Mortality in ICU Patients with COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis.

A review of 38 studies involving 1437 COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) was conducted to investigate whether mortality has improved since the pandemic's onset. The study found that the median ICU mortality was 56.8%, ranging from 30% to 91.

Exploring the role of infection preventionists in antimicrobial stewardship programs through several lenses: A brief report.

This study explored perceptions of the role of infection preventionists (IPs) in antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) among IPs, pharmacists, infectious diseases physicians, and hospital executives. Expert telephone interviews, using a validated survey tool, were conducted from November 1, 2016 to December 12, 2016 (n = 28). Participants with clinical responsibilities reported modest expectations of the IP in ASPs.

Comparison of visual versus microscopic methods to detect blood splatter from an intravascular catheter with engineered sharps injury protection.

Objective: To determine whether retractable intravenous devices produced blood splatter and whether blood splatter frequency differed between visual and microscopy detection methods.

Methods: In this laboratory-based experiment, 105 venipunctures were performed in a simulated brachial vein containing mock venous blood. The retraction mechanism was activated in a testing chamber with precut fabric filters, placed at 3 different locations, to capture blood splatter.

Contribution of a winged phlebotomy device design to blood splatter.

Background: Despite a proliferation of phlebotomy devices with engineered sharps injury protection (ESIP), the impact of various winged device designs on blood splatter occurring during venipuncture procedures has not been explored.

Objectives: To evaluate the potential for blood splatter of 6 designs of winged phlebotomy devices.

Design: A laboratory-based device evaluation without human subjects, using a simulated patient venous system.

A multifaceted pilot program to promote hand hygiene at a suburban fire department.

Background: Firefighters (FFs) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel provide care in uncontrolled settings, where the risk of hand contamination is great and opportunities for handwashing are few. Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about hand hygiene in this group have not been well reported.

Methods: Written surveys were administered to FFs and EMS personnel to assess their practices, attitudes, and beliefs before and after installation of alcohol hand gel dispensers, hanging of reminder posters, and completion of PowerPoint training.

An experimental method for detecting blood splatter from retractable phlebotomy and intravascular devices.

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the safety of retractable intravascular devices in terms of their potential to produce blood splatter. A method for measuring this blood splatter designed by the research team was used to evaluate 3 specific intravascular devices.

Methods: Scientific filters were positioned around the retraction mechanisms of the devices and weighed with an analytical scale, both before and after activation, in a simulated vein containing mock venous blood.

Nosocomial aspergillosis and building construction.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) with Apergillus pose a serious threat to those most severely immune suppressed patients. Outbreaks of nosocomial aspergillosis have occurred mainly among neutropenic patients, but with several important exceptions. HAI due to aspergillosi has occurred in association with environmental disturbances including but not limited to: hospital construction, maintenance, demolition and renovation; contaminated fireproofing materials; air filters in hospital ventilation systems, and via contaminated carpeting.

A pilot study to measure the compressive and tensile forces required to use retractable intramuscular safety syringes.

Background: A pilot study was conducted at the Tampa Veterans Administration Patient Safety Center. The objective was to determine the forces required to operate retractable safety syringes to evaluate potential adverse occupational health and patient safety issues.

Methods: Four brands (100 each) of retractable syringes were tested, using a digital force gauge, in air and in a simulated patient material (SPM).

Under-reporting of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the Veterans Administration.

Purpose: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders following patient contact represent a major concern for health care workers. Unfortunately, research and prevention have been hampered by difficulties ascertaining true prevalence rates owing to under-reporting of these injuries. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors for under-reporting work-related musculoskeletal injuries and their reasons.

Who let the dogs out? Infection control did: utility of dogs in health care settings and infection control aspects.

Research has substantiated that animals improve human health, both psychologically and physiologically. Therefore, healthcare facilities have begun to implement programs, such as the "Furry Friends Foundation," that bring animals into the facility to improve the quality of life of patients. When implementing these programs, consideration must be given to potential adverse events such as phobias, allergies, and particularly the possibility of zoonotic disease transmission.

Sharps injuries in the home health care setting: risks for home health care workers.

Home health care nurses are at risk of needlesticks and blood exposures, yet few studies have been conducted related to such exposures in the home health care setting. This article describes a cross sectional prevalence pilot study of needlesticks and blood exposures conducted among three home health care agencies in the San Francisco Bay area. Needlestick and blood exposure reports from 1993 to 1996 were submitted from three home health care agencies.

Lifting teams in health care facilities: a literature review.

1. Manual lifting and transfer activities are job tasks frequently associated with back injuries in nursing personnel. One approach with potential to decrease these injuries is the lifting team.