Management actions for prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections: A grounded theory approach.

AIM: To understand the management actions for prevention and control of health care-associated infections (HAIs) performed by health professionals. BACKGROUND: Prevention of nosocomial infections has evidence-based practice at its essence, but not all institutions are successful in implementing prevention methodology. METHODS: Qualitative research with Grounded Theory methodological framework. The research was carried out in two southern Brazilian hospitals. Data collected were employed through open interviews with 21 health professionals and managers. This process occurred concurrently with the data analysis, through constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: The understanding of the co-responsibility of managerial actions emerged as a central phenomenon of the theoretical model. Management actions for the prevention and control of HAIs are a collective phenomenon, in which co-responsibility sustains the effectiveness of the offered assistance. The behaviours of health teams in the face of structural and human weaknesses influence the construction of a supportive relationship in the effectiveness of patient safety actions. CONCLUSIONS: The sharing of responsibilities between professionals and the actions of prevention and control of HAIs arising from this conduct positively influence the promotion of safer and improved quality care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nursing managers should consider applying the tools to prevent and control HAIs and generate in-depth discussion to promote institution's cultural changes.

Oral hygiene prior to cardiac surgery to prevent infections: Randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT: It is not clear if an oral hygiene protocol to control biofilm applied before cardiac surgery can reduce infection rates. OBJECTIVE: We aim to verify the effectiveness of an oral hygiene protocol in reducing postoperative infections when compared to usual practices, in patients admitted to a cardiology unit, prior to cardiac surgery. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized, blind, controlled clinical trial, with 107 participants who expected to undergo cardiac surgery, randomized into two groups: Experimental Group (EG) standardized oral hygiene protocol (54) and Control Group (CG), usual practices performed in patients admitted (53). INTERVENTION: a standardized oral hygiene protocol, 1 day before surgery: professional prophylaxis with a portable ultrasound device, tooth brushing and flossing plus a 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate solution (0.12% CHX) mouth rinsing. When applicable, removable prostheses cleaning. PRIMARY OUTCOME: the presence of infection. RESULTS: The occurrence of postoperative infection was higher in CG = 7 (13.2%) than in EG = 5 (9.3%); but no statistical difference was found between protocols (p = 0.518). The length of stayed from surgery to discharge presented a statistical difference (p = 0.047; RR = 4.9; CI = 1.01-24.33); the percentage of postoperative infection was almost five times higher in those participants who stayed 11 or more days. CONCLUSION: The standardized oral hygiene protocol with mechanical and chemical cleaning, 1 day before cardiac surgery, was not more effective than the usual practices performed regarding the reduction of postoperative infections. Other interventions regarding oral hygiene procedures before cardiac surgery must be studied to contribute to the reduction of adverse post-surgical events. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Site Ensaclinicos.gov.br number U1111-1214-2862. DESCRIPTORS: Healthcare Associated Infections, Cardiovascular Diseases, Periodontal Diseases, Dental Biofilm, Cardiovascular Surgery.

Barriers to Discharge of Hip Fracture Patients From An Academic Hospital: A Retrospective Data Analysis.

Introduction: Adherence to best practices for care of hip fracture patients is fundamental to decreasing morbidity and mortality in older adults. This includes timely transfer from the hospital to rehabilitation soon after their surgical care. Hospitals experience challenges in implementing several best practices. We examined the potential barriers associated with timely discharge for patients who underwent a hip fracture surgery in an academic hospital in Ontario, Canada. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional review of a local database. We used descriptive statistics to characterize individuals according to the time of discharge after surgery. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with delayed discharge (>6 days post-surgery). Results: A total of 492 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery between September 2019 and August 2020 were included in the study. The odds of having a delayed discharge occurred when patients had a higher frailty score (odds ratios [OR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02;1.38), experienced an episode of delirium (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.35;4.79), or were non-weightbearing (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.07;8.43). Patients were less likely to have a delayed discharge when the surgery was on a weekend (OR .50, 95% CI .32;.79) compared to a weekday, patients had a total hip replacement (OR .28, 95% CI .10;.80) or dynamic hip screw fixation (OR .49, 95% CI .25;.98) compared to intramedullary nails, or patients who were discharged to long-term care (OR .05, 95% CI .02;.13), home (OR .26, 95% CI .15;.46), or transferred to another specialty in the hospital (OR .49, 95% CI .29;.84) compared to inpatient rehabilitation. Conclusions: Clinical and organizational factors can operate as potential barriers to timely discharge after hip fracture surgery. Further research is needed to understand how to overcome these barriers and implement strategies to improve best practice for post-surgery hip fracture care.

[Nursing governance: an integrative review of the literature]. / Governança em enfermagem: revisão integrativa da literatura.

The objective of this study was to identify and characterize types of nursing governance, with emphasis on its impact on nursing practice and health care. This integrative review covered reports published from 2007 to 2011 and indexed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, and the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Keywords used were governance and nursing , which retrieved 25 manuscripts. Most studies were from the United States and the United Kingdom. We identified three models of governance: shared governance, clinical governance, and public governance. The effects of the models identified included quality care improvement, more autonomy for nursing professionals, improved connections among health services, and greater satisfaction among nursing professionals. Additional studies on nursing governance in Latin America are needed to evaluate its applicability in different contexts.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Experiences of Hospitalized Patients: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the factors that exerted an impact on the experiences of hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic from the quality and safety perspectives. METHOD: A scoping review that followed the 5 stages described by Arksey and O'Malley was used. A systematized search of original studies was conducted in 9 databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, BDENF, CINAHL, LILACS, SciELO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The factors that exerted an impact on patients' experiences were summarized, considering the perspective of quality and patient safety in health institutions. The factors were categorized using the Content Analysis technique. RESULTS: A total of 6950 studies were screened, and 32 met the eligibility criteria. The main factors that exerted an impact on the patients' experience were as follows: caregiver/family concern with the patients' well-being during hospitalization, search for alternative communication and interaction means between the patients and their family, and changes in health care organization. The restrictions inherent to the policy regarding visits and companions exerted a negative impact on the experiences, increasing the patients' feelings of loneliness and isolation. Negative impacts were also evidenced in the hospital admission and discharge process and in the limitation of treatment possibilities offered to the patients, because of contact restrictions. CONCLUSIONS: The factors that exerted an impact on the patients' experiences permeate communication between professionals, patients, and family members, with implications for health care quality.

[Nurse's assessment of oral health of elderly people: OHAT validity and reliability]. / Avaliaçãcao da saúde bucal de idosos por enfermeiros: validade e confiabilidade do instrumento asbto.

The aim of the study was to apply the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT)for determination of the reliability and validity indexes, when utilized by nursing staff The OHAT was administered to 50 elderly individuals. The exams were performed in different periods of times by a Nurse and a Dental Surgeon (DS). The determination of internal consistency was verified through Cronbach's Alpha Coeficient and ANOVA. For the determination of stability and reliability, the percentage agreement and Kappa test were considered. There was no statistical difference among the final averages obtained by the DS and the nurse (p=0.41). There was a higher internal consistency in the exams performed by the DS. The Kappa value of the instrument reached 0.46, being considered moderate. The OHAT instrument can be used by nurses as a screening tool however, previous training is needed for criteria standardization.

Quality of transitional care of children with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze which factors may be associated with the quality-of-care transition of children with chronic diseases from the hospital to their home. METHOD: A cross-sectional, quantitative study, carried out in two hospitals in Southern Brazil, from February to September 2019. Participants included 167 family members of children with chronic disease. Data collection took place through a demographic questionnaire, and the use of the Brazilian version of the Care Transitions Measure (CTM-15). RESULTS: The average score for the quality of care transition was 90.1 (sd = 19.5) (0-100). Factor 1, "Health management preparation", was the one with the highest self-perceived average, 92.3 (sd = 11.6), while Factor 4, "Care plan", had the lowest average, 86.3 (sd = 21.3). The quality of care transition was higher for patients living in municipalities belonging to health regions other than the hospital's. CONCLUSION: The quality of care transition for children with chronic diseases, perceived by the children's family members, in the discharge process from the hospital to home, was considered high. Living in a health region other than the hospital's region was associated with better perception of the quality of care transition.

Oral health care in private and small long-term care facilities: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Elderly people who are institutionalised receive qualified care. Among the services supplied, oral health care has not always been a priority. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of oral health care provided to the elderly residents in long-term care facilities (LTC) in Porto Alegre/RS city. METHODS: Twelve private and small-size LTCs (less than 20 residents) participated in this study. All supervisors and 36 carers were interviewed. The data obtained were organised according to the offer of oral health under the following categories: responsibility for oral care, oral care routines, difficulties carrying out oral care routines. RESULTS: The procedures used most often in order of frequency were tooth brushing, prostheses cleaning, use of mouthwashes, soaking of prostheses and cleaning of the tongue. Among the difficulties mentioned were the high cost of dental assistance, the lack of co-operation both by family members and by the elderly themselves, the oral and general health status of the elderly and the limited time available for carers to carry out the tasks. Oral care is conducted empirically, and the responsibility is left to the carers. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the statements given reveals that oral care does not follow any kind of protocol or standardisation. The persistence of this situation could lead to unsatisfactory oral health care in private and small LTC facilities.

Multidimensional measures validated for home health needs of older persons: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on valid and reliable multidimensional instruments to assess home health needs of older persons. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCE: Electronic databases, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scientific Electronic Library Online and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Information. REVIEW METHODS: All English, Portuguese and Spanish literature which included studies of reliability and validity of instruments that assessed at least two dimensions: physical, psychological, social support and functional independence, self-rated health behaviors and contextual environment and if such instruments proposed interventions after evaluation and/or monitoring changes over a period of time. PARTICIPANTS: Older persons aged 60 years or older. RESULTS: Of the 2397 studies identified, 32 were considered eligible. Two-thirds of the instruments proposed the physical, psychological, social support and functional independence dimensions. Inter-observer and intra-observer reliability and internal consistency values were 0.7 or above. More than two-thirds of the studies included validity (n=26) and more than one validity was tested in 15% (n=4) of these. Only 7% (n=2) proposed interventions after evaluation and/or monitoring changes over a period of time. CONCLUSION: Although the multidimensional assessment was performed, and the reliability values of the reviewed studies were satisfactory, different validity tests were not present in several studies. A gap at the instrument conception was observed related to interventions after evaluation and/or monitoring changes over a period of time. Further studies with this purpose are necessary for home health needs of the older persons.

Quality of transitional care of children with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study / Qualidade da transição do cuidado de crianças com doenças crônicas: um estudo transversal / Calidad del cuidado transicional de niños con enfermedades crónicas: un estudio transversal

Abstract Objective: To analyze which factors may be associated with the quality-of-care transition of children with chronic diseases from the hospital to their home. Method: A cross-sectional, quantitative study, carried out in two hospitals in Southern Brazil, from February to September 2019. Participants included 167 family members of children with chronic disease. Data collection took place through a demographic questionnaire, and the use of the Brazilian version of the Care Transitions Measure (CTM-15). Results: The average score for the quality of care transition was 90.1 (sd = 19.5) (0-100). Factor 1, "Health management preparation", was the one with the highest self-perceived average, 92.3 (sd = 11.6), while Factor 4, "Care plan", had the lowest average, 86.3 (sd = 21.3). The quality of care transition was higher for patients living in municipalities belonging to health regions other than the hospital's. Conclusion: The quality of care transition for children with chronic diseases, perceived by the children's family members, in the discharge process from the hospital to home, was considered high. Living in a health region other than the hospital's region was associated with better perception of the quality of care transition.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar que fatores podem estar associados à qualidade da transição do cuidado do hospital para o domicílio de crianças com doenças crônicas. Método: Estudo transversal, quantitativo, realizado em dois hospitais do Sul do Brasil, de fevereiro a setembro de 2019. Participaram 167 familiares de crianças com doença crônica. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de um instrumento sócio-demográfico e da da versão brasileira do Care Transitions Measure (CTM-15). Resultados: A pontuação média para a qualidade da transição de cuidados foi de 90,1 (dp = 19,5) (0-100). O Fator 1, "Preparação para o autogerenciamento", foi o fator com maior média autopercebida, 92,3 (dp = 11,6), enquanto o Fator 4, "Plano de cuidado", teve a menor média, 86,3 (dp = 21,3). A qualidade da transição de cuidado foi maior para os pacientes residentes em municípios que não pertenciam à mesma região de saúde dos hospitais. Conclusão: A qualidade da transição do cuidado de criança com doenças crônicas, percebida pelos familiares, no processo de alta hospitalar para o domicílio, foi considerada alta. Morar em outra região de saúde que não aquela do hospital associou-se a uma melhor percepção da qualidade da transição do cuidado.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar qué factores pueden estar asociados a la transición de la calidad del cuidado de niños con enfermedades crónicas del hospital para el domicilio. Método: Estudio transversal, cuantitativo, realizado en dos hospitales del Sur de Brasil, de febrero a septiembre de 2019. Participaron 167 familiares de niños con enfermedad crónica. La recolección de datos ocurrió a través de un cuestionario demográfico y de la utilización de la versión brasileña del Care Transitions Measure (CTM-15). Resultados: La puntuación promedia para la calidad de la transición de cuidados fue de 90,1 (dp = 19,5) (0-100). El Factor 1, "Preparación del manejo de la salud", fue el factor con promedio auto percibido más alto, 92,3 (dp = 11,6), mientras el Factor 4, "Plan de cuidado", tuvo el promedio más bajo, 86,3 (dp = 21,3). La calidad de transición de cuidados fue más alta para los pacientes que viven en municipios ubicados en regiones de salud que no la del hospital. Conclusión: La calidad de la transición del cuidado al niño con enfermedades crónicas, percibida por sus familiares en el proceso de alta hospitalaria al domicilio, fue considerada alta. Vivir en otra región de salud que no aquella del hospital tuvo relación con una mejor percepción de la calidad de la transición de cuidados.

[Perception of the elderly regarding participation inexergaming-based exercise: a qualitative study]. / Percepção de adultos mais velhos quanto à participação em programa de exercício físico com exergames: estudo qualitativo.

Exergames are active video games that monitor body movement and are being used as an alternative to increase the level of physical activity of people from different age groups. This qualitative study investigated the perceptions of the elderly regarding exergaming. The focus group (FG) was conducted after 12 weeks of performing a program ofexergaming-based exercise (50 min, 3 days/week) using electronic games that simulate sports activities (Xbox 360 Kinect Sportstm). Fourteen people (55-77 years of age) participated in the FG, and a trained moderator led each group. The sessions were videotaped and transcribed for subsequent analysis. The content analysis technique was performed using ATLAS.ti® (qualitative analysis software). Participants reported psychological benefits (self-esteem, concentration, mood, reasoning, memory and well-being), physical benefits (agility and physical conditions) and social interaction (exchange of experiences, friendship and competitiveness). Regarding the experiences of the group, innovation, playfulness and visual stimulation were cited as characteristics of the games. The perception of benefits from participation in exergames fosters adherence to exercise and increases the motivation of the participants.

Oral health related to quality of life in patients with stomatological diseases.

AIM: To describe the oral health-related quality of life (OHR-QoL) in patients with stomatological diseases. METHODS: All new patients seen in the Stomatology Clinic, from August 2008 to July 2009 were selected. OHR-QoL was measured using OHIP-14, in face-to-face interviews. The stomatological diseases were classified into groups according to their origin. OHIP-14 data were used to calculate two variables: prevalence and severity. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 113 subjects, with a mean of 53.77 years; 63.7% women; 38% of the subjects reported one or more OHR-QoL impacts "fairly often" or "very often" in the last 6 months. The overall result of OHIP-14 index showed a mean of 14.35 (+/-12.01). There was no statistical significance between the stomatological disease groups and the prevalence scores (p=0.25) and mean severity scores (p=0.57). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that bad oral conditions affected quality of life of these patients, especially physical pain and psychological discomfort.

[Health organizations from the perspective of complex care system]. / As organizações de saúde na perspectiva da complexidade dos sistemas de cuidado.

The construction of new practices of care presupposes a new look for the health organizations. The objective of this text is to interpret the complexity theme in health and in Nurse fields in the care systems perspective, in order to promote a reflection of the practices of care in the health organizations context. The complex thought brings a new way to conceive the action and the human condition under different perspectives. It appears as a possibility for the visualization of a care system as a complex system in your structures and properties, in the movements of interretroactions in the organizational spaces and in possible auto-organizers processes. It is hoped a transforming action of the health organizations that considers the ambiguities, the uncertainties and the contemporary social dynamics for a healthier living.

[Oral health care in the health network and the regionalization process]. / Saúde bucal na rede de atenção e processo de regionalização.

The scope of this article is to outline the construction of the regionalized health network, focusing on oral health care and identifying the problems and the progress in its implementation. The context was the proposed national network model in the policies that underpin the Unified Health System. This is a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach methodologically supported by Grounded Theory. Interviews were conducted with managers, health professionals and teachers graduated in Dentistry, forming three sample groups. The core category was named "Enhancing the interaction of oral health care in the health network in the regionalization process." In the proposed theoretical model, the enhancement of interaction arises from conditions such as: the characterization of oral health care in the regionalized health network; the identification of difficulties in the implementation process; and the analysis of the operation of the oral health care network. The inclusion of oral health in the network is at an early stage, sometimes detached from the set of relations that constitutes the health network, which is also being consolidated. Evidence gathered in this study indicates the structuring of the regionalized health care network as a prerequisite to raise oral health care and assistance to a new level.

Secondary health care: best practices in the health services network.

OBJECTIVE: to understand the organization of health practices, based on the interactions at the secondary care level, and to analyze how the actions and services at this level of care contribute to the development of best practice in health. METHOD: a qualitative approach, based in Grounded Theory. Data was obtained from individual interviews, with managers, health care professionals and health service users making up the sample group representing the secondary level of healthcare. The theoretical model was formulated based on four categories, analyzed based in the elements of the network modeling of health care theoretical framework. RESULTS: The organization of health practices at a secondary level is in the process of consolidation and is contributing to the development of best practices in the locale studied. CONCLUSION: The broadening of access to consultations and specialized procedures, and the articulation of the network's points, are aspects of this level of care which are considered essential for care which is effective and integral. This study contributes to the analysis of health practices from the perspective of network modeling, based on the interactions between secondary care and the health system's other health facilities, which are shown as going through a process of consolidation in the locale studied.

[Situational analysis of the pre-hospital health services for attending accidents and violence against the elderly in Curitiba (PR, Brazil)]. / Análise diagnóstica do atendimento pré-hospitalar para acidentes e violências contra idosos em Curitiba (PR, Brasil).

This study is a situational analysis of the health care services for attending accidents and violence, in Curitiba, focusing the general conditions of infrastructure, planning and support at the pre-hospital assistance level, considering mobile and fixed emergency services dedicated to the victimized elderly. Positive points were evidenced as well as gaps and needs to meet the national guidelines. The investigation integrated quantitative and qualitative approaches and it was carried out on the grounds of the triangulation of methods. It is concluded that on the theme of accidents and violence against the elderly still there is room for important improvements in the actions developed by the researched services: (1) preventive actions are not part of the routine of the services; (2) most of the services does not develop specific services, addressed to the peculiar demands of the elderly; (3) the interviewees' experience reveals difficulties for obtaining hospital beds, either for referral or transfer/admission of patients. Facing the issue of accidents and violence against the elderly in Curitiba requires considering the organization of data, flows, training of professionals and planning in the development of prevention programs, attendance and rehabilitation to the elderly.

[Elderly people living in Florianópolis: self-perception of oral health conditions and use of dental services]. / Idosos de Florianópolis: autopercepção das condições de saúde bucal e utilização de serviços odontológicos.

This paper is based on the Florianopolis Municipality Senior Citizen's Profile (2004) built up on the questionnaire in the Brazil Old Age Schedule (BOAS), applied to 875 elderly people. The data highlighted by this cross-section are related to the self-perception of the respondents of their oral health condition and use of dental services, which were then associated with the socio-demographic variables. The discrepancy between oral health data perception and actual oral health status - such as high percentages of missing teeth and dentures - discloses the way in which the elderly perceive this aspect of their own health. The state of their teeth was associated only with family income. Recent visits to dentists were associated with the need for dentures and medical referrals. This study indicates a need for public policies focused specifically on the oral health of the elderly, in addition to ways of promoting health and wellness for all during the irreversible aging process.