New sustainable and robust catalytic supports for palladium nanoparticles generated from chitosan/cellulose film and corn stem biochar.

The production of sustainable catalytic supports for palladium nanoparticles is always desired, even more so through the recovery of biomass residues. In this sense, two different solids were investigated - chitosan/cellulose film and corn stem biochar - as catalytic supports of palladium nanoparticles. The solids were carefully characterized and tested in the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction, a typical cross-coupling reaction. The developed catalytic systems proved to be efficient and sustainable, promoted the formation of target products very well, and demanded green reactants under environmentally appropriate conditions. With the results shown in the manuscript, it is expected to contribute to the valorization of biomass and agro-industrial residues in the development of new catalysts for the chemical industry.

How new molecular tools can help bugbusters: a Burkholderia cepacia complex outbreak investigation.

An outbreak of bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) took place from March 2012 until April 2014 involving thirteen patients. AIM: To describe an outbreak investigation of BSI Bcc and showing how genetic sequencing tools contributed to confirm the hypothesis of extrinsic contamination proposed by an observational study. METHODS: The Infection Control Department revised and reinforced good practices of infusion therapy and catheter care, visits to affected wards, a case control study, and environmental screening based on the case-control findings. RESULTS: Data from the case-control study found an association of cases with central venous catheter (OR 1.36; CI 1.15-1.67) and intravenous cisatracurium use (OR 10.75; CI 1.67-68.89). Visits to the operatory block revealed problems related to the cold chain used for the preservation of thermolabile cisatracurium. We could not retrieve Bcc from environmental samples using classic microbiology. New samples from the same surfaces were obtained for genetic sequencing. Bcc was identified in the cooler box, refrigerator and reusable ice packages. CONCLUSION: Environmental screening using genetic sequencing proved to be a useful tool for confirming our hypothesis of extrinsic contamination raised by the case-control study.

Evaluation of adenosine triphosphate test for cleaning assessment of gastroscopes and the effect on workload in a busy endoscopy center.

OBJECTIVE: Using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) tests to assess manual cleaning of gastroscopes and to determine the associated workload in a busy endoscopy unit. METHODS: Patient-used gastroscopes were sampled before and after cleaning to assess ATP levels, bioburden, and protein. Samples were collected by flushing 20 mL of sterile water through the biopsy port to the distal end. Time spent for reprocessing and performing the ATP test was recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-four samples were collected from 10 gastroscopes. After manual cleaning, 14/24 (58.3%) samples had no microbial growth (mean, 21 colony-forming units/cm2), and in 22/24 (91.7%) samples the protein was undetectable (mean, 0.04 µg/cm2). ATP test was above the cutoff (200 relative light units [RLU]) in 17/24 (70.8%) samples (mean, 498 RLU). After the second cleaning, 11/17 (64.7%) gastroscopes still failed the ATP test (mean, 321.2 RLU). The mean time spent to perform manual cleaning and ATP tests was 16 and 8 minutes, respectively. Hence, each test increased the length of time for cleaning plus testing cleanliness by 50%. CONCLUSION: Further studies regarding the optimal cutoff for ATP tests are needed. ATP tests for cleaning monitoring are easy to perform and provide immediate feedback to the team. However, the increased workload needs to be considered.

Improving compliance with surgical antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines: A multicenter evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Improving surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) use is an important element in the control of antimicrobial resistance. However, compliance with SAP guidelines is unsatisfactory. This study investigated the level of compliance with SAP guidelines in neurosurgery, and institutional characteristics associated with compliance. METHODS: This study assessed surgeries in 9 Brazilian hospitals. Medical record reviews and a structured questionnaire were used to assess compliance and to describe institutional characteristics. Six attributes of compliance with SAP guidelines were evaluated; full compliance was defined whenever all these attributes were met. Logistic and linear regressions were used to investigate the association between compliance, patients, and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Full compliance was 10% and was associated with weekly hours of infection control personnel per intensive care unit bed (95% CI, 0.2-0.1), hospital-wide dissemination of SAP guidelines (95% CI, 1.2-25.1), monitoring (95% CI, 1.2-25.1), and feedback of compliance rates (95% CI, 3.8-25.2). Daytime procedures had greater compliance regarding drug dose (odds ratio [OR], 3.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-6.65) and initial time (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.24-4.25). Spinal procedures achieved greater compliance with initial time (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.12-3.01) and duration (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.7-2.16). CONCLUSIONS: A low level of compliance was identified, which pointed out the need for an innovative stewardship approach to improve adherence to SAP guidelines. Targeted training programs need to be developed to ensure dissemination of guidelines among surgeons. Monitoring, feedback, and closer interaction between the infection control personnel and the surgical team are key factors for better compliance rates of SAP.

Fatores relacionados à adesão às recomendações para administração de redose em cirurgias limpas / Factors related to adherence of recommendations for redose administration in clean surgeries / Factores relacionados a la adhesión a recomendaciones de administración de redosis en cirugías limpias

A ISC é um dos principais eventos adversos entre pacientes cirúrgicos e é responsável por 20% das IRAS. A antibioticoprofilaxia cirúrgica é uma das práticas para prevenção de ISC, entretanto a adesão às diretrizes é baixa. Foi realizado um estudo observacional, transversal, retrospectivo que investigou o índice de adesão à redose e sua relação com características dos procedimentos e dos indivíduos. Foram avaliados 748 prontuários de cirurgias cardíacas, ortopédicas e neurológicas. Destes, 90 tinham indicação de redose, administrada em 26,6% das cirurgias. A adesão foi significativamente maior nas cirurgias cardíacas (34,3%) e de maior IRIC. Concluiu-se que a adesão às diretrizes para administração de redose é baixa e é necessário atuar na melhoraria do processo de uso de antibioticoprofilaxia cirúrgica. O uso de tecnologias aliado a conscientização, motivação das equipes e envolvimento da enfermagem podem ser alternativas.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are one of the main adverse events among surgical patients, being responsible for 20% of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is one of the practices used to prevent SSIs, however, compliance with recommendations is low. A retrospective observational cross-sectional study investigated the index of compliance with redose and its relationship to characteristics of the procedures and individuals. A total of 748 records of cardiac, orthopedic and neurological surgeries were assessed. Of these, 90 had an indication of redose, which was administered in 26.6% of the surgeries. Compliance was significantly higher in cardiac surgeries (34.3%) and those of greater SSI risk index. In conclusion, compliance with recommendations for redose administration is low and improving the process of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use is needed. The use of technologies in association with awareness, motivation of the teams and involvement of the nursing staff may constitute alternatives.

La ISC es uno de los principales efectos adversos entre pacientes quirúrgicos, responsable del 20% de las IRAs. La profilaxis antibiótica quirúrgica es una de las prácticas para la prevención de ISC, aunque con baja adhesión a sus directivas. Fue realizado un estudio observacional, transversal, retrospectivo, investigando el índice de adhesión a la redosis y su relación con características de procedimientos e individuos. Fueron evaluadas 748 historias clínicas de cirugías cardíacas, ortopédicas y neurológicas. De ellas, 90 tenían indicación de redosis, administrada en 26,6% de las cirugías. La adhesión fue significativamente mayor en las cirugías cardíacas (34,3%) y de mayor IRIC. Se concluyó en que la adhesión a las directivas para administración de redosis es baja, siendo necesario mejorar el proceso de profilaxis antibiótica quirúrgica. El uso de tecnologías en alianza con la concientización, motivación de los equipos y el involucramiento de la enfermería son también alternativas

Applying validated quality indicators to surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in a Brazilian hospital: learning what should be learned.

BACKGROUND: Compliance with the best surgical antibiotic prophylaxis practice is usually low despite many published guidelines. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated compliance with the Hospital Infection Control Committee guideline for antibiotic prophylaxis in a Brazilian hospital using quality indicators. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out from November 2009 to March 2010. Medical records from adult inpatients undergoing cardiac, neurologic, and orthopedic clean surgeries were included. The full compliance index was considered 100% when the antibiotic prophylaxis showed adequacy in all evaluated attributes. Analyses were conducted with 5% significance. RESULTS: Medical records from 101 cardiac, 128 neurologic, and 519 orthopedic surgical patients were evaluated. The compliance index was 4.9%, and the compliance index according to specialty was 5.8%, 3.1%, and 3.0%, respectively, for orthopedic, neurologic, and cardiac surgeries. The attribute route of administration produced the best outcomes, whereas the attribute duration of antibiotic prophylaxis produced the worst. No association was identified between compliance to the attributes and patient characteristics. CONCLUSION: This study showed a low level of adherence to Hospital Infection Control Committee guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis. This suggests that different strategies should be implemented to promote the best possible practice in the field of antibiotic prophylaxis with greater surgeon engagement.

Avaliação da conformidade do uso de antibioticoprofilaxia em cirurgias em um hospital geral do município de São Paulo / Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use compliance assessment of a Sao Paulo city general hospital

A infecção relacionada à assistência à saúde (IRAS) é um problema relevante de saúde pública, associado ao aumento na permanência hospitalar e à elevação dos custos referentes, tanto à agressão ao paciente, como ao consumo de insumos. Não obstante, à existência de normatizações e legislações sobre o tema, a IRAS ainda é a complicação mais frequente entre pacientes hospitalizados. Com o objetivo de estabelecer ações para redução de IRAS as instituições de saúde valem-se de indicadores de resultado que determinam valores numéricos de sua incidência e prevalência. Considerando que a IRAS é multicausal, o método de avaliação é restrito, mensurando apenas o volume de desfechos sem considerar as etapas do processo assistencial. Este estudo teve a finalidade de contribuir com a melhoria da qualidade das práticas de prevenção e controle das IRAS, por meio da aplicação de indicadores processuais na avaliação da conformidade das práticas de antibioticoprofilaxia cirúrgica por especialidade e tipo de procedimento cirúrgico, verificando sua associação às características individuais da população. Tratou-se de um estudo de avaliação para gestão, com desenho transversal descritivo. O cenário foi um hospital de 200 leitos localizado na cidade de São Paulo. A casuística correspondeu a procedimentos limpos das especialidades de cirurgia cardíaca, neurológica e ortopédica, realizados em pacientes adultos. O uso de antibioticoprofilaxia, droga, duração, via de administração, momento de inícioe dose, foram avaliados, conforme recomendação da instituição. As variáveis de associação foram idade, sexo, IRIC e local de internação no pós-operatório imediato. A amostra foi calculada com base na conformidade esperada de 50%, correspondendo à avaliação de 748 prontuários; 423 (56,6%) com indicação de antibioticoprofilaxia e 325 (43,4%) sem indicação. A conformidade geral foi de 4,9%; para procedimentos sem indicação de uso, foi de 8,7% e com indicação, 1,9%. A conformidade em cirurgias ortopédicas foi de 5,8%; neurológicas (3,1%) e cardíacas (3,0%). Para procedimentos com indicação de uso a conformidade geral em cirurgia cardíaca foi 3,0%; neurocirurgia, 2,4% e cirurgia ortopédica, 1,0%. Nas cirurgias cardíacas, estavam conforme três procedimentos (comissurotomia mitral, ressecção de tumor cardíaco e troca valvar com revascularização do miocárdio); na neurocirurgia, quatro (artrodese, craniotomia, laminectomia e radiculotomia) e na cirurgia ortopédica 36,4% das retiradas de material de síntese. Estavam conforme com, pelo menos, três parâmetros 94,9% das cirurgias ortopédicas, 93,1% das cardíacas e 87,9% das ortopédicas. A via de administração estava conforme em 100,0% das observações, o uso e a dose em 97,6%, a droga em 80,9%, o momento em 62,5% e a duração em 4,8%. A associação entre as características individuais dos pacientes e a conformidade geral, ao uso e à duração da antibioticoprofilaxia não apresentaram diferenças significativas. Houve diferenças significativasquanto a conformidade em relação ao momento da primeira dose e IRIC 1; à droga escolhida e IRIC 0. Concluiu-se que, embora a conformidade geral tenha sido baixa, a maior parte dos parâmetros de uso de antibioticoprofilaxia cirúrgica estava conforme em todas as especialidades avaliadas, logo o que impactou na não conformidade, de fato, foi a duração da antibioticoprofilaxia cirúrgica.

Healthcare associated infection (HAI) is a significant public health problem that affects patients length of stay, and hospital costs due to both greater supplies consumption and greater health aggravation. Despite the existence of guidelines and legislations on the issue, HAI is the most frequent source of problems for hospital inpatients. Aiming to establishing actions to curb HAI, healthcare settings apply outcome indicators that quantify its occurrence and prevalence. Considering that HAI has several sources, such evaluation method is limited because it only measures the outcomes without considering the full healthcare process. This study intended to contribute to the improvement of HAI control and prevention practices through the employment of process indicators. The proposed indicators evaluated the compliance of prophylactic antibiotics use in surgeries, according to its specialty and procedure type, and related outcomes with population characteristics. The analysis consisted of a cross-cutting descriptive study. Data were collected in a 200 bed hospital located in Sao Paulo city. The sample enclosed clean procedures applied to adult patients of cardiac, neurologic, and orthopedic surgeries. The adoption of prophylactic antibiotics was evaluated in addition to drug applied, employment period, vial, dose, and employment time, all according to the guidelines of the institution. The association variables were: age, sex, IRIC, and post surgery room type. The sample wassized according to the expected compliance (50,0%) taking into account 748 records. About 423 (56,6%) of them had prophylactic antibiotic use recommendation and 325 (43,4%) did not have any recommendation. The general compliance was 4,9%; and for procedures with and without recommendation it was respectively 1,9% and 8,7%. The compliance in orthopedic, neurologic, and cardiac surgeries was respectively 5,8%, 3,1%, and 3,0%. For procedures with prophylaxis recommendation, the general compliance of cardiac procedures, neurologic, and orthopedic was respectively 3,0%, 2,4%, and 1,0%. Among cardiac surgeries three procedures were in compliance: mitral commissurotomy, cardiac tumor ressection and valve replacement with coronary bypass. Among neurologic surgery, four procedures were in compliance: spinal fusion, craniotomy, laminectomy e radiculotomy. Among orthopedic surgery 36,4% of the synthesis material extraction was in compliance. About 94,9% of the orthopedic surgeries, 93,1% of the cardiac, and 87,9% of the orthopedic complied to at least three parameters. Vial compliance was observed in 100% of the assessed records. Employment and drug dose, drug choice, timing, and antibiotic prophylaxis course were in compliance with respectively 97,6%, 80,9%, 62,5%, and 4,8%. An assessment of inpatients individual characteristics versus general compliance did not present any statistic difference. Significant differences were related to compliance to first dose timing versus risk index1, and chosen drug versus risk index 0. In conclusion, despite a low general compliance, most of the antibiotic prophylaxis parameters of the assessed specialties were in compliance. Therefore, the greatest non compliance impact was the antibiotic prophylaxis course.

Indicadores de avaliação do processamento de artigos odonto-médico-hospitalares: elaboração e validação / Indicadores para la evaluación del reprocesamiento del productos medicos del hospital: construcción y validación / Indicators for evaluation of processing dental-medical-hospital supplies: elaboration and validation

Estudo de desenvolvimento metodológico de elaboração e validação de medidas de avaliação em saúde, com a finalidade de contribuir com sistemas de avaliação de práticas de controle e prevenção de infecção hospitalar, pela elaboração e validação de oito indicadores para avaliação do processamento de artigos odonto-médico-hospitalares. A partir de fundamentação teórico-científica e contemplando avaliações de estrutura, processo e resultado, tais indicadores permitem elaboração de índices de conformidade com relação às melhores práticas esperadas (padrão-ouro). A validação referiu-se à validade de conteúdo, pela técnica de consenso de especialistas para julgamento de representatividade e aplicabilidade. Todos os indicadores foram aprovados. Os julgamentos efetuados, incluindo comentários e sugestões, demonstraram a importância de se realizar validação de processos de avaliação, independentemente da existência de critérios padrão-ouro e/ou relevância na prática assistencial.

Methodological study to elaborate and validate measures of evaluation in health contributing to an evaluation system of practices related to the control and prevention of hospital infection. It was elaborated eight dental-medical-hospital supply reprocessing conformity indicators. Indicators are described using items of the structure, process and outcomes that permitted the elaboration of conformity indicators related to the best practices (gold pattern). It was performed the content validity of the attributes of applicability and representativeness by a consensus expert judgment process using a psychometric scale. All the indicators showed to have content validity. Expert judgments, including comments and suggestions, evidenced the importance of perform validity of the evaluation processes, independently of the existence of golden pattern criteria and/or relevancies to the nursing practice.

Estudio de desenvolvimiento metodológico para la elaboración y validación de medidas de evaluación en salud, con la finalidad de contribuir con los sistemas de evaluación de prácticas para el control y prevención de las infecciones hospitalarias, por la elaboración y validación de ocho indicadores de evaluación del procesamiento de instrumentos odonto-médico-hospitalarios. A partir de la fundamentación teórico científico, tales indicadores contemplan evaluaciones de estructura, proceso y resultado así como permiten la elaboración de índices de conformidad con relación a las mejores prácticas esperadas (padrón-oro). La evaluación se refirió a la validez del contenido, por la técnica de consenso de especialistas para el juzgamiento de representatividad y aplicabilidad. Todos los indicadores fueron aprobados. Los juzgamientos efectuados, incluyendo comentarios y sugestiones, demostraron la importancia de realizar la validación de procesos de evaluación, independiente da existencia de criterios padrón-oro y/o a la relevancia de su repercusión en la práctica asistencial.

Vancomycin administration: mistakes made by nursing staff.

AIM: To identify the number and types of errors made by assistant and technical nurses when administering intravenous (IV) vancomycin. METHOD: Preparation and IV administration of 143 doses of vancomycin by 55 assistant and technical nurses were observed in four acute wards (three adult and one paediatric) in a public university hospital in Brazil. Non-participant observers completed a structured checklist for each dose. RESULTS: A total of 27 (19%) doses were administered correctly and 116 (81%) incorrectly. There were 268 errors of four types: (i) incorrect dose; (ii) improper preparation of a dose; (iii) inadequate administration technique; and (iv) infusion at an incorrect rate. For 13 of 143 (9%) doses, errors occurred in all four aspects of administration. Errors were observed on all four wards. CONCLUSION: The high incidence of suboptimal administration of vancomycin observed is a cause for concern. Focused education and safety measures have been introduced and their impact is being evaluated.