The effectiveness of simulation-based training on KAU hospital housekeeping staff performance.

BACKGROUND: Hospital Housekeeping staff play a key role in maintaining safe and clean environments to prevent infection and its spread in hospital. Innovative training approaches are necessary for this category; especially since their educational level is below average. Simulation based training can be a valuable tool for them in health care sector. However, no studies have explored the impact of simulation-based training on housekeeping staff performance, which is the focus of this study. OBJECTIVE: This research focuses on exploring the effectiveness of simulation-based training for Hospital Housekeeping Staff. METHODS: The study used pre-post training data from 124 housekeeping staff in different work areas at KAUH to measure the effectiveness of the program on their performance. The training includes five segments: General Knowledge training, Personal Protective Equipment, Hand Hygiene, Cleaning Biological Materials, and Terminal Cleaning. The study incorporated a two-sample paired T-test, One-Way ANOVA to detect differences in mean performance pre-and post-training and between groups in terms of gender and work area. RESULTS: Study results show a significant improvement in housekeeping staff performance after the training, where the performance measure of GK was improved by 33%, PPE 42%, HH 53%, Biological Spill Kit is 64%, and terminal cleaning 11% However, there is no significant difference in performance improvements in all stations in regards of gender and work area except for the Biological Spill Kit in terms of the work area. CONCLUSION: Results show the effectiveness of training as there are statistically significant differences in housekeeping staff mean performance pre-and post-training. The simulation-based training changed the behavior of the cleaners, as they became more confident and understanding in performing their work. Expanding the use of simulation as a basis for training this important group and further study is recommended.

Equipe de limpeza hospitalar no contexto pandêmico: protocolo de scoping review / Hospital housekeeping team in the pandemic context: a scoping review protocol / Equipo de limpieza hospitalaria en el contexto de la pandemia: protocolo de revisión de alcance

OBJETIVO: Mapear a produção científica acerca da atuação dos profissionais de limpeza hospitalar durante a pandemia da COVID-19. MÉTODO: A busca será realizada nas bases de dados eletrônicas: PubMed / MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus Preview, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) e Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde (BVS). Para análise na literatura cinzenta será realizada pesquisa na Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, Google Scholar e Open Gray, sem aplicação de filtros. Os critérios de elegibilidade serão: estudos disponíveis na íntegra, publicados a partir de dezembro de 2019,e que respondem à questão de pesquisa proposta. Estudos em andamento ou preprint serão excluídos. Será realizada a avaliação do título e do resumo de todos os estudos localizados, com base nos critérios de elegibilidade. Os dados extraídos serão apresentados em diagramas ou no formato tabular, sendo acompanhados por um resumo narrativo.

OBJECTIVE: To map the scientific production about the performance of hospital housekeeping professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: The research will be conducted in the following electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus Preview, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Biblioteca VirtualdaSaúde (BVS). In the case of the Gray Literature, a search will be performed in the Brazilian Library of Theses and Dissertation, in Google Scholar and in Open Gray, without applying any filters.The eligibility criteria will be the following: studies available in full, published from December 2019 onwards, and that answer the research question proposed. On going or preprint studies will be excluded.The titles and abstracts of all thes tudiesfound will be evaluated based on the eligibility criteria. The data extracted will be presented in diagram sortables, accompanied by a narrative summary.

OBJETIVO: Mapear la producción científica acerca del desempeño de los profesionales de limpieza hospitalaria durante la pandemia de COVID-19. MÉTODO: La búsqueda se realizará en las siguientes bases de datos electrónicas: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus Preview, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) y Biblioteca Virtual de la Salud (BVS). En el caso de la investigación en la Literatura Gris, la búsqueda se realizará en la Biblioteca Digital Brasileña de Tesis y Disertaciones, en Google Scholar y en Open Gray, sin aplicar ningún filtro. Los criterios de elegibilidad serán los siguientes: estudios disponibles en su texto completo, publicados a partir de diciembre de 2019, y que respondan la pregunta de investigación propuesta. Se excluirán estudios en curso o en preprint. Se evaluarán los títulos y resúmenes de todos los estudios localizados sobre la base de los criterios de elegibilidad. Los datos extraídos se presentarán en diagramas o tablas, acompañados por un resumen narrativo.

Portación nasal de Staphylococcus aureus en el personal de salud de áreas críticas de un Hospital Pediátrico durante julio-setiembre 2018 / Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in health personnel in critical areas of a Pediatric Hospital during July-September 2018 / Transporte nasal de Staphylococcus aureus em profissionais de saúde em áreas críticas de um Hospital Pediátrico durante julho-setembro de 2018

Las infecciones intrahospitalarias (IIH) son causa de elevada morbimortalidad y representan un problema sanitario importante. El personal de salud es reservorio y potencial transmisor de los agentes etiológicos de las mismas. S. aureus es uno de los microorganismos implicados, por lo tanto es importante conocer la frecuencia de portación en el personal de salud y establecer el perfil de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana para contribuir con la elaboración de medidas de prevención incluyendo actividades educativas. Objetivo: Conocer la frecuencia de portación de S. aureus, distribución y antibiotipos de las cepas presentes en el personal sanitario del Hospital Pediátrico de Referencia (HPR). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo durante el periodo julio-setiembre del año 2018. Se incluyeron muestras de hisopados nasales de trabajadores de la salud de distintas áreas de internación que consintieron participar en el estudio. Se excluyeron aquellos que recibieron antibióticos dentro de los 3 meses previos al estudio. Las muestras fueron sembradas en agar sangre ovina al 5% (ASO) y se incubaron a 35-37ºC en aerobiosis por 24-48 horas. La identificación de las colonias sospechosas de Staphylococcus aureus por métodos convencionales y MALDI-TOF. El patrón de resistencia antimicrobiana de S. aureus se detectó por disco-difusión. En los cultivos resistentes a meticilina (SAMR) se determinó la presencia del gen mecA y se realizó la tipificación del SCCmec por pruebas de reacción en cadena de polimerasa. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 225 hisopados a partir de 225 trabajadores, presentaron desarrollo 212. En 49 se recuperaron cultivos de S. aureus. Correspondieron a SAMR 11 de las 49 cepas, todas portaban el gen mecA. Hubo predominio en el personal de enfermería (7/11), en los servicios de hemato-oncología (3/11) y cuidados intensivos neonatales (4/11). Asociaron resistencia a macrólidos y clindamicina 8 de 11 aislamientos SAMR, a gentamicina 2 y a mupirocina uno. El SCCmec más frecuentemente identificado fue el tipo IV (7/11). Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran la presencia de cepas SAMR entre el personal de salud del CHPR y aportan información complementaria para efectuar prevención y control de las IIH, actuando sobre todo en el personal de salud encargado de la atención de pacientes susceptibles.

Hospital-acquired infections (IIH) are a cause of high morbidity and mortality and represent a major health problem. Health personnel are reservoirs and potential transmitters of their etiological agents. S. aureus is one of the microorganisms involved, therefore it is important to know the frequency of carriage in health personnel and establish the antimicrobial susceptibility profile to contribute to the development of prevention measures, including educational activities. Objective: To know the frequency of carriage of S. aureus, distribution and antibiotypes of the strains present in the health personnel of the Reference Pediatric Hospital (HPR). Materials and methods: A descriptive study was carried out during the period July-September 2018. Nasal swab samples from health workers from different hospitalization areas who agreed to participate in the study were included. Those who received antibiotics within 3 months prior to the study were excluded. The samples were seeded in 5% sheep blood agar (ASO) and incubated at 35-37ºC in aerobiosis for 24-48 hours. Identification of suspicious Staphylococcus aureus colonies by conventional methods and MALDI-TOF. The antimicrobial resistance pattern of S. aureus was detected by disc diffusion. In methicillin-resistant cultures (MRSA), the presence of the mecA gene was determined and SCCmec was typified by polymerase chain reaction tests. Results: 225 swabs were obtained from 225 workers, 212 showed development. S. aureus cultures were recovered from 49. 11 of the 49 strains corresponded to MRSA, all of them carried the mecA gene. There was a predominance in the nursing staff (7/11), in the hematology-oncology services (3/11) and neonatal intensive care (4/11). They associated resistance to macrolides and clindamycin in 8 of 11 MRSA isolates, 2 to gentamicin, and 1 to mupirocin. The most frequently identified SCCmec was type IV (7/11). Conclusions: The results show the presence of MRSA strains among the health personnel of the CHPR and provide complementary information to carry out prevention and control of IIH, acting especially on the health personnel in charge of the care of susceptible patients.

As infecções hospitalares (HII) são causa de alta morbidade e mortalidade e representam um importante problema de saúde. Os profissionais de saúde são reservatórios e potenciais transmissores de seus agentes etiológicos. O S. aureus é um dos micro-organismos envolvidos, por isso é importante conhecer a frequência de portadores em profissionais de saúde e estabelecer o perfil de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana para contribuir no desenvolvimento de medidas de prevenção incluindo atividades educativas. Objetivo: Conhecer a frequência de portadores de S. aureus, distribuição e antibiótipos das cepas presentes no pessoal de saúde do Hospital Pediátrico de Referência (HPR). Materiais e métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo durante o período de julho a setembro de 2018. Foram incluídas amostras de swab nasal de profissionais de saúde de diferentes áreas de internação que concordaram em participar do estudo. Aqueles que receberam antibióticos nos 3 meses anteriores ao estudo foram excluídos. As amostras foram semeadas em 5% de ágar sangue de carneiro (ASO) e incubadas a 35-37ºC em aerobiose por 24-48 horas. Identificação de colônias suspeitas de Staphylococcus aureus por métodos convencionais e MALDI-TOF. O padrão de resistência antimicrobiana de S. aureus foi detectado por difusão em disco. Em culturas resistentes à meticilina (MRSA), a presença do gene mecA foi determinada e SCCmec foi tipificado por testes de reação em cadeia da polimerase. Resultados: 225 swabs foram obtidos de 225 trabalhadores, 212 apresentaram desenvolvimento. Culturas de S. aureus foram recuperadas de 49. 11 das 49 cepas correspondiam a MRSA, todas carregavam o gene mecA. Houve predominância na equipe de enfermagem (7/11), nos serviços de hematologia-oncologia (3/11) e de terapia intensiva neonatal (4/11). Eles associaram resistência a macrolídeos e clindamicina em 8 de 11 isolados de MRSA, 2 à gentamicina e 1 à mupirocina. O SCCmec mais frequentemente identificado foi o tipo IV (7/11). Conclusões: Os resultados mostram a presença de cepas de MRSA entre os profissionais de saúde do CHPR e fornecem informações complementares para realizar a prevenção e controle da HII, atuando principalmente sobre os profissionais de saúde responsáveis ​​pelo atendimento de pacientes suscetíveis.

Autoestima de trabalhadores terceirizados do setor de conservação de higiene e limpeza de hospitais privados / Self-esteem of outsourced workers in the hygiene conservation and cleaning sector of private hospitals

No Brasil, o setor hospitalar vem utilizando de forma progressiva a terceirização dos seus serviços, ou seja, a contratação de agentes terceiros para suprir a sua força de trabalho, visando redução de custos e melhora da competitividade no mercado. Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a autoestima de trabalhadores terceirizados de serviços de higiene e limpeza em instituições hospitalares privadas. Trata-se de pesquisa do tipo exploratória, descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa dos dados, tendo como cenário duas instituições hospitalares privadas que possuem serviços de conservação de limpeza e higiene de uma cidade no interior de Minas Gerais, classificadas como pertencentes ao grupo III segundo a Portaria nº. 82/2014 do Ministério da Saúde. Os participantes foram trabalhadores terceirizados dos serviços de higiene e limpeza que atuam nas instituições hospitalares selecionadas. Para a coleta de dados foram utilizados dois roteiros: questionário de identificação de dados sociodemográficos elaborado pela pesquisadora, apresentando tempo de preenchimento de no máximo cinco minutos; entrevista semiestruturada individual com questões sobre a sua autoestima, com duração aproximada de 20 a 30 minutos. As entrevistas ocorreram em local arejado, limpo e seco; foram gravadas, posteriormente transcritas e feita análise temática indutiva dos dados. Em virtude da Pandemia COVID19, a pesquisadora realizou a coleta de dados individualmente, seguindo protocolo das instituições. A amostra do estudo constitui-se de 15 trabalhadores. Observou-se a prevalência do sexo feminino e a idade média foi de 41 anos, variando entre 24 e 60 anos de idade. Quanto à escolaridade, duas pessoas (13,3%) dos trabalhadores afirmaram ter ensino fundamental completo, sete pessoas (46,7%) têm ensino fundamental incompleto. Quanto ao tempo de serviço, foi constatado que seis trabalhadores (40%) atuam há mais de cinco anos na função, o que evidencia uma população experiente. No que se refere ao tempo de atuação no local de trabalho, três (20%) trabalhadores tem menos de um ano e nove (60%), está entre um a cinco anos no trabalho, demonstrando elevado índice de rotatividade no serviço. A análise dos dados permitiu identificar aspectos positivos do trabalho relacionados a autoestima como satisfação pessoal e profissional, horários flexíveis, benefícios, ambiente de trabalho e relacionamento com colegas e chefia. Os dados também revelaram aspectos limitantes podendo afetar de forma negativa a autoestima do trabalhador e levando a insatisfação, tais como o acúmulo de funções assistenciais pelo número reduzido de trabalhadores. A pesquisa auxilia para o avanço da ciência e conhecimento, uma vez que agrega aspectos relacionados a autoestima de trabalhadores terceirizados de serviços de higiene e limpeza em instituições hospitalares privadas. O estudo contribui para provocar a reflexão de gestores do serviço de limpeza de hospitais quanto à importância de garantir condições que favoreçam a diminuição da exposição dos trabalhadores às cargas de trabalho referentes a mudanças que aconteçam, internas e externas, bem como promover ações educativas e coletivas relacionadas à adequação do ambiente laboral e das práticas de trabalho realizadas neste contexto

In Brazil, the hospital sector has been progressively using the outsourcing of its services, i.e., hiring third-party agents to supply its workforce, aiming to reduce costs and improve market competitiveness. This study aims to analyze the self-esteem of outsourced workers of hygiene and cleaning services in private hospital institutions. This is descriptive exploratory research with a qualitative approach to data, having as scenario two private hospital institutions that have cleaning and hygiene conservation services of a city in the interior of Minas Gerais, classified as belonging to group III according to Ordinance No. 82/2014 of the Ministry of Health. Participants were outsourced workers of hygiene and cleaning services who work in the selected hospital institutions. For data collection, two scripts were used: a questionnaire to identify social demographic data prepared by the researcher, with a maximum of five minutes to be filled out; and an individual semi-structured interview with questions about self-esteem, lasting approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The interviews took place in a ventilated, clean, and dry place; they were recorded, later transcribed, and an inductive thematic analysis was made of the data. Because of the COVID19 pandemic, the researcher collected the data individually, following the protocol of the institutions. The study sample consisted of fifteen workers from the hygiene and cleaning service of the selected hospital institutions. It was observed the prevalence of the female gender and the average age was 41, ranging from 24 to 60 years old. As for education, 02 people (13.3%) of workers said they had completed elementary school and 07 people (46.7%) had incomplete elementary school. As for the length of service, it was found that six workers (40%) have been working for more than five years, which shows an experienced population. With regard to working time in the workplace, three (20%) workers have less than one year and nine (60%) have been working for one to five years, demonstrating a high rate of turnover in the service. Data analysis allowed us to identify positive aspects of work related to self-esteem such as personal and professional satisfaction, flexible hours, benefits, work environment and relationship with colleagues and management.The data also revealed limiting aspects that can negatively affect the worker's self-esteem and lead to dissatisfaction, such as the accumulation of care functions by the reduced number of workers.The research helps to advance science and knowledge, as it adds aspects related to the self-esteem of outsourced workers in hygiene and cleaning services in private hospitals. The study contributes to provoking the reflection of hospital cleaning service managers regarding the importance of ensuring conditions that favor the reduction of workers' exposure to workloads related to changes that happen, internal and external, as well as promoting educational and collective actions. related to the adequacy of the work environment and work practices carried out in this context

Avaliação dos processos de higienização hospitalar através do lean healthcare: estratégias para segurança e qualidade do cuidado em saúde / Evaluation of Hospital hygiene processes through Lean Healthcare: strategies for safety and quality of health care

Este estudo teve o objetivo de indicar estratégias de melhoria contínua dos processos de higienização de superfícies hospitalares de uma unidade de terapia intensiva através de abordagem Lean Healthcare. É um estudo de caráter exploratório, descritivo, observacional, em que a coleta de dados ocorreu no período de julho de 2021 a janeiro de 2022 por observações in loco e entrevistas com cinco profissionais do serviço de higienização. Utilizaram-se as ferramentas: Gemba, mapeamento de fluxo de valor e diagrama do espaguete adaptado, árvore da realidade atual (ARA), Matriz GUT, Matriz de esforço impacto e 5W2H, para levantar, analisar problemas e propor intervenções para futuras melhorias. Como indicador de qualidade do processo optou-se pelo uso de marcadores fluorescentes com análise de 10 higienizações terminais. Para tratamento dos dados utilizou-se o software Miro®, o Excel® e uma planta física projetada da área. Atendeu parcialmente às diretrizes SQUIRE 2.0 através do uso de ferramentas Lean com foco na melhoria da qualidade, segurança e cuidados em saúde. Identificou-se o uso inadequado de desinfetante e de equipamento de proteção individual, manejo incorreto de perfurocortante, além da ordem, técnica e movimentos incorretos. O percentual do indicador completo/correto do processo de higienização terminal foi de 70%. Além disso, o teste do marcador fluorescente demonstrou apenas 33% de conformidade da limpeza, concluindo que não houve padrão em nenhuma higienização terminal observada. Além disso, identificou-se inadequações que comprometeram a qualidade do processo de limpeza e desinfecção de leitos, o que é uma premissa básica para otimização do trabalho e sustentabilidade institucional. Nesse contexto, os resultados sumarizados neste estudo demonstraram que a utilização das ferramentas Lean contribuiu para a proposição de intervenções objetivas baseadas nos reais problemas identificados e analisados.

This study aimed to adjust strategies for continuous improvement of hospital equipment management processes in an intensive care unit through Lean Healthcare approch. It is exploratory, descriptive, observational in which data collection took place from July 2021 to January 2022 through on-site observations and interviews with five professionals from the hygiene service. Use as tools: Gemba, value mapping and adapted flow flow, current reality tree (ARA), GUT Matrix, Impact Effort Matrix and 5W2H, to raise, analyze problems and propose interventions for future improvements. As an indicator of process quality, we chose to use fluorescent indicators with analysis of 10 cleaning terminals. To use Miro® software, Excel® and an area data treatment plant. Attended health services. Inadequate use of disinfectant and personal protective equipment, inadequate sharps, in addition to incorrect order, techniques and movements were identified. The percentage of the indicator/correct in the evaluation process of the complete terminal was 70%. In addition, the fluorescent marker test is only 33% cleaning compliance, concluding that there was no pattern in any terminal cleaning observed. In addition, the necessary adaptations to guarantee the sustainability and quality of the bed cleaning process, which is basic for the optimization of work and institutional infection. In these summaries, in this study, the results are calculated and the use of Lean tools designed to propose objective interventions in real problems and estimates.

Accidentes laborales del personal de limpieza en el servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Clínico Viedma, tercer trimestre 2021 / Occupational accidents of cleaning staff in the Emergency Department, Viedma Clinical Hospital, third quarter 2021

El accidente de trabajo es un hecho repentino relacionado con las actividades laborales, provocando al trabajador daño, enfermedad o muerte. Cuando no ocasiona lesión se habla de un incidente, ya que casi siempre el hecho de ocurrir la lesión es algo fortuito. El sector salud, no está exento de la posibilidad de sufrir una enfermedad por accidente por diversas causas ya sea mediante el contagio de un agente patógeno o un daño accidental. Los objetos punzocortantes constituyen probablemente el mayor riesgo ocupacional en los manipuladores de desechos, por el daño que pueden causar y la transmisión de enfermedades.La presente investigación se realizó para describir las acciones que realiza el personal de limpieza ante un accidente laboral. El trabajo tuvo un abordaje cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo, transversal, prospectivo y retrospectivo, tomando como muestra 12 personas que trabajan en el servicio de emergencias del Hospital Clínico Viedma, gestión 2021.Los resultados más significativos muestran el 67 % del personal de limpieza sufrió accidentes como golpes, seguido de un 58 % con exposición a fluidos corporales da a conocer que es un riesgo elevado que va relacionado con la mala manipulación de residuos infecciosos por parte del personal de salud, por tanto, podrían desarrollar enfermedades como VIH. (AU)

Ambiência: limpeza e desinfecção de ambientes / Environment: cleaning and ambience disinfection

Esta Norma Técnica tem por objetivo estabelecer as condições para limpeza e desinfecção de ambientes em Bancos de Leite Humano e Postos de Coleta de Leite Humano, visando a garantia da qualidade nestes serviços e sua certificação

Higiene e conduta: ambiente / Hygiene and conduct: environment

Esta Norma Técnica tem por objetivo estabelecer as condições de higiene e conduta dos ambientes de Bancos de Leite Humano e de Postos de Coleta de Leite Humano, visando a garantia da qualidade nestes serviços e sua certificação.

Evaluation of the environmental contamination and exposure risk in medical/non-medical staff after oxaliplatin-based pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy.

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a technique to directly deliver chemotherapeutic drugs in the abdomen for the treatment of peritoneal metastases. Pressurization improves the treatment efficacy but increases the risk of exposure for the medical/non-medical staff who can be exposed by dermal or ocular contact, or inhalation of aerosols containing the cytotoxic drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of exposure for the medical/non-medical staff (nurses, surgeons, anaesthesiologists and cleaning personnel; n = 13) during PIPAC with oxaliplatin performed according to the protocol recommended in France. Blood samples were collected 1 h before and immediately after PIPAC, and urine samples 1 h before, and then 3 h and the morning after PIPAC. In the control, non-exposed group (n = 7), only one urine and blood sample were collected. Surface contamination in the operating room was assessed in water- and Surfanios-impregnated wipe samples. The total elemental platinum in each sample was quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, using a method adapted to quantify trace amounts (ng.L-1) in very low volumes (100 µl). No surface contamination was detected. Although 25% of urine samples in the exposed group contained platinum, no statistical difference was observed in urine and plasma samples collected before and after PIPAC and with the control group samples. These findings suggest that the French PIPAC protocol does not increase the risk of exposure to platinum in all staff categories involved. This protocol could be considered in future occupational policies and consensus statements. Trial registration: NCT04014426.

Comparing visual inspection and performance observation for evaluation of hospital cleanliness.

BACKGROUND: Environmental cleaning is an effective measure to prevent infections. However, performance observation has been rarely delineated. This study aimed to compare correlations among visual inspection, performance observation, and effectiveness by using adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence (ATP bioluminescence) as a comparator to find out which method is better to assess hospital cleanliness. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at a medical center from April 2019 to October 2020. Seven high-touch surfaces were evaluated during and after terminal cleaning by performance observation, visual inspection, and ATP bioluminescence. RESULTS: The scores by performance observation, visual inspection, and ATP were 55.4%, 87.5%, and 26.6% after cleaning. The correlations between performance observation and visual inspection and between performance observation and ATP interpretation were weak positive (φ = 0.300, 0.324, P < .001). No correlation was between the visual inspection and ATP interpretation (φ=0.137). The median of ATP readings was lower in "compliant" group by performance observation and "clean" group by visual inspection than "not compliant" group and "not clean" group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Performance observation combined with ATP would be preferred to include to audit cleanliness on high-risk surfaces. Visual inspection would be a rapid and time-saving assessment tool on low-risk surfaces.

Hepatitis B virus infection and its associated factors among medical waste collectors at public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia: a facility-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The risk of hepatitis B virus infection among medical waste handlers who undergo collection, transportation, and disposal of medical wastes in the health institutions is higher due to frequent exposure to contaminated blood and other body fluids. There is limited evidence on the seroprevalence of hepatitis B among medical waste handlers in eastern Ethiopia. The study was aimed at studying the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and associated risk factors among medical waste collectors at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected medical waste collectors from public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia from March to June 2018. A pre-tested and well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and hepatitis B infection risk factors. A2.5ml venous blood was also collected, centrifuged and the serum was analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using the instant hepatitis B surface antigen kit. Descriptive summary measures were done. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to assess the risk of association. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted with 95% CI and all value at P-value < 0.05 was declared statistically significant. RESULTS: From a total of 260 (97.38%) medical waste collectors participated, HBV was detected in 53 (20.4%) of the participants [95%CI; 15.8, 25.6]. No significant differences were observed in the detection rates of HBV with respect to socio-demographic characteristics. In both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis, being unvaccinated (AOR = 6.35; 95%CI = [2.53-15.96], P = 0.001), history of blood transfusion (receiving) (AOR; 3.54; 95%CI; [1.02-12.24], P = 0.046), history of tattooing (AOR = 2.86; 95%CI = [1.12-7.27], p = 0.03), and history of multiple sexual partner (AOR = 10.28; 95%CI = [4.16-25.38], P = 0.001) remained statistically significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional study identified that HBV infection is high among medical waste collectors in eastern Ethiopia. Immunization and on job health promotion and disease prevention measures should be considered in order to control the risk of HBV infection among medical waste collectors in eastern Ethiopia.

Evidence-based review of safe theatre practice during the COVID-19 pandemic beyond personal protective equipment.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 remains a threat for a fear of a second pandemic. Emergency orthopaedic operations are still among the most commonly performed procedures with increased risk of transmission of SARS CoV-2 to the patients and the healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to present the evidence available into best practices limiting the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare setting during current and future pandemics. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed in multiple databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control), using 'COVID-19' with other relevant keywords in different combinations. Owing to the limited and heterogenous evidence available, data were presented in a narrative manner. FINDINGS: From the evidence gathered it was noted that a multimodal approach to minimising pathogen transmission is required. This primarily comprises the wider engineering and administrative controls to reduce the concentration of the pathogen and to separate staff and patients from it. Theatre isolation and traffic control bundling, theatre flow and logistics, ventilation and waste management form a pivotal role in the environmental/engineering controls. Administrative measures include policies for both patients and staff. For patients, isolation and preoperative screening are of utmost value. For staff, testing for COVID-19, risk assessment, redeployment and provision of persona; protective equipment, together with the necessary training are important administrative controls. CONCLUSION: We believe these measures are likely to improve the sustainability of resources and can be carried to elective settings in order to return to some form of normality and help to mitigate the effects of future pandemics.

Enfermagem e higienização no gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos de saúde / Nursing and hygienization in the management of solid health waste / Enfermería e higienización en la gestión de residuos sólidos sanitarios

Objetivo: analisar o conhecimento dos profissionais da equipe de Enfermagem e de higienização sobre o manejo dos resíduos sólidos dos serviços de saúde. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, exploratório. Utilizaram-se para a coleta de dados dois questionários, um para a equipe de Enfermagem com 53 integrantes e outro para a equipe de limpeza com 21 integrantes, abordando questões pertinentes a cada categoria profissional. Calcularam-se as frequências relativas e absolutas das respostas para fins de mensuração e comparação. Resultados: observou-se, um nível de acertos alto de ambos os grupos entrevistados, que pode estar associado ao fato de a instituição manter, no seu Plano de Gerenciamento de Resíduos de Saúde, um programa de educação continuada, independentemente do tipo de vínculo empregatício dos trabalhadores. Conclusão: conclui-se que o conhecimento dos profissionais envolvidos sobre a prática correta do gerenciamento de resíduos de saúde demonstrou-se satisfatório e aqui destacamse os profissionais de limpeza, por vezes, negligenciados. Pontua-se que não se pode negar o impacto desse trabalho conjunto nos custos da instituição, na saúde dos trabalhadores e na preservação do meio ambiente.(AU)

Objective: to analyze the knowledge of the Nursing and Cleaning team professionals on the management of solid waste from health services. Method: It is a quantitative, descriptive, exploratory study. Two questionnaires were used for data collection, one for the 53-member nursing team and the other for the 21-member cleaning team, addressing issues relevant to each professional category. The relative and absolute frequencies of the answers were calculated for measurement and comparison purposes. Results: It was observed a high level of success of both groups interviewed, which may be associated to the fact that the institution maintains, in its Health Waste Management Plan, a program of continuous education, regardless of the type of employment relationship of the workers. Conclusion: The conclusion is that the knowledge of the professionals involved about the correct practice of health waste management has proved to be satisfactory and here cleaning professionals are sometimes neglected. It is pointed out that one cannot deny the impact of this joint work on the institution's costs, on the workers' health and on the environment's preservation.(AU)

Objetivo: analizar el conocimiento de los profesionales del equipo de Enfermería e higienización sobre el manejo de residuos sólidos de los servicios de salud. Método: se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, exploratorio. Para la recolección de datos se utilizaron dos cuestionarios, uno para el equipo de Enfermería con 53 integrantes y otro para el equipo de limpieza con 21 integrantes, abordando temas relevantes para cada categoría profesional. Se calcularon las frecuencias relativas y absolutas de las respuestas con fines de medición y comparación. Resultados: hubo un alto nivel de aciertos de ambos grupos entrevistados, lo que puede estar asociado a que la institución mantiene, en su Plan de Manejo de Residuos Sanitarios, un programa de educación continua, independientemente del tipo de relación laboral de los trabajadores. Conclusión: se concluye que el conocimiento de los profesionales involucrados sobre la correcta práctica de la gestión de residuos sanitarios resultó ser satisfactorio y aquí destacan los profesionales de la limpieza, en ocasiones desatendidos. Se señala que no se puede negar el impacto de este trabajo conjunto sobre los costos de la institución, la salud de los trabajadores y la preservación del medio ambiente.(AU)

An evaluation of cleaning practices at a teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the role of hospital-acquired infections in spreading epidemics. Adequately cleaning surfaces in patient rooms is an essential part of this fight to reduce the spread. Traditional audits, however, are insufficient. This study assesses surface cleaning practices using ultravoilet (UV) marker technology and the extent to which this technology can help improve cleaning audits and practices. METHODS: One hundred and forty-four audits (1,235 surfaces) were retrieved. UV-marker cleaning audits conducted at a major teaching hospital in 2018 after implementing a new cleaning protocol. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with cleaning staff and supervisors. RESULTS: On average, 63% of surfaces were appropriately cleaned. Toilet handles (80%) and toilet seats underside (83%) scored highest while main room sink fixtures (54%), light switch (55%), and bedrails (56%) scored lowest. Training, staffing and time constraints may play a role in low cleaning rates. DISCUSSION: The high-touch patient surfaces in the bedroom remain neglected and a potential source of infections. UV marker audits provided an objective measure of cleaning practices that managers and staff were unaware of. CONCLUSIONS: UV-markers audits can play a key role in revealing deficiencies in cleaning practices and help in raising awareness of these deficiencies and improving cleaning practices.

Anatomic Distribution of Sacroiliac Joint Lesions on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis and Control Subjects: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study, Including Postpartum Women, Patients With Disc Herniation, Cleaning Staff, Runners, and Healthy Individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomic location and distribution of lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the sacroiliac (SI) joints in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), women with and without postpartum pain (childbirth within 4-16 months), patients with disc herniation, cleaning staff, runners, and healthy persons. METHODS: In a prospective cross-sectional study of 204 participants, MRI of the entire cartilaginous compartment of the SI joint was scored blindly by 2 independent, experienced readers, according to Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada definitions of SI joint inflammation and structural lesions in each SI joint quadrant or half and in each of 9 slices. The locations of the lesions (unilateral/bilateral, upper/lower, sacral/iliac, and anterior/central/posterior slices) were analyzed based on concordant reads. RESULTS: Bone marrow edema (BME) occurred in all quadrants in nearly all participant groups, but rarely bilaterally, except in patients with axial SpA and women with postpartum pain. Fat lesions were mainly found in axial SpA and occurred in all quadrants, but mostly bilaterally in sacral quadrants. Erosion was rare, except in axial SpA, where it was mainly iliac and often bilateral. Sclerosis was exclusively iliac and most frequent in women with postpartum pain. CONCLUSION: The location and distribution of common SI joint lesions in axial SpA and non-axial SpA were reported, and group-specific patterns were revealed. BME distributed bilaterally or unilaterally, both locally and more widespread in the SI joint, is common in both postpartum women with pain and axial SpA patients, which limits the use of BME to differentiate these groups. This study indicates that the presence of fat lesions, especially when widespread, and/or erosion, particularly when located centrally or posteriorly, are diagnostically important and should be investigated further.

Atuação da equipe de enfermagem no processamento de produtos para a saúde na atenção básica / Actuación del equipo de enfermería en el procesamiento de productos para la salud en la atención básica / Performance of the nursing team in the processing of health products in primary care1

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a prática dos profissionais de enfermagem sobre o processamento de produtos para a saúde na atenção básica. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, realizadono mês de janeiro de 2015, em três Unidades Básicas de Saúde, de um município do Sul do Brasil, com 19 profissionais de enfermagem. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e analisados por intermédio da análise textual discursiva. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: emergiram da análise, resultados que expressam aprática da equipe de enfermagem e a forma como organizam o trabalho acerca do Processamento de Produtos para a Saúde (PPS). Considerações finais: constata-se a presença de práticas equivocadas na realização dos processos de limpeza e esterilização dos produtos para a saúde, implicando em potenciais perigos para a saúde dos pacientes. O estudo demonstra a importância da padronização dos processos de trabalho, visando práticas compassadas com as normatizações vigentes, harmônicas entre a equipe, permeando a responsabilidade, o conhecimento e a segurança.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la práctica de los profesionales de enfermería sobre el procesamiento de productos para la salud en la atención básica. Método: se trata de un estudio descriptivo y exploratorio, de abordaje cualitativo, realizado en el mes de enero de 2015, en tres Unidades Básicas de Salud, de un municipio del Sur de Brasil, con 19 profesionales de enfermería. Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de entrevista semiestructurada y analizados por medio del análisis textual discursivo. La investigación fue aprobada por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: surgieron, del análisis, resultados que expresan la práctica del equipo de enfermería y el modo que organizan el trabajo respecto al Procesamiento de Productos para la Salud (PPS). Consideraciones finales: se constata la presencia de prácticas equivocadas en la realización de los procesos de limpieza y esterilización de los productos para la salud, implicando potenciales peligros para la salud de los pacientes. El estudio demuestra la importancia de la estandarización de los procesos de trabajo, buscando prácticas acordes a las normalizaciones vigentes, armónicas entre el equipo, permeando la responsabilidad, el conocimiento y la seguridad.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the practice of nursing professionals on the processing of health products in primary care. Method: this is a descriptive and exploratory study, with a qualitative approach, carried out in January 2015, in three Basic Health Units, in a city in southern Brazil, with 19 nursing professionals. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through discursive textual analysis. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: the results emerged from the analysis that express the practice of the nursing team and the way they organize the work on the Processing of Health Products (PHP). Final considerations: there is the presence of mistaken practices in carrying out the cleaning and sterilization processes of health products, implying potential dangers to the health of patients. The study demonstrates the importance of standardizing work processes, aiming at practices in line with current regulations, harmonious between the team, permeating responsibility, knowledge and safety.

Índice de contaminação por ORSA em superfícies de uma enfermaria de Infectologia em Vitória, ES / ORSA contamination index in surfaces of an Infectology nursing in Vitória, ES

Objetivo: Avaliar a presença de Staphylococcus aureus resistente à oxacilina (ORSA) em superfícies frequentemente tocadas pelas mãos dos pacientes e profissionais de saúde (unidades de amostragem: maçanetas de portas e grades laterais dos leitos) antes e depois de limpeza concorrente em dias de semana e no final de semana. Método: Trata-se de estudo transversal de abordagem qualitativa, realizado na enfermaria de Infectologia de um Hospital Universitário de Vitória, ES. A qualidade da desinfecção foi avaliada por meio de cultivo qualitativa de S. aureus em uma área delimitada dos locais de coleta antes e após a limpeza concorrente. Posteriormente foi avaliado por meio de teste de disco-difusão o perfil de susceptibilidade das linhagens de S. aureus frente à oxacilina. As variáveis estudadas foram presença da bactéria e perfil de susceptibilidade (antibiograma). Resultados: Foram coletadas 93 amostras, sendo 37 (39,78%) em grades de leitos e 56 (60,22%) em maçanetas com proporção de dias de semana e final de semana semelhantes. Das 93 amostras, vinte (21,51%) foram positivas para S. aureus. Destas, quatro (20%) foram identificadas como ORSA. Conclusão: A análise estatística por meio do teste de Fisher revelou que não existe associação entre a qualidade, antes e depois, da limpeza. A análise entre os dias de coleta, final de semana e dias de semana, revelou que há independência entre as variáveis, corroborando a presença de um padrão de limpeza, independente do dia da semana.

Objective: To evaluate the presence of oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA) on surfaces frequently touched by the hands of patients and healthcare professionals (sampling units: door handles and bed side rails) before and after concurrent cleaning on weekdays and at the weekend. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach, carried out in the Infectious Diseases of a University Hospital in Vitória, ES. The quality of disinfection was assessed by means of qualitative cultivation of S. aureus in a defined area of the collection sites before and after concurrent cleaning. Subsequently, the susceptibility profile of S. aureus strains against oxacillin was evaluated by means of a disk-diffusion test. The variables studied were the presence of the bacterium and susceptibility profile (antibiogram). Results: 93 samples were collected, 37 (39.78%) in bed racks and 56 (60.22%) on door handles with a similar proportion of weekdays and weekends. Of the 93 samples, twenty (21.51%) were positive for S. aureus. Of these, four (20%) were identified as ORSA. Conclusion: Statistical analysis using Fisher's test revealed that there is no association between the quality, before and after, of cleaning. The analysis between the collection days, weekends and weekdays, revealed that there is independence between the variables, corroborating the presence of a cleaning pattern, regardless of the day of the week.

Occupational exposure of pharmacy technicians and cleaning staff to cytotoxic drugs in Dutch hospitals.

Many studies into surface contamination of hospital environments have demonstrated that occupational exposure to cytotoxics through the dermal route remains a possible risk. In this study, we assess the actual dermal exposure of the hands of pharmacy technicians and cleaning personnel in a panel of hospitals performing tasks that pose a risk of exposure. We compare the dermal exposure to a tentative limit value for cyclophosphamide. Pharmacy technicians and cleaning personnel were asked for hand rinsing after performance of nine tasks previously identified as posing a risk of occupational exposure. All samples were analyzed for the presence and quantity of eight antineoplastic drugs. By using data on both the frequency of the performance of the tasks and the measured dermal contamination during these tasks, weekly exposure to the marker drug (cyclophosphamide) was calculated. In five Dutch hospitals, 70 hand rinse samples and 8 blanks were collected. These were analyzed and results were used to calculate weekly exposure. The tentative limit value used was 0.74 µg of cyclophosphamide. For cleaning personnel, all results remained below this threshold value. For pharmacy technicians, the compounding itself also remained well below the limit; however, the task involving preparatory work, as well as the checking of compounded drugs, had a 13% chance of exceeding the limit. All of the highest values were found when employees were not wearing gloves on these tasks. Cleaning personnel and pharmacy technicians compounding cytotoxic drugs in our study were sufficiently protected from occupational exposure. In contrast, pharmacy technicians who perform preparatory and finishing tasks (before and after the actual compounding) are not protected enough when they do not wear gloves.