Age as an independent risk factor for intensive care unit admission or death due to 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.

Objective: This study evaluated risk factors for intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death among people hospitalized with 2009 pandemic influenza A (pH1N1) virus infection.

Methods: We based analyses on data collected in Washington State from April 27 to September 18, 2009, on deceased or hospitalized people with laboratory-confirmed pH1N1 infection reported by health-care providers and hospitals as part of enhanced public health surveillance. We used bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors associated with ICU admission or death due to pH1N1.

Influenza vaccination and sick leave practices and perceptions reported by health care workers in ambulatory care settings.

We examined annual influenza vaccination and sick leave practices and perceptions among 627 health care workers (HCWs) in ambulatory care settings in King County, Washington using a self-report questionnaire. Most medical practitioners (85%), but fewer other HCWs (nurses, nurse's aides, allied health professionals, administrative; 55%-64%) reported receiving an annual influenza vaccination; only 31% of HCWs reported routinely taking sick leave for influenza-like illness.

Notifiable infectious disease reporting awareness among physicians and registered nurses in primary care and emergency department settings.

This study examined knowledge about notifiable infectious disease reporting among physicians and registered nurses (RNs) in primary care and emergency department settings in King County, Washington. In 2005, a total of 165 physicians and 170 RNs completed a questionnaire to assess knowledge, training and feedback regarding notifiable infectious disease reporting. Only 55% of the physicians and 63% of the RNs were aware of reporting procedures within their institution.

Evaluation of a healthcare safety climate measurement tool.

Problem: Psychometrically validated measurement tools are needed to evaluate an organization's safety climate. In 2000, Gershon and colleagues published a new healthcare safety climate measurement tool to determine its relationship to safe work behavior (Gershon, R., Karkashian, C.

Personal healthcare worker (HCW) and work-site characteristics that affect HCWs' use of respiratory-infection control measures in ambulatory healthcare settings.

Objectives: To identify healthcare worker (HCW) and work-site characteristics associated with HCWs' reported use of recommended respiratory-infection control practices in primary and emergency care settings.

Design: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire for HCWs during the summer and fall of 2005.

Setting: Primary and emergency care clinics at 5 medical centers in King County, Seattle, Washington.

Appraisal of recommended respiratory infection control practices in primary care and emergency department settings.

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic and concern about pandemic influenza prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop guidelines to prevent the transmission of all respiratory infections in health care settings during first contact with a potentially infected person. The extent to which health care workers and institutions use these CDC recommended practices is uncertain.

Methods: The study examined health care worker adherence to CDC recommended respiratory infection control practices in primary care clinics and emergency departments of 5 medical centers in King County, Washington, using a self-administered questionnaire.

Community syringe collection and disposal policies in 16 states.

Objective: To review laws, regulations, and guidelines that affect the collection and disposal of hypodermic needles, syringes, and lancets used outside of professional health care settings (hereafter referred to as "community syringes").

Design: Law and policy analysis.

Setting: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin.