Psychosocial Factors and Quality of Life in Older Adults Discharged After Isolation Due to COVID-19 Infection.

PURPOSE: To identify the impact of psychosocial factors on quality of life (QoL) of older adults hospitalized and isolated after contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHOD: Data were collected between April 30 and June 18, 2022, from 117 discharged older adults who were in isolation for COVID-19 treatment in a tertiary hospital in South Korea. RESULTS: Of participants, 33.3% were at high risk for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and 21.4% of participants were identified as having severe depressive symptoms. Participants' QoL negatively correlated with PTSS, depressive symptoms, and fear of social stigma. Depressive symptoms were the primary psychosocial factor identified as significantly affecting QoL (ß = -0.682, p < 0.001), and the explanatory power of the regression model was 41.2%. CONCLUSION: To enhance QoL of older adults who have experienced hospitalization and isolation due to COVID-19, identifying pertinent psychosocial factors, especially depressive symptoms, is necessary. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(8), 29-36.].

Pediatric psychiatric inpatients' perspectives of aggression management: Discernment in the doorway.

PROBLEM: Aggressive behavior is common on psychiatric inpatient units. Seclusion and restraint interventions to manage patients' aggressive behavior may have the consequence of being traumatizing for patients. Pediatric psychiatric patients' perspective on the use of seclusion and restraint interventions is not present in the literature. METHODS: This hermeneutic nursing research study asked the question, "How might we understand children's experiences of seclusion and restraints on an inpatient psychiatric unit?" Four past pediatric psychiatric inpatients shared their hospitalization experiences that occurred within the previous year when they were 10 years old. The texts of the research interviews were compared to Attachment Theory for a deeper understanding of the meaning of the message. FINDINGS: Participants commonly described experiences with seclusion and restraints as feeling trapped and alone in a dark room. They recommended the nurses step into the room with them to help them heal. Interpretively, the rooms on inpatient units could be considered as actual and metaphorical spaces of possible harm or healing. CONCLUSION: The participant's voices expand understanding of nurse's use of discernment at the doorway of a patient room to ensure the most therapeutic care is provided to the patient in these spaces through a secure nurse-patient relationship.

Deisolation in the Healthcare Setting Following Recent COVID-19 Infection.

BACKGROUND: Deisolation of persons infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, presented a substantial challenge for healthcare workers and policy makers, particularly during the early phases of the pandemic. Data to guide deisolation of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients remain limited, and the risk of transmitting and acquiring infection has changed with the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants and population immunity from previous vaccination or infection, or both. AIMS: This review examines the evidence to guide the deisolation of SARS-CoV-2-infected inpatients within the hospital setting when clinically improving and also of healthcare workers with COVID-19 prior to returning to work. METHODS: A review was performed using relevant search terms in Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and PubMed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The evidence is reviewed with regards to the nature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, the role of testing to guide deisolation, and the impact of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity. A paradigm and recommendations are proposed to guide deisolation for inpatients and return to work for healthcare workers.

Secondary attack rate following on-site isolation of patients with suspected COVID-19 in multiple-bed rooms.

The implementation of isolation precautions for patients with suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pending test results is resource intensive. Due to the limited availability of single-bed rooms at our institution, we isolated patients with suspected COVID-19 together with patients without suspected COVID-19 on-site in multiple-bed rooms until SARS-CoV-2-test results were available. We evaluated the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to individuals sharing the room with patients isolated on-site. This observational study was performed at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, from 03/20 - 11/20. Secondary attack rates were compared between patients hospitalized in multiple-bed rooms and exposed to individuals subjected to on-site isolation precautions (on-site isolation group), and patients exposed to individuals initially not identified as having COVID-19, and not placed under isolation precautions until the diagnosis was suspected (control group). Transmission events were confirmed by whole-genome sequencing. Among 1,218 patients with suspected COVID-19, 67 (5.5%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Of these, 21 were isolated on-site potentially exposing 27 patients sharing the same room. Median contact time was 12 h (interquartile range 7-18 h). SARS-CoV-2 transmission was identified in none of the patients in the on-site isolation group vs. 10/63 (15.9%) in the control group (p = 0.03). Isolation on-site of suspected COVID-19-patients in multiple-bed rooms avoided single-room occupancy and subsequent in-hospital relocation for many patients without confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infection. The absence of secondary transmission among the exposed patients in the on-site isolation group allows for assessment of the risk/benefit ratio of this strategy given the limitation of a small sample size.

Microbial ecology of protective isolation room: Air and Surfaces.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare-associated infections pose a significant public health burden, leading to morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and substantial social and economic costs. Immunocompromised patients are at a heightened risk of nosocomial infections. AIM: This prospective study conducted at Mohammed VI University Hospital of Oujda aimed to assess the microbial ecology of surfaces and air in an immunosuppressed patient room compared to a double hospitalization room. METHODS: Microbiological air purity tests were conducted employing both the sedimentation method and the collision method with the assistance of Microflow Alpha. The sedimentation method used Mueller Hinton with 5% human blood, facilitating the free fall of contaminated dust particles. The collection program employed was set for 10 minutes per 1 m3. For surface sampling, swabs were taken from a 25 cm2 surface. The swabs were immediately forwarded to the Microbiology Laboratory. We carried out both macroscopic and microscopic identification of colonies, followed by definitive biochemical identification using the BD phoenixTM system. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed through agar diffusion on Muller Hinton medium coupled with the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration. RESULTS: The results revealed a decreased bacterial count within the protective isolation room, in contrast to the standard hospital room. We noted the predominance of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp and Bacillus spp. Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus spp, common pathogens in healthcare-associated infections, were notably absent in the protective isolation room. The findings underline the pivotal role of hospital environments in the transmission of healthcare-associated infections. CONCLUSION: The protective isolation room demonstrated effective control of microbial contamination, with fewer and less resistant germs. The study highlighted the significance of air treatment systems in preventing the spread of opportunistic infections. Our study underscored the critical role of microbiological cleanliness in preventing nosocomial infections.

A survey of nurses' experiences with patient visitation restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: To characterize nurses' experiences of restrictive visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In early 2023, an exploratory study investigated professional RNs' perceptions of restrictive visitation policies and end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on experiences between March and September 2020. An 11-question online survey containing qualitative and quantitative elements was sent to postlicensure nursing students and alumni of American Public University System (American Military University/American Public University). RESULTS: Among the 41 survey respondents (response rate of 4%), 75.6% observed patients dying alone due to visitation restrictions during March-September 2020, with 87.8% noting strict no-visitation policies, yet only 10% found it effective. A majority (68.3%) supported allowing some family presence, reflecting negative sentiments toward strict policies; suggestions for enhancing family involvement included technology (78%) and employing volunteers or liaisons (34.1%) to improve patient/family well-being and alleviate nurse burden. CONCLUSION: The findings revealed insights into nurses' experiences and perspectives on end-of-life care and visitation limitations during the pandemic. While the isolation of patients during times of strict visitation restrictions has some merit, exploring options for modified family visitation at the end of life is critical.

Patients in isolation, their physical, environmental and mental health: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Strict patient isolation in hospital is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence for effective interventions to improve safety and quality of care for these patients. AIMS: To identify patient reported areas for improvement in the care of patients in hospital isolation and to determine the feasibility of collecting patient reported outcomes using validated tools. METHODS: Design An exploratory mixed methods study. Setting A major metropolitan teaching hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Participants Patients in hospital isolation for transmissible infections. Data collection Data were collected by (1) phone interviews with patients in isolation and (2) seven validated measurement tools to assess cognition, loneliness, nutritional status, quality of life, anxiety and depression and physical activity. Data were collected between September and December 2021. Data analysis Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively including participant characteristics and outcome data. RESULTS: Participants identified areas for improvement including activities to decrease boredom, more contact with staff to mitigate loneliness and increase comfort care, and formalised communication about clinical treatment and discharge plan. Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms were happier to be alone. There were operational challenges within the health service including delays and miscommunication. Only 70% of the participants completed all questionnaires. CONCLUSION: This study identified areas for improvement in care of patients in isolation and demonstrated that collecting patient reported outcomes using validated tools was feasible. The results of this research will inform development of an intervention to manage adverse effects. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Patients in hospital isolation require additional consideration to ensure that their needs are met to avoid adverse outcomes. The patient experience and comfort can be negatively affected when fundamental care is lacking. REPORTING METHOD (EQUATOR): EQUATOR guidelines for Mixed Methods Reporting in Rehabilitation & Health Sciences (MMR-RHS). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Thirteen patients in hospital isolation agreed to participate in this study, sharing their experiences through interviews and assessment.

Visitor Restrictions During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Increased Falls With Harm at a Canadian Hospital: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Falls with harms (FWH) in hospitalized patients increase costs and lengths of stay. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more FWH. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased patients in isolation with fewer visitors. Their relationship with falls has not been previously studied. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-site, 12-month before pandemic-12-month after pandemic, observational study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to model FWH outcome and associations with isolation and visitor restrictions. RESULTS: There were 4369 isolation events and 385 FWH among 22,505 admissions during the study period. Unadjusted analysis demonstrated a FWH risk of 1.33% (95% CI 0.99, 1.67) in those who were placed in isolation compared to 1.80% (95% CI 1.60, 2.00) in those without an isolation event ( χ2 = 4.73, P = 0.03). The FWH risk during the different visitor restriction periods was significantly higher compared to the prepandemic period ( χ2 = 20.81, P < 0.001), ranging from 1.28% (95% CI 1.06, 2.50) in the prepandemic period to 2.03% (95% 1.66, 2.40) with no visitors permitted (phase A) in the pandemic period. After adjusting for potential confounders and selection bias, only phase A visitor restrictions were associated with an increased FWH risk of 0.75% (95% CI 0.32, 1.18) compared to no visitor restrictions. INTERPRETATION: Our results suggest a moderately strong association between hospitalized patient FWH risk and severe visitor restrictions. This association was muted in phases with even minor allowances for visitation. This represents the first report of the adverse effects of visitor restriction policies on patients' FWH risks.

What is already known on this topic ­ Patient accidents in hospitals account for 4% of all hospital-related harmful events. There are many risk factors that contribute to these accidents, but few interventions that reduce their risk. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, the number of patient accidents has increased. While the reasons for this association are unclear, they may be related to COVID-19-related interventions such as patient isolation and visitor restrictions. What this study adds ­ This exploratory study is the first to demonstrate that visitor restrictions may be associated with an increased risk of patient accidents. How this study might affect research, practice or policy ­ The potential harmful effects of visitor restrictions should be taken into consideration whenever these interventions are being implemented as part of a bundled strategy for prevention of infectious diseases transmission and protection. Patient accidents in hospitals resulting in harm requiring either treatment or prolonged hospital stay are of great interest to health care, policy makers and the general public. 1 They account for 4% of all hospital-related harmful events and are included as an indicator in the new Hospital Harm Measure instituted across Canada as a patient safety quality measure of acute hospital care. 2 Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada on March 13, 2020, there were 0.26 patient trauma events per 100 hospitalizations reported in both 2020­2021 and 2021­2022, a 13% increase from 2019 to 2020. 3 In a population-based observational study conducted among Ontario patients hospitalized in 2015­2016, patient accidents were estimated to increase the index hospitalization length of stay by 17.3 days (95% CI 17.0, 17.6) and costs by $47824 (95% CI 47,383, 48,266) (CDN). 4 There have been over 400 clinical factors identified as being associated with an increased risk of falls in hospitalized patients. 5 Risk mitigation strategies have been implemented in many hospitals to prevent anticipatory falls defined as potentially preventable through early identification of patients that exhibit clinical signs associated with increased risk of falls. These anticipatory falls make up approximately 30% of all falls, with the remainder being nonpreventable and due to unanticipated or accidental falls. 5 In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of falls prevention interventions on fall outcomes for adults in hospital settings, patient and staff education was the only intervention that reduced the fall rate risk ratio (RR) 0.70 (95% CI 0.51, 0.96) and the fall odds ratio 0.62 (95% 0.47, 0.83) with a high level of certainty, while early stratification using fall risk screening tools, rehabilitation and exercise therapies, assistive and alarm devices, system changes such as hourly rounding, and environmental modifications demonstrated no benefit. 6 One particular program, the Fall TIPS program, 7,8 which leverages visitor engagement to ensure that patients are compliant with fall prevention recommendations printed on a laminated poster or visual aid, demonstrated a 34% reduction in falls with harm, suggesting a potential mechanism through which patient visitation might reduce patient harm. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a COVID-19 pandemic. 9 In an attempt to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Canadian hospitals and prevent transmission from patients and healthcare providers to visitors, regional and local public health authorities advised acute care hospitals to cancel elective clinic visits, treatments, and surgical procedures and implement visitor restrictions and enhanced COVID-19 screening and isolation protocols. These recommendations resulted in increased numbers of patients in contact/droplet isolation precautions and more severe patient visitor restrictions. Many of these recommendations were revised during the subsequent pandemic waves, as some were considered by many to be ineffective and potentially harmful. 10­12 For example, some have argued that patient visitors are unlikely to be an important source of hospital-acquired COVID-19 infection. 12 The authors concluded that severe patient visitor restrictions may have prevented few COVID-19 infections, while contributing to low staff morale and worse patient outcomes. In a retrospective before-after ecological study conducted at 32 hospitals within the Beryl Institute community in the United States from 2019 to 2020, the unadjusted in-hospital fall with hip fracture rates increased from 0.03 events (per 1000 hospital discharges) in 2019 in hospitals with no visitor restrictions, to 0.07 in hospitals with partial limited visitation in 2020, and to 0.14 in hospitals with absolute visitor restriction policies in 2020, 13 possibly suggesting a signal for patient harm associated with different levels of visitor restrictions. As for increased numbers of hospitalized patients in isolation, a systematic review noted that isolation practices are associated with less patient-healthcare worker interaction, delays in care, and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. 14 The impact of either visitor restrictions or patient isolation on FWH risks has not been reported. 10,11,14 This is an exploratory study to determine if there is an association between either isolation precautions or visitor restrictions and increased falls with harm risk in adult patients hospitalized in an acute care community hospital.

Key lessons from the establishment of a nurse-led infection prevention and control program for COVID-19 in an Australian hotel quarantine and isolation service.

BACKGROUND: A key aspect of Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic was to control transmission through legislated quarantine and isolation of overseas returning travellers and potentially infectious community members. In New South Wales, Special Health Accommodation (SHA) was rapidly established as a comprehensive health service for individuals that were at risk of having COVID-19, were confirmed to have COVID-19 or for those with complex health needs that were deemed inappropriate for management in Police managed Quarantine Hotels. SHA services were later expanded to care for community members who were COVID-19 positive and unable to effectively isolate, or contacts of individuals who were unable to quarantine effectively in their homes. SHA's unique nurse-led Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program offers key lessons that may impact future programs. METHODS: A reflection on the experience of leading an Infection Prevention and Control program in SHA was undertaken. This was supported by a review of SHA admission, workforce and transmission data and data obtained from a cross-sectional questionnaire aimed to better understand the experiences of a novel population of health workers (HW) in a comprehensive health-led quarantine and isolation service. RESULTS: SHA program data demonstrates how its IPC program implementation prevented transmission of COVID-19 to SHA staff and patients. Responses from the questionnaire suggested staff felt safe and well-prepared through the IPC education they received. They also gained transferrable knowledge and skills, which they intend to use in future healthcare roles. CONCLUSION: The SHA nurse-led IPC program offered successful quarantine and isolation for COVID-19 in non-purpose-built facilities. A review of IPC strategies and key lessons from the establishment of the SHA IPC program are of critical importance to planning and management of current and future pandemics.

Time to care and factors influencing appropriate Sudan virus disease care among case patients in Uganda, September to November 2022.

OBJECTIVES: Early isolation and care for Ebola disease patients at Ebola Treatment Units (ETU) curb outbreak spread. We evaluated time to ETU entry and associated factors during the 2022 Sudan virus disease (SVD) outbreak in Uganda. METHODS: We included persons with RT-PCR-confirmed SVD with onset September 20-November 30, 2022. We categorized days from symptom onset to ETU entry ("delays") as short (≤2), moderate (3-5), and long (≥6); the latter two were "delayed isolation." We categorized symptom onset timing as "earlier" or "later," using October 15 as a cut-off. We assessed demographics, symptom onset timing, and awareness of contact status as predictors for delayed isolation. We explored reasons for early vs late isolation using key informant interviews. RESULTS: Among 118 case-patients, 25 (21%) had short, 43 (36%) moderate, and 50 (43%) long delays. Seventy-five (64%) had symptom onset later in the outbreak. Earlier symptom onset increased risk of delayed isolation (crude risk ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (1.2-2.8]). Awareness of contact status and SVD symptoms, and belief that early treatment-seeking was lifesaving facilitated early care-seeking. Patients with long delays reported fear of ETUs and lack of transport as contributors. CONCLUSION: Delayed isolation was common early in the outbreak. Strong contact tracing and community engagement could expedite presentation to ETUs.

Factors associated with the worsening of COVID-19 symptoms among cohorts in community- or home-isolation care in southern Thailand.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with time-to-referral due to worsening symptoms in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in southern Thailand. While underlying diseases have been evaluated to assess COVID-19 severity, the influence of vaccinations and treatments is also crucial. Methods: A cohort of 8,638 patients quarantined in home or community isolation with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 was analyzed. Survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazard ratio were employed to assess factors influencing time-toreferral. Results: Age ≥ 60 years, neurologic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and human immunodeficiency virus infection were identified as significant risk factors for severe COVID-19 referral. Patients who received full- or booster-dose vaccinations had a lower risk of experiencing severe symptoms compared to unvaccinated patients. Notably, individuals vaccinated during the Omicron-dominant period had a substantially lower time-to-referral than those unvaccinated during the Delta-dominant period. Moreover, patients vaccinated between 1 and 6 months prior to infection had a significantly lower risk of time-to-referral than the reference group. Discussion: These findings demonstrate early intervention in high-risk COVID-19 patients and the importance of vaccination efficacy to reduce symptom severity. The study provides valuable insights for guiding future epidemic management strategies and optimising patient care during infectious disease outbreaks.

Reliability and validity of the training satisfaction questionnaire for family members (TSQ-FM) entering the ICU during an isolation disease outbreak.

BACKGROUND: The presence of family members in an isolated ICU during an isolation disease outbreak is restricted by hospital policies because of the infectious risk. This can be overcome by conferring to family members the skill and the ability to safely don and doff the personal protective equipment (PPE) through a nurse-led training intervention and assess their satisfaction, to respond to the need to define a safe, effective and quality care pathway focused on Family-Centered Care (FCC) principles. OBJECTIVE: the study aimed to build a valid and reliable instrument for clinical practice to assess family members' satisfaction to allow ICU nurses to restore family integrity in any case of infectious disease outbreak that requires isolation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to test the psychometric properties. The questionnaire was constructed based on a literature review on the needs of family members in the ICU. 76 family members were admitted to a COVID-ICU. Cronbach's coefficient, Geomin rotated loading, and EFA were applied to assess the reliability and validity of the instrument. RESULTS: The Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (KMO) measure was 0.662, the Bartlett sphericity test showed a significant p-value (χ²=448.33; df=45; p < 0.01), Cronbach's alpha coefficient was.896. A further CFA analysis confirmed that all fit indices were acceptable. The results showed satisfactory validity and reliability, which could be generalized and extended to any outbreak of isolation disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a valid and reliable instrument for clinical practice to maintain family integrity in the dyadic relationship between the patient and the family member, even during an emergency infectious disease outbreak that requires isolation.

CHIVID: A Rapid Deployment of Community and Home Isolation During COVID-19 Pandemics.

BACKGROUND: CHIVID is a telemedicine solution developed under tight time constraints that assists Thai healthcare practitioners in monitoring non-severe COVID-19 patients in isolation programs during crises. It assesses patient health and notifies healthcare practitioners of high-risk scenarios through a chatbot. The system was designed to integrate with the famous Thai messaging app LINE, reducing development time and enhancing user-friendliness, and the system allowed patients to upload a pulse oximeter image automatically processed by the PACMAN function to extract oxygen saturation and heart rate values to reduce patient input errors. METHODS: This article describes the proposed system and presents a mixed-methods study that evaluated the system's performance by collecting survey responses from 70 healthcare practitioners and analyzing 14,817 patient records. RESULTS: Approximately 71.4% of healthcare practitioners use the system more than twice daily, with the majority managing 1-10 patients, while 11.4% handle over 101 patients. The progress note is a function that healthcare practitioners most frequently use and are satisfied with. Regarding patient data, 58.9%(8,724/14,817) are male, and 49.7%(7,367/14,817) within the 18 to 34 age range. The average length of isolation was 7.6 days, and patients submitted progress notes twice daily on average. Notably, individuals aged 18 to 34 demonstrated the highest utilization rates for the PACMAN function. Furthermore, most patients, totaling over 95.52%(14,153/14,817), were discharged normally. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that CHIVID could be one of the telemedicine solutions for hospitals with patient overflow and healthcare practitioners unfamiliar with telemedicine technology to improve patient care during a critical crisis. Clinical and Translational Impact Statement- CHIVID's success arises from seamlessly integrating telemedicine into third-party application within a limited timeframe and effectively using clinical decision support systems to address challenges during the COVID-19 crisis.

The impact of discontinuing single-room isolation of patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococci: a quasi-experimental single-centre study in South Korea.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited data on the effects of discontinuing single-room isolation while maintaining contact precautions, such as the use of gowns and gloves. In April 2021, our hospital ceased single-room isolation for patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) because of single-room unavailability. This study assessed the impact of this policy by examining the incidence of hospital-acquired VRE bloodstream infections (HA-VRE BSI). METHODS: This retrospective quasi-experimental study was conducted at a tertiary-care hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Time-series analysis was used to evaluate HA-VRE BSI incidence at the hospital level and in the haematology unit before (phase 1) and after (phase 2) the policy change. RESULTS: At the hospital level, HA-VRE BSI incidence level (VRE BSI per 1000 patient-days per month) and trend did not change significantly between phase 1 and phase 2 (coefficient -0.015, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.053 to 0.023, P=0.45 and 0.000, 95% CI: -0.002 to 0.002, P=0.84, respectively). Similarly, HA-VRE BSI incidence level and trend in the haematology unit (-0.285, 95% CI: -0.618 to 0.048, P=0.09 and -0.018, 95% CI: -0.036 to 0.000, P = 0.054, respectively) did not change significantly across the two phases. CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuing single-room isolation of VRE-colonized or infected patients was not associated with an increase in the incidence of VRE BSI at the hospital level or among high-risk patients in the haematology unit. Horizontal intervention for multi-drug-resistant organisms, including measures such as enhanced hand hygiene and environmental cleaning, may be more effective at preventing VRE transmission.

Encuesta nacional sobre cambios en las políticas de comunicación, visitas y cuidados al final de la vida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos durante las diferentes olas de la pandemia de COVID-19 (estudio COVIFAUCI) / National survey on changes in visitation, communication and end-of-life care policies in intensive care units through the different COVID-19 pandemic's waves (COVIFAUCI study)

Introducción La pandemia derivada de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 propició cambios en los cuidados tanto a familiares como a pacientes de cuidados intensivos durante las diferentes olas de incidencia del virus. La línea de humanización seguida por la mayoría de los hospitales se vio gravemente afectada por las restricciones aplicadas. Como objetivo, planteamos conocer las modificaciones experimentadas durante las diferentes olas de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en España respecto a la política de visitas a los pacientes en UCI, el acompañamiento al final de la vida, y el uso de las nuevas tecnologías de la comunicación entre familiares, pacientes y profesionales. Métodos Estudio descriptivo transversal multicéntrico mediante encuesta a las UCI españolas desde febrero a abril de 2022. Se realizaron métodos de análisis estadísticos a los resultados según lo apropiado. El estudio fue avalado por la Sociedad Española de Enfermería Intensiva y Unidades Coronarias. Resultados Respondieron un 29% de las unidades contactadas. Los minutos de visita diarios de los familiares se redujeron drásticamente de 135 (87,5-255) a 45 (25-60) en el 21,2% de las unidades que permitían su acceso, mejorando levemente con el paso de las olas. En el caso de duelo, la permisividad fue mayor, aumentando el uso de las nuevas tecnologías para la comunicación paciente-familia en el caso del 96,5% de las unidades. Conclusiones Las familias de los pacientes ingresados en UCI durante las diferentes olas de la pandemia por COVID-19 han experimentado restricciones en las visitas y cambio de la presencialidad por técnicas virtuales de comunicación. Los tiempos de acceso se redujeron a niveles mínimos durante la primera ola, recuperándose con el avance de la pandemia pero sin llegar nunca a los niveles iniciales... (AU)

Introduction The pandemic derived from the SARS-CoV-2 infection led to changes in care for both relatives and intensive care patients during the different waves of incidence of the virus. The line of humanization followed by the majority of the hospitals was seriously affected by the restrictions applied. As an objective, we propose to know the modifications suffered during the different waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Spain regarding the policy of visits to patients in the ICU, monitoring at the end of life, and the use of new technologies of communication between family members, patients and professionals. Methods Multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study through a survey of Spanish ICUs from February to April 2022. Statistical analysis methods were performed on the results as appropriate. The study was endorsed by the Spanish Society of Intensive Nursing and Coronary Units. Results Twenty-nine percent of the units contacted responded. The daily visiting minutes of relatives dropped drastically from 135 (87.5-255) to 45 (25-60) in the 21.2% of units that allowed their access, improving slightly with the passing of the waves. In the case of bereavement, the permissiveness was greater, increasing the use of new technologies for patient-family communication in the case of 96.5% of the units. Conclusions The family of patients admitted to the ICU during the different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic have suffered restrictions on visits and a change from face-to-face to virtual communication techniques. Access times were reduced to minimum levels during the first wave, recovering with the advance of the pandemic but never reaching initial levels. Despite the implemented solutions and virtual communication, efforts should be directed towards improving the protocols for the humanization of healthcare that allow caring for families and patients whatever the healthcare context. (AU)

Encuesta nacional sobre cambios en las políticas de comunicación, visitas y cuidados al final de la vida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos durante las diferentes olas de la pandemia de COVID-19 (estudio COVIFAUCI) / National survey on changes in visitation, communication and end-of-life care policies in intensive care units through the different COVID-19 pandemic's waves (COVIFAUCI study)

Introducción La pandemia derivada de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 propició cambios en los cuidados tanto a familiares como a pacientes de cuidados intensivos durante las diferentes olas de incidencia del virus. La línea de humanización seguida por la mayoría de los hospitales se vio gravemente afectada por las restricciones aplicadas. Como objetivo, planteamos conocer las modificaciones experimentadas durante las diferentes olas de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en España respecto a la política de visitas a los pacientes en UCI, el acompañamiento al final de la vida, y el uso de las nuevas tecnologías de la comunicación entre familiares, pacientes y profesionales. Métodos Estudio descriptivo transversal multicéntrico mediante encuesta a las UCI españolas desde febrero a abril de 2022. Se realizaron métodos de análisis estadísticos a los resultados según lo apropiado. El estudio fue avalado por la Sociedad Española de Enfermería Intensiva y Unidades Coronarias. Resultados Respondieron un 29% de las unidades contactadas. Los minutos de visita diarios de los familiares se redujeron drásticamente de 135 (87,5-255) a 45 (25-60) en el 21,2% de las unidades que permitían su acceso, mejorando levemente con el paso de las olas. En el caso de duelo, la permisividad fue mayor, aumentando el uso de las nuevas tecnologías para la comunicación paciente-familia en el caso del 96,5% de las unidades. Conclusiones Las familias de los pacientes ingresados en UCI durante las diferentes olas de la pandemia por COVID-19 han experimentado restricciones en las visitas y cambio de la presencialidad por técnicas virtuales de comunicación. Los tiempos de acceso se redujeron a niveles mínimos durante la primera ola, recuperándose con el avance de la pandemia pero sin llegar nunca a los niveles iniciales... (AU)

Introduction The pandemic derived from the SARS-CoV-2 infection led to changes in care for both relatives and intensive care patients during the different waves of incidence of the virus. The line of humanization followed by the majority of the hospitals was seriously affected by the restrictions applied. As an objective, we propose to know the modifications suffered during the different waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Spain regarding the policy of visits to patients in the ICU, monitoring at the end of life, and the use of new technologies of communication between family members, patients and professionals. Methods Multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study through a survey of Spanish ICUs from February to April 2022. Statistical analysis methods were performed on the results as appropriate. The study was endorsed by the Spanish Society of Intensive Nursing and Coronary Units. Results Twenty-nine percent of the units contacted responded. The daily visiting minutes of relatives dropped drastically from 135 (87.5-255) to 45 (25-60) in the 21.2% of units that allowed their access, improving slightly with the passing of the waves. In the case of bereavement, the permissiveness was greater, increasing the use of new technologies for patient-family communication in the case of 96.5% of the units. Conclusions The family of patients admitted to the ICU during the different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic have suffered restrictions on visits and a change from face-to-face to virtual communication techniques. Access times were reduced to minimum levels during the first wave, recovering with the advance of the pandemic but never reaching initial levels. Despite the implemented solutions and virtual communication, efforts should be directed towards improving the protocols for the humanization of healthcare that allow caring for families and patients whatever the healthcare context. (AU)

Haemodialysis machine designation for patients with chronic Hepatitis B virus: A practice and attitudes survey of Australian renal healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: To reduce the risk of viral transmission, guidelines recommend the use of designated haemodialysis machines and patient isolation for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). These practices are without a strong evidence base, and may no longer be necessary in the setting of heat disinfection programs and standard precautions. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was developed for renal clinicians across Australia and New Zealand to explore infection prevention policy concerning patients with chronic HBV in haemodialysis units. We sought to determine whether psychosocial and cultural impacts might result from the mandatory use of machine designation and patient isolation practices, as perceived by multidisciplinary healthcare workers with experience working with this patient population. RESULTS: Sixty-seven responses from 27 health districts across all states of Australia and one New Zealand district were received. Most respondents were from urban areas (65%), and were nurses (87%). 50% of health districts reported using designated machines, while 32% isolate patients. Lack of necessary resources limited the use of designated machines (57%), and patient isolation (78%). Respondents not routinely using these precautions were more likely to express concerns regarding patient psychosocial wellbeing and cultural appropriateness. Overall, 30% of respondents expressed concerns regarding the cultural appropriateness of these recommendations. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate wide variation in haemodialysis infection prevention and control policy and practice with regards to managing patients with chronic HBV. While use of standard precautions and machine disinfection are consistently applied, resource availability and concerns for patient psychosocial wellbeing limit adherence to international guidelines.

Towards optimal design of patient isolation units in emergency rooms to prevent airborne virus transmission: From computational fluid dynamics to data-driven modeling.

BACKGROUND: Patient isolation units (PIUs) can be an effective method for effective infection control. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is commonly used for PIU design; however, optimizing this design requires extensive computational resources. Our study aims to provide data-driven models to determine the PIU settings, thereby promoting a more rapid design process. METHOD: Using CFD simulations, we evaluated various PIU parameters and room conditions to assess the impact of PIU installation on ventilation and isolation. We investigated particle dispersion from coughing subjects and airflow patterns. Machine-learning models were trained using CFD simulation data to estimate the performance and identify significant parameters. RESULTS: Physical isolation alone was insufficient to prevent the dispersion of smaller particles. However, a properly installed fan filter unit (FFU) generally enhanced the effectiveness of physical isolation. Ventilation and isolation performance under various conditions were predicted with a mean absolute percentage error of within 13%. The position of the FFU was found to be the most important factor affecting the PIU performance. CONCLUSION: Data-driven modeling based on CFD simulations can expedite the PIU design process by offering predictive capabilities and clarifying important performance factors. Reducing the time required to design a PIU is critical when a rapid response is required.