Duodenoscope-associated infection prevention: A call for evidence-based decision making.

Recent outbreaks of duodenoscope-associated multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) have brought attention to the infection risk from procedures performed with duodenoscopes. Prior to these MDRO outbreaks, procedures with duodenoscopes were considered safe and low risk for exogenous infection transmission, provided they were performed in strict accordance with manufacturer instructions for use and multisociety reprocessing guidelines. The attention and efforts of the scientific community, regulatory agencies, and the device industry have deepened our understanding of factors responsible for suboptimal outcomes.

The impact of continuous electrical microcurrent on acute and hard-to-heal wounds: a systematic review.

Background: Wound infections result in considerable morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Antibiotic resistance has complicated wound healing, and new, non-antibiotic-based treatment methods are being developed.

Aims: To evaluate evidence on the safety, efficacy and real-world effectiveness of electroceutical devices (ECDs) that provide continuous electrical stimulation to wounds.

Challenges in achieving effective high-level disinfection in endoscope reprocessing.

Endoscope reprocessing is often ineffective, and microbes frequently remain on endoscopes after the use of high-level disinfectants (HLDs). Several factors impact reprocessing effectiveness, including non-adherence to guidelines, use of damaged endoscopes, use of insoluble products during endoscopy, insufficient cleaning, contaminated rinse water, and inadequate drying before storage. Our team suspected that issues with HLD chemistries and monitoring could also contribute to reprocessing failures.

An Ecological Approach to Exploring Rural Food Access and Active Living for Families With Preschoolers.

Objective: To identify factors using the Ecological Model of Childhood Overweight related to accessing nutritious foods and physical activity opportunities from the perspectives of rural parents of preschoolers.

Methods: A mixed-methods study using a quantitative survey (Active Where?) and qualitative interviews. Analyzed interview themes provided context to the survey results.

Discussion map and cooking classes: testing the effectiveness of teaching food safety to immigrants and refugees.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a food safety map as an educational method with English language learners.

Methods: English language learner community members (n = 73) were assigned randomly to participate in 1 of 3 experimental conditions: food safety map, cooking class, and control. Participants in the food safety map and cooking class conditions completed a pre-education demographic and cooking history questionnaire, a post-education knowledge and intention questionnaire, and a 2-week post-cooking and food safety habits assessment.