Construction of a postoperative infection outbreak investigation form: A tool for early detection and control measures.

BACKGROUND: To develop an investigation form for postoperative infection outbreak (PIO), and to identify sources of the outbreak in the early stage. METHODS: After an exhaustive literature review, we used the Delphi method to determine the indicators and relative risk scores of the assessment tools through 2 rounds of specialist consultation and overall consideration of the opinions and suggestions of 20 specialists. RESULTS: A total of 203 studies of PIO were eligible for inclusion. The mean authority coefficient (Cr) was 0.87. Kendall's W coefficient of the specialist consultation was 0.704 after 2 rounds of consultation (P < .005), suggesting that the specialists had similar opinions. Based on 4 primary items and 19 secondary items of the source of PIO, and tripartite distribution characteristics of infected patients, we constructed the PIO investigation form. CONCLUSIONS: The PIO investigation form can be used in the investigation of the early-stage cluster of cases, it's a prerequisite for taking effective control measures, avoiding PIO occurrence. However, the effect of the investigation form needs to be further evaluated.

The Effects of Natural Chinese Medicine Aconite Root, Dried Ginger Rhizome, and Coptis on Rectal and Skin Temperatures at Acupuncture Points.

The 4 properties of Chinese materia medica refer to cold, hot, warm, and cool. In the present study, the effects of the Coptis, the prepared aconite root, and dried ginger rhizome were compared with regard to the rectal and skin temperature changes of the related body surface acupuncture points (Dazhui, Zhiyang, Mingmen, Zhongwan, and Shenque). The investigation aimed to explore the thermal sensitive points, which can reflect the cold and hot properties of the Chinese herbs. This study showed that the prepared aconite root and dried ginger rhizome exhibited a warming effect on the body temperature, whereas the warming sensitive points were Zhongwan, Shenque, Dazhui, and Zhiyang. Coptis exhibited both a warming and a cooling effect on the body temperature, and the cooling sensitive point was Dazhui. The concomitant effect of these three Chinese herbs on the regulation of the body temperature was reflected by Dazhui. However, there are still some limitations and one-sidedness. For instance, the cold and hot property of some herbs cannot be fully reflected through relevant acupoints on the conception and governor vessels. More detecting sites such as ears and internal organs will be selected for further exploration of Chinese herbs' cold and hot property.