Horizontal infection prevention measures and a risk-managed approach to vancomycin-resistant enterococci: An evaluation.

Background: The use of infection control measures in the management of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is hotly debated. A risk-managed approach to VRE control after the introduction of 2 horizontal infection prevention measures-an environmental cleaning (EC) and an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program-was assessed.

Methods: Routine screening for VRE was discontinued 6 and 4 months after introduction of the EC and AMS programs, respectively.

Bedpan washer disinfectors: an in-use evaluation of cleaning and disinfection.

Background: As part of a comprehensive approach to decreasing Clostridium difficile in our health authority, an evaluation of the in-use performance of 2 brands of bedpan decontaminators (BPDs) in 2 acute care facilities was performed.

Methods: A continuous quality improvement approach consisting of 5 BPD audits and 4 intervention phases was used over a 16-month evaluation period. Visible fecal soil on processed items was used as the progress indicator, and infection preventionists performed audits.

Health care workers' perceptions of respiratory and gastrointestinal algorithms for patient management in emergency care settings.

Background: Patients with respiratory or gastrointestinal illness in emergency care settings are often not yet diagnosed but are at risk of transmitting disease. Infection control algorithms delineating a standard approach to patient management decrease risk of secondary exposure, but few articles document health care workers' (HCWs) perceptions as to their effectiveness and ease of implementation.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey approach was used to explore HCWs perceptions in 2 emergency departments of the current algorithms for management of potentially infectious respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses.

The infection control audit: the standardized audit as a tool for change.

Background: Health care workers' compliance with infection control practices and principles is vital in preventing the spread of disease. One tool to assess infection control practice in clinical areas is the infection control audit; however, many institutions do not approach this in a systematic fashion.

Methods: Key features of the infection control audit were identified by the infection control team and developed into a standardized format for review of clinical areas.