionada à DVE e diante desses resultados, a intervenção educacional continuada mostrou ser uma ferramenta útil na redução desses indicadores. / Introduction: an external ventricular drain (EVD) involves the placement of a catheter into the cerebral ventricular space in order to drain excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The most common complications of this practice include hemorrhage at the insertion site, obstruction of the catheter, disconnection of the system, and infection with indicator values that vary from 1% to more than 27%. Objective: to analyze the indicators of EVD-related infection and assess the impact of intervention on the routine of care of the EVD catheter. Cases and Method: the quasi-experimental study was carried out at the Neurological Intensive Care Unit of the Central Institute at the Clinics Hospital of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine. Data regarding infection from patients submitted to EVD were analyzed in two phases: pre-intervention, which occurred from April 2007 to July 2008, and intervention, which occurred from August 2008 to July 2010. During the first stage, observations were made as to the care given to the EVD and a questionnaire was applied to evaluate the level of knowledge of the healthcare professionals. During the second stage, training was given as to a routine of care, hand hygiene, and biosafety, with intervals of five, six, and seven months; one year after the intervention, observation of hand hygiene was performed. Excluded were all patients presenting with cranioencephalic trauma with exposed fractures, presence of CSF leakage, congenital hydrocephalus, and presence of active infection of the central nervous system. Patients were followed for 30 days after EVD removal and EVDrelated infections were considered those caused by agents microbiologically identified in the CSF according to CDC criteria. We conducted five observations of the care taken with the EVD, one observation of hand hygiene, one preparation of a routine of care, three training sessions with expository classes, and one intervention to reduce the time the EVD catheter remained in place, with a total of five interventions. Results: during the study, 178 patients were submitted to 194 procedures, corresponding to 1217 catheters-day. The mean age of the patients was 48 years, and 62.4% of them were females. Global mortality among the patients was 34.8%. Prophylaxis with antibiotics was given in 80.4% of the procedures. Gramnegative agents were identified in 71.4% of the cases during the preintervention period, and 60% during the intervention period. Gram-positive agents were identified in 14.3% of the cases during the pre-intervention period, and 20% during the intervention period, and 14.3% of them were polymicrobial infection in the pre-intervention period, and 20% during the intervention period. The values of EVD-related infection indicators during the study fell from 9.5% to 4.8% per patient (a 50.5% reduction), from 8.8% to 4.4% per procedure (a 50% reduction), and the density of incidence dropped from 14.0 to 6.9 infections per 1,000 catheters-day (a 49.2% reduction) (p=0.027). After the fourth intervention, no microbiologically confirmed infection was identified throughout twelve consecutive months. Conclusion: we observed a sustained reduction in EVD-related infection and in light of these results, continued educational intervention proved to be a useful tool in reducing these indicators.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da administração prévia de antibiótico na incidência de complicações infecciosas em procedimentos de estimulação cardíaca artificial. Os pacientes foram selecionados em um estudo duplo-cego e randomizado (1:1). Grupo I Cefazolina (1,0g dose única) versus grupo II placebo. O comitê de segurança interrompeu o estudo após a inclusão de 649 pacientes devido à diferença entre os grupos (group I 314; grupo II 335 pacientes) em favor do uso de antibiótico: 2 infectados (0,63%) versus 11 infectados no grupo placebo (3,28%); p=0,016. Marcadores identificados por análise univariada: não uso de antibiótico; procedimentos de implantes (versus trocas); hematoma pós-operatório e duração do procedimento. O não uso de antibiótico e hematoma pós-operatório foram significantes em análise multivariada / The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the previous venous antibiotic administration in the incidence of infectious complications in cardiac stimulation surgical procedures. Patients were selected in a double blind, randomized (1:1) trial. Group I Cefazolin (1,0g one dose) versus group II placebo. The security committee interrupted the trial after inclusion of 649 patients due to differences between groups (group I 314; group II 335 patients) in favor of the antibiotic arm: 2 infected patients (0,63%) versus 11 infected patients in the placebo arm (3,28%); p=0,016. Markers identified by univariate analysis: non-use of preventive antibiotic; implant procedures (versus replacement); post-operative haematoma and procedure duration. The non-use of antibiotic and the post-operative haematoma were independent predictors of infection in multivariate analysis

This licentiate thesis aims to understand how infection preventionists (IPs) continuously find problems and implement solutions related to health care-associated infections (HAIs) in hospital settings. HAIs are infections acquired by patients during the process of care and are among the main causes of deaths worldwide. Recently, practices for HAIs prevention and control have challenged IPs due to pandemics (e.g. COVID-19), antimicrobial resistance, population aging and limited resources in health care facilities. Such challenges demand actions to find, solve problems and implement solutions. However, IPs often fail to address these problems. The reasons stem from their inability to timely identify valuable problems and implement new solutions. Although the literature on infection prevention and control is well developed, previous studies have largely investigated how IPs implement preconceived practices to solve given problems as a single event, rather than on how to continuously find problems and implement solutions.  This licentiate thesis comprises two empirical papers. Paper I investigates how infection prevention and control teams find problems with HAIs, and is based on a multiple case study of three infection prevention and control teams from one Swedish and two Brazilian hospitals. Paper II investigates how IPs continuously implement changes in infection prevention and control practices during pandemics, and is based on a qualitative descriptive study. The data in both papers were collected from 44 semi-structured interviews with health care professionals enrolled as IPs in Brazilian and Swedish hospitals. The key theories and literatures covered include Problem-Finding and Problem-Solving Perspective and Implementation research. This licentiate thesis contains three main contributions. First, it advances the Problem-Finding and Problem-Solving Perspective literature by providing empirical evidence on how to create valuable knowledge from ill-structured and complex problems. Second, this licentiate thesis suggests a distinction between HAI prevention and HAI control based on two modes of decision-making for finding valuable problems with HAIs. Third, the licentiate thesis describes and categorizes sets of practices that allow to continuously implement changes of infection prevention and control practices during pandemics.