Effect of ozone gas on cultures of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus: evaluation of two ozonation devices.

INTRODUCTION: Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus are two important agents of Healthcare-associated infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of ozone (O3) gas produced by two commercial devices against cultures of these two species. METHODOLOGY: Sterile plastic plates were inoculated with C. albicans and A. fumigatus and placed on a countertop at three distances (30 cm, 1 m, and 2 m) and three positions in relation to the wall (near, middle, and away), considering the source of O3. Plates were exposed to O3 for one hour and incubated. After incubation, the counting of colony-forming units was performed. As a control, an inoculated plate was incubated, without being exposed to O3. Tests were carried out with two different devices (namely, Mod.I and Mod.II), with the air conditioner on and off, in triplicate. RESULTS: Both devices showed antifungal activity. Mod. I presented better results, due to a higher flow rate. The best activity was on plates at 30 cm, middle position. Contrarily, on plates at 2m, near the wall, the inhibition activity was lower. The best results were obtained with the air conditioner off. Candida albicans was more sensitive to O3 than A. fumigatus. CONCLUSIONS: This method of decontamination by O3 gas shows potential due to its fast and easy execution. The establishment of new protocols for hygiene and hospital disinfection using this approach should be considered, which may reduce environmental contamination by fungi and, consequently, the burden of fungal infections.

Contamination of equipment and surfaces in the operating room anesthesia workspace: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Contamination of the breathing circuit and medication preparation surface of an anesthesia machine can increase the risk of cross-infection. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contamination of the anesthetic medication preparation surface, respiratory circuits, and devices used in general anesthesia with assisted mechanical ventilation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted at the surgical center of a philanthropic hospital, of medium complexity located in the municipality of Três Lagoas, in the eastern region of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. METHODS: Eighty-two microbiological samples were collected from the breathing circuits. After repeating the samples in different culture media, 328 analyses were performed. RESULTS: A higher occurrence of E. coli, Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae (P < 0.001) were observed. Variations were observed depending on the culture medium and sample collection site. CONCLUSION: The study findings underscore the inadequate disinfection of the inspiratory and expiratory branches, highlighting the importance of stringent cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces.

Contamination of equipment and surfaces in the operating room anesthesia workspace: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Contamination of the breathing circuit and medication preparation surface of an anesthesia machine can increase the risk of cross-infection. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contamination of the anesthetic medication preparation surface, respiratory circuits, and devices used in general anesthesia with assisted mechanical ventilation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted at the surgical center of a philanthropic hospital, of medium complexity located in the municipality of Três Lagoas, in the eastern region of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. METHODS: Eighty-two microbiological samples were collected from the breathing circuits. After repeating the samples in different culture media, 328 analyses were performed. RESULTS: A higher occurrence of E. coli, Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae (P < 0.001) were observed. Variations were observed depending on the culture medium and sample collection site. CONCLUSION: The study findings underscore the inadequate disinfection of the inspiratory and expiratory branches, highlighting the importance of stringent cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces.

Epidemiological characterization of patients with intestinal stomas

Objective: To characterize the sociodemographic and clinical variables of people with intestinal stomas. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 47 patients of a Specialized Rehabilitation Center (CER II/APAE) in the municipality of Três Lagoas, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwestern Brazil, from December 2019 to June 2020. Data was analyzed using inferential descriptive statistics (Anderson-Darling, Chi-squared, and Mann-Whitney normality tests). Results: Regarding the patients, 87.23% were from Três Lagoas, 51.06% were female, 40.43% were aged from 60 to 69 years, 59.57% were married, 53.19% were brown, 59.57% were catholic, 36.17% finished elementary school, 46.81% were retired, and 57.45% earned a monthly income below 1 minimum wage. Moreover, 61.70% had undergone terminal colostomy (61.70%), 61.70% had received guidance about its placing, 57.45% had it placed due to situations of urgency, 74.47% had a stoma installed due to a neoplasia, 38.30% were permanent, with 46.81% located in the inferior left quadrant (ILQ), 59.57% presented pasty effluent, 63.83% had a circular diameter, 53.19% had pouches with 2 pieces and 57.45%, with a flexible base, 87.23% had other adjunct equipment, and 95.74% had been trained in self-care. The most common complication was skin/peristomal irritant contact dermatitis (59,57%), and 65,95% of these cases were solved by teaching self-care. The type of stoma was significantly associated with the consistency of the effluent and the size of the protrusion (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The results found can support strategies to implement practices to promote health, develop new public policies, to provide training in self-care, and prevent and treat complications. (AU)

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.

Construcción y validación de una herramienta para evaluación del conocimiento sobre la dermatitis asociada a la incontinencia / Construção e validação de um instrumento para avaliação do conhecimento sobre dermatite associada à incontinência / Construction and validation of a tool for evaluation of knowledge about incontinence-associated dermatitis

Objetivo: Construir y validar una herramienta para evaluar el conocimiento sobre la dermatitis por incontinencia entre profesionales de enfermería. Método: Investigación metodológica para la elaboración y la validación de contenido de una herramienta para evaluación del conocimiento sobre la dermatitis por incontinencia, efectuada en tres etapas, la elaboración de la herramienta se hizo entre junio y octubre de 2020 y la validación de contenido – por siete jueces y seis profesionales – y el pretest, se realizaron entre marzo y mayo de 2021. La construcción de la herramienta se ha fundamentado en documentos de consenso y revisiones sistemáticas del tema. Durante la validación, fue adoptado el Método Delphi. Para el análisis de la concordancia entre examinadores se ha calculado el Índice de Validez de Contenido. Resultados: La concordancia entre los evaluadores fue superior al 83% en los elementos y en el dominio del test. Por medio del análisis de la varianza, se identificó que no hubo diferencia estadística significativa entre las respuestas de los evaluadores. La versión final de la herramienta presenta 57 ítems. Conclusiones: El test elaborado fue considerado adecuado por los evaluadores en cuanto a los criterios de relevancia, claridad y simplicidad, por lo que puede aplicarse en la población objetivo, para orientar acciones de educación permanente en salud. (AU)

Objetivo: Construir e validar um instrumento para avaliar o conhecimento sobre dermatite associada à incontinência entre profissionais de enfermagem. Método: Pesquisa metodológica, para a elaboração e validação de conteúdo de um instrumento para avaliação do conhecimento sobre dermatite associada a incontinência, realizada em três etapas sendo, a elaboração do instrumento entre junho e outubro de 2020, validação de conteúdo por sete juízes e seis profissionais e pré-teste, entre março e maio de 2021. A construção do mesmo, fundamentou-se em documentos de consenso e revisões sistemáticas do tema. Durante a validação adotou-se a Técnica Delphi. Para análise da concordância entre examinadores, calculou-se o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo.Resultados: A concordância entre os avaliadores foi superior a 83%, nos itens e domínios do teste. Através de análise da variância, identificou-se que não houve diferença estatística significativa entre as respostas dos avaliadores. A versão final do instrumento apresenta 57 itens. Conclusões: O teste elaborado foi considerado adequado pelos avaliadores, quanto aos critérios de relevância, clareza e simplicidade, podendo ser aplicado na população fim, para nortear ações de educação permanente em saúde. (AU)

Objective: Building and validating a tool to evaluate knowledge about incontinence-associated dermatitis among nursing professionals. Method: Methodological research, for the elaboration and content validation of a tool to assess knowledge about incontinence-associated dermatitis, carried out in three stages: the elaboration of the instrument between June and October 2020, content validation by seven judges and six professionals, and pre-test, between March and May 2021. Its construction was based on consensus documents and systematic reviews of the topic. During validation, the Delphi method was adopted. Content Validity Index was calculated to analyze the agreement between examiners. Results: The agreement among the evaluators was higher than 83% in the test items and domains. Through analysis of variance, it was identified that there was no statistically significant difference among the evaluators' responses. The final version of the tool has 57 items. Conclusions: The test developed was considered adequate by the evaluators, regarding the criteria of relevance, clarity and simplicity, and can be applied to the target population for guiding permanent health education actions. (AU)

Intervenção Educativa Sobre Dermatite Associada à Incontinência: Estratégia de Ensino no Instagram / Educational Intervention on Incontinence-associated Dermatitis: Teaching Strategy on Instagram / Intervención Educativa en Dermatitis Asociada a Incontinencia: Estrategia Didáctica Sobre Instagram

Objetivos:Descrever e avaliar intervenção educativa realizada por meio de mídia social sobre dermatite associada à incontinência (DAI) com profissionais de enfermagem. Métodos:Estudo de intervenção educativa com abordagem qualitativa pela mídia social Instagram para veiculação dos conteúdos do curso sobre a DAI. A coleta de dados foi realizada com 30 profissionais de enfermagem da clínica médica e unidade de terapia intensiva adulta de hospital de ensino público de Mato Grosso do Sul, de fevereiro a março de 2022. Os dados foram coletados durante o curso e apreciados pela análise de conteúdo de Bardin e à luz do referencial teórico da aprendizagem significativa de Ausubel. Resultados: Da análise dos comentários dos cursistas, emergiram quatro categorias temáticas: ancoragem, que retrata o saber prévio; aprendizagem significativa subordinada, a qual apresenta a construção de conhecimento ancorada no saber prévio; aprendizagem por descoberta, evidenciando a autonomia do participante no aprendizado; e avaliação do processo de ensino-aprendizagem, que revela a avaliação do processo educativo. Conclusão: Os resultados mostraram que a intervenção educativa obteve êxito no que tange ao compartilhamento de evidências sobre DAI aos participantes e que a ferramenta Instagram pode ser adotada para ações educativas mesmo em ambiente hospitalar.

Objectives:To describe and evaluate, in a formative way, an educational intervention carried out through social media on incontinence-associated dermatitis with nursing professionals from a public hospital. Method: Educational intervention study with a qualitative approach conducted in a virtual way through the social media Instagram as a platform for the dissemination of course content on the subject. Data collection was carried out with 30 nursing professionals from the medical clinic and adult intensive care unit of a public teaching hospital in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, between February and March 2022. Data were collected during the course and analysed through content analysis and according to Ausubel's meaningful learning theoretical framework perspective. Results: From the analysis of the participants' comments, four thematic categories emerged: anchoring; subordinated meaningful learning; discovery learning; and evaluation of the teaching-learning process. Conclusion: Through the results found, it was identified that the educational intervention conducted was successful in terms of sharing evidence on the subject to the participants. It was found that the Instagram can be adopted as a tool to carry out educational actions, including in a hospital environment.

Objetivo:Describir y evaluar, de forma formativa, una intervención educativa realizada a través de las redes sociales sobre dermatitis asociada a incontinencia con profesionales de enfermería de un hospital público. Métodos: Estudio de intervención educativa, con enfoque cualitativo, realizado de forma virtual, a través de la red social Instagram® como plataforma de difusión de contenidos de cursos sobre el tema. La recolección de datos se realizó con 30 profesionales de Enfermería de la Clínica Médica y UTI Adultos de un hospital público de enseñanza en el estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, entre febrero y marzo de 2022. Este estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Los datos fueron recolectados durante el curso y analizados a través del análisis de contenido ya la luz del marco teórico del Aprendizaje Significativo de Ausubel. Resultados: Del análisis de los comentarios de los participantes surgieron cuatro categorías temáticas: anclaje; aprendizaje significativo subordinado; aprendizaje por descubrimiento; y evaluación del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Conclusión: A través de los resultados encontrados, se identifica que la intervención educativa realizada fue exitosa en cuanto a compartir evidencias sobre el tema a los participantes. Se constató que la herramienta Instagram® puede ser adoptada para realizar acciones educativas, incluso en ambiente hospitalario.

Influencing factors of hand hygiene in critical sections of a brazilian hospital.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to monitor adherence to hand hygiene by health professionals working in critical sections and to assess the factors that influenced adherence, such as physical structure of the units, use of procedure gloves, employment bond of the worker, and perception of patient safety climate. METHODOLOGY: Observational and correlational study carried out in critical areas of a university hospital in the Midwest region of Brazil. RESULTS: The overall hand hygiene adherence rate was 46.2% (n = 3,025). Adherence was higher among nurses 59.8% (n = 607) than among nursing technicians (p < 0.001), and the section with the greatest adherence was the neonatal Intensive Care Unit 62.9% (n = 947) (p < 0.001). Unlike the neonatal unit, in the adult unit the dispensers of alcohol-based handrubs were poorly located, without arms reach, and the taps were manual. In this section, a greater frequency of procedure glove use was also observed, 90.6% (n = 536), as compared to the other sections (p < 0.001). Regarding safety climate perception, temporary employees had higher means as compared to regular employees (p = 0.0375). CONCLUSIONS: Hand hygiene adherence was affected and/or influenced by the physical structure, use of procedure gloves, work regime, and patient safety climate.

Ação antimicrobiana do gás ozônio em superfícies e na aeromicrobiota / Acción antimicrobiana del gas ozono en superfi cies y en la microbiota del aire / Antimicrobial action of ozone gas on surfaces and in the air

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a ação antimicrobiano do gás ozônio (O3) em superfícies e ar ambiente climatizado artificialmente. Métodos: Estudo experimental/laboratorial e transversal realizado em dez salas de um laboratório de pesquisa em microbiologia médica, com risco de segurança biológica classe 2. As superfícies demarcadas do chão, parede e bancada foram avaliadas, quanto à presença ou ausência de micro-organismos, a partir de coletas feitas com swab umedecido em água destilada estéril, antes e após a exposição do gás O3 gerado por dois equipamentos distintos. Após este procedimento, o swab foi inoculado na superfície do meio de cultura Brain Heart Infusion Agar DIFCO® (BHI), seguindo-se a incubação a 35ºC por 24 horas. Para a análise microbiológica do ar, uma placa com BHI foi exposta aberta por uma hora, antes e após o tratamento do gás O3, sendo incubadas segundo os mesmos critérios. Resultados: A atividade antimicrobiana do gás O3 gerado por ambos os equipamentos foi constatada para todas as áreas investigadas, com registros de redução do número de Unidades Formadoras de Colônias. O potencial de inibição antimicrobiana dos aparelhos se manteve próximo para os critérios de análise adotados, com destaque para as áreas de chão e bancada. Considerando-se todas as salas e percentuais de inibição microbiana, frente aos dois equipamentos, os resultados foram: chão (100%), bancada (90%), parede (50%) e ar, 70%. Conclusão: Os equipamentos geradores de gás O3 apresentaram potencial antimicrobiano para medida de controle de microrganismos presentes em superfícies e ar ambiente climatizado artificialmente, sendo um sanitizante factível para utilização.

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la acción antimicrobiana del gas ozono (O3) en superficies y en el aire interior climatizado artificialmente. Métodos: Estudio experimental/de laboratorio y transversal realizado en diez salas de un laboratorio de investigación en microbiología médica, con riesgo de seguridad biológica clase 2. Se evaluaron las superficies delimitadas en el piso, pared y mesa en cuanto a la presencia o ausencia de microorganismos, a partir de muestras recolectadas con hisopo humedecido en agua destilada estéril, antes y después de la exposición del gas O3 generado por dos máquinas distintas. Luego de este procedimiento, el hisopo fue inoculado en la superficie del medio de cultivo Brain Heart Infusion Agar DIFCO® (BHI), y después incubado a 35 °C por 24 horas. Para el análisis microbiológico del aire, se expuso una placa con BHI abierta durante una hora, antes y después del tratamiento del gas O3, y luego se incubó con los mismos criterios. Resultados: Se constató la actividad antimicrobiana del gas O3 generado por ambas máquinas en todas las áreas investigadas, y se registró una reducción del número de unidades formadoras de colonias. El potencial de inhibición antimicrobiana de los dispositivos se mantuvo próximo a los criterios de análisis adoptados, con énfasis en el área del piso y mesa. Considerando todas las salas y porcentajes de inhibición microbiana, con las dos máquinas, los resultados fueron: piso (100 %), mesa (90 %), pared (50 %) y aire (70 %). Conclusión: Las máquinas generadoras de gas O3 presentaron potencial antimicrobiano como medida de control de microorganismos presentes en superficies y aire interior climatizado artificialmente, lo que lo convierte en un desinfectante factible para ser usado.

Abstract Objective: Assess the antimicrobial action of ozone gas (O3) on surfaces and artificially cooled ambient air. Methods: Cross-sectional experimental/laboratory study carried out in ten rooms of a medical microbiology research lab, with class 2 biosafety risk. The demarcated surfaces on the floor, wall and counter were assessed in relation to the presence or absence of microorganisms, based on collections done with swabs dampened in sterile distilled water, before and after exposure to ozone gas produced by two different generators. After this procedure, each swab was inoculated on the surface of a Brain Heart Infusion Agar DIFCO® (BHI) culture, followed by incubation at 35ºC for 24 hours. For the microbiological analysis of the air, a petri dish with BHI was openly exposed for one hour, before and after treatment with O3 gas, and were incubated according to the same criteria. Results: The antimicrobial activity of the O3 gas produced by both generators was checked in all the areas investigated, with records indicating a decrease in the number of colony-forming units. The antimicrobial inhibition potential of the generators was close to the analysis criteria adopted, particularly for the floor and counter areas. Based on all the rooms and microbial inhibition percentages, in relation to the two generators, the results were: floor (100%), counter (90%), wall (50%) and air (70%). Conclusion: The O3 generators had antimicrobial potential as a procedure for controlling microorganisms present on surfaces and in artificially cooled ambient air, constituting a feasible sanitizer.

Broad Diversity of Fungi in Hospital Water.

INTRODUCTION: Some studies have reported the occurrence of microorganisms isolated from water. Considering these microorganisms, fungi are known to occur ubiquitously in the environment, including water, and some are pathogenic and may cause health problems, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The aim of this study was to identify fungi in hospital water samples and to correlate their presence with the concentration of free residual chlorine. METHODS: Water samples (100 mL) were collected from taps (n = 74) and water purifiers (n = 14) in different locations in a university hospital. Samples were filtered through a nitrocellulose membrane and placed on Sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated for 24 hours at 30°C. Fungi were identified according to established methods based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics (filamentous) and physiological tests (yeasts). Free chlorine residual content was measured at the time of sample collection. RESULTS: Seventy species of fungi were identified in the water samples and about 56% of the water samples contained culturable fungi. Cladosporium oxysporum, Penicillium spinulosum, and Aspergillus fumigatus were the most common filamentous fungi. Aureobasidium pullulans and Candida parapsilosis were the most common yeasts. Chemical analyses revealed that free residual chlorine was present in 81.8% of the samples within recommended concentrations. Among samples from water purifiers, 92.9% showed low levels of free residual chlorine (<0.2 mg/L). There was no significant association between chlorine concentrations (either within or outside the recommended range) and the presence of filamentous fungi and yeasts. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that hospital water can be a reservoir for fungi, some of which are potentially harmful to immunocompromised patients. Free residual chlorine was ineffective in some samples.

Effectiveness of clinical surface cleaning and disinfection: evaluation methods.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the methods employed to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical surface cleaning and disinfection (C&D). METHOD: This is a theoretical reflection based on scientific studies and the experience of the authors. Knowledge and current gaps, the need for further studies, and practical application of the methods were approached. RESULTS: There are four main methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical surface C&D: visual inspection, fluorescent markers, microbiological cultures, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence. The first two are used to evaluate the process and to predict adherence to protocols by the staff, and the last two are employed to evaluate the results, therefore being the most relevant to assess the risk of infection. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The ideal method was not found, because all of them showed limitations. There is a need for strategies to optimize the precision of these methods.

Effectiveness of clinical surface cleaning and disinfection: evaluation methods / Eficiencia de la limpieza y desinfección de superficies clínicas: métodos de evaluación / Eficiência da limpeza e desinfecção de superfícies clínicas: métodos de avaliação

ABSTRACT Objective: To discuss the methods employed to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical surface cleaning and disinfection (C&D). Method: This is a theoretical reflection based on scientific studies and the experience of the authors. Knowledge and current gaps, the need for further studies, and practical application of the methods were approached. Results: There are four main methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical surface C&D: visual inspection, fluorescent markers, microbiological cultures, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence. The first two are used to evaluate the process and to predict adherence to protocols by the staff, and the last two are employed to evaluate the results, therefore being the most relevant to assess the risk of infection. Final considerations: The ideal method was not found, because all of them showed limitations. There is a need for strategies to optimize the precision of these methods.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Discutir los métodos utilizados para evaluar la eficiencia de la limpieza y desinfección (L&D) de superficies clínicas. Método: Reflexión teórica fundamentada en estudios científicos y en la experiencia de los autores. Fueron abordados el conocimiento y las carencias presentes, la necesidad de investigaciones futuras y la práctica en la aplicación de los métodos. Resultados: Los métodos más habitualmente aplicados para evaluar la eficiencia de la L&D de superficies clínicas son cuatro: inspección visual, marcadores fluorescentes, cultivos microbiológicos y test de adenosina trifosfato por bioluminiscencia. Los dos primeros son utilizados para evaluar el proceso. Prevén la adhesión a los protocolos por parte del equipo. Los dos últimos son aplicados para evaluar los resultados, por lo cual son más relevantes para descubrir riesgos de infección. Consideraciones finales: No se encontró el método ideal, dado que todos presentan limitaciones. Se necesitan estrategias que optimicen la precisión de estos métodos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Discutir os métodos empregados para avaliar a eficiência da limpeza e desinfecção (L&D) de superfícies clínicas. Método: Trata-se de uma reflexão teórica fundamentada em estudos científicos e experiência dos autores. Foram abordados o conhecimento e as lacunas atuais, a necessidade de futuras investigações e a prática na utilização dos métodos. Resultados: São quatro os principais métodos utilizados para avaliar a eficiência da L&D de superfícies clínicas: inspeção visual, marcadores fluorescentes, culturas microbiológicas e teste de adenosina trifosfato por bioluminescência. Os dois primeiros são utilizados para avaliar o processo e preveem a adesão aos protocolos pela equipe, enquanto os dois últimos são empregados para avaliar os resultados, portanto, mais relevantes na avaliação do risco de infecção. Considerações finais: Não foi encontrado um método ideal, pois todos apresentaram limitações. São necessárias estratégias que potencializem a precisão desses métodos.

Wide diversity of fungal species found in wellwater for human consumption: an analytical cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Fungi are ubiquitous in the environment. They are able to grow in water and many of them may be opportunistic pathogens. OBJECTIVE: The aims were to identify fungi in registered wells (RWs) and nonregistered wells (NRWs) that tap into groundwater; and to correlate the results from physicochemical assays on this water (free residual chlorine and pH) with the presence of fungi. DATA AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional quantitative study on groundwater wells in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: 52 samples of 500 ml of water were collected from RWs and 107 from NRWs. These were sent to a microbiology laboratory to identify any fungi that were present. In addition, free residual chlorine and pH were measured immediately after sample collection. Several statistical analysis tests were used. RESULTS: Fungal contamination was present in 78.8% of the samples from RWs and 81.3% from NRWs. Filamentous fungi were more prevalent than yeast in both types of wells. There was no significant difference in presence of fungi according to whether chloride and pH were within recommended levels in RWs; or according to whether pH was within recommended levels in NRWs. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in the levels of fungal contamination between RWs and NRWs. CONCLUSION: Both RWs and NRWs are potential reservoirs for many types of fungi. Many of these may become opportunistic pathogens if they infect immunosuppressed individuals. Furthermore, this study confirms that fungi are able to grow even when chlorine and pH parameters are within the standards recommended.

Correlação entre métodos de monitoramento de limpeza e desinfecção de superfícies ambulatoriais / Correlación entre métodos de monitoreo de limpieza y desinfección de superficies en unidades ambulatorias / Correlation among monitoring methods of surface cleaning and disinfection in outpatient facilities

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a correlação entre cultura microbiológica, teste de ATP por bioluminescência e inspeção visual na monitorização da eficiência da limpeza e da desinfecção de superfícies de uma unidade ambulatorial e determinar o valor de corte de ATP-bioluminescência capaz de indicar superfície limpa em relação à avaliação microbiológica. Métodos Estudo exploratório, longitudinal e correlacional. Foram realizadas 720 avaliações em cinco superfícies antes e após a limpeza e a desinfecção. Nos resultados, foram realizadas análises de duas proporções, a correlação de Spearman e a curva ROC. Resultados Ocorreram proporções semelhantes (p≥0,05) entre as taxas de reprovação apenas entre ATP-bioluminescência e contagem de colônias aeróbias (CCA) quando somadas as avaliações de todas as superfícies antes e depois da limpeza e da desinfecção. Houve correlação significativa entre os métodos de quantificação de ATP e a contagem microbiana para o balcão da recepção e a maca. A análise ROC indicou que a quantificação de ATP apresentou resultado significativo na comparação com a CCA (p=0,044). Conclusão Embora discreta, houve correlação significativa entre os métodos de quantificação de ATP e contagem microbiana para duas superfícies. Sugere-se que superfícies que apresentam valores ≤49 unidades relativas de luz estão limpas.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la correlación entre cultivo microbiológico, prueba de ATP por bioluminiscencia e inspección visual en el monitoreo de la eficiencia de la limpieza y desinfección de superficies en una unidad ambulatoria y determinar el valor de referencia de ATP-bioluminiscencia que indique que la superficie está limpia con relación a la evaluación microbiológica. Métodos Estudio exploratorio, longitudinal y correlacional. Se realizaron 720 evaluaciones en cinco superficies antes y después de la limpieza y desinfección. En los resultados, se realizaron análisis de dos proporciones: la correlación de Spearman y la curva ROC. Resultados Hubo proporciones semejantes (p≥0,05) entre los índices de reprobación solo entre ATP-bioluminiscencia y recuento de colonias aerobias (RCA) cuando se sumaron las evaluaciones de todas las superficies antes y después de la limpieza y desinfección. Hubo una correlación significativa entre los métodos de cuantificación de ATP y el recuento microbiano en el mostrador de la recepción y la camilla. El análisis ROC indicó que la cuantificación de ATP presentó un resultado significativo en la comparación con el RCA (p=0,044). Conclusión Hubo una correlación significativa, aunque discreta, entre los métodos de cuantificación de ATP y recuento microbiano en dos superficies. Se sugiere que las superficies que presentan valores ≤49 unidades relativas de luz están limpias.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the correlation among microbiological culture, ATP bioluminescence assay, and visual inspection in monitoring the effectiveness of surface cleaning and disinfection in an outpatient facility and determine the ATP bioluminescence cutoff capable of indicating a clean surface regarding microbiological evaluation. Methods Exploratory, cross-sectional, and correlation study consisting of 720 evaluations in five surfaces before and after cleaning and disinfection. The results were used to run two-proportions tests, calculate Spearman's correlation, and plot the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results Similar proportions (p≥0.05) occurred for non-approval rates between ATP-bioluminescence and aerobic colony count only when the evaluations of all the surfaces before and after cleaning and disinfection were put together. There was a significant correlation between the ATP quantification and microbial count methods for the reception desk and the stretcher. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that ATP quantification showed a significant result in comparison with aerobic colony count (p=0.044). Conclusion There was a discrete correlation between the ATP quantification and microbial count methods for two surfaces. It is suggested that surfaces showing values ≤49 relative light units are clean.

Evaluation of disinfection of surfaces at an outpatient unit before and after an intervention program.

BACKGROUND: Cleaning and disinfection processes must be improved so that there is a reduction in environmental contamination of frequent-contact surfaces. The objective of this study was to evaluate cleaning and disinfection of surfaces at a specialized healthcare unit after an intervention program. METHODS: Exploratory, longitudinal, and correlational study carried out in a medium-complexity clinic. Two hundred and forty samples from five surfaces were collected during three phases: diagnosis; implementation of an intervention program; and evaluation of immediate and long-term effects. In total, 720 evaluations were made, performed through three monitoring methods: visual inspection; adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay (ATP); and aerobic colony count (ACC). The Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and Fisher's Exact tests were run to analyze data statistically. RESULTS: Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces were not being performed properly in most cases. Failure rates of surfaces reached 37.5 and 100% when the ATP and ACC procedures were used, respectively. However, after an intervention program, an improvement occurred. Success rates increased by 43.96% (ATP) and 12.46% (ACC) in phase I, by 70.6% (ATP) and 82.3% (ACC) immediately after interventions, and by 76.52% (ATP) and 85.76% (ACC) two months after the changes, showing that the program was effective. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals that implementing intervention actions with a cleaning and healthcare team brings benefits to prevent the spread of pathogenic agents through frequently touched hospital surfaces.

Marcadores fluorescentes para o monitoramento da limpeza e desinfecção de superficies / Fluorescent markers for cleaning and surface disinfection monitoring

Objetivo: descrever o uso de marcadores fluorescentes para o monitoramento da limpeza e a desinfecção de superfícies. Método: trata-se de um estudo bibliográfico, tipo revisão integrativa, realizado a partir das bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE e na biblioteca virtual SciELO. Incluiram-se artigos nas línguas portuguesa, inglesa e espanhola, sem delimitação de período. Selecionaram-se, a partir da análise crítica dos resumos, dez (100%) artigos. Apresentaram-se os resultados em forma de figuras. Resultados: relata-se, com relação à caracterização dos artigos analisados, que quatro (40%) foram publicados no ano de 2008. Nota-se que sete (70%) apresentam como objetivo avaliar e melhorar as práticas de limpeza em diversos ambientes. Conclusão: sugerem-se novos estudos que vislumbrem demostrar o impacto de intervenções na limpeza com os indicadores de segurança do paciente, permitindo apontar exatamente os ganhos ao paciente.(AU)

Objective: to describe the use of fluorescent markers to monitor surface cleaning and disinfection. Method: this is a bibliographical study, type integrative review, carried out from LILACS, MEDLINE and the SciELO virtual library. Portuguese, English and Spanish articles were included, without delimitation of period. From the critical analysis of the abstracts, ten (100%) articles were selected. The results were presented in the form of figures. Results: four (40%) were published in the year 2008. It is noteworthy that seven (70%) have the objective of evaluating and improving cleaning practices in several environments. Conclusion: new studies are suggested that demonstrate the impact of cleaning interventions with the patient's safety indicators, allowing an accurate indication of the gains to the patient. (AU)

Objetivo: describir el uso de marcadores fluorescentes para el monitoreo de la limpieza y la desinfección de superficies. Método: se trata de un estudio bibliográfico, tipo revisión integrativa, realizado a partir de las bases de datos LILACS, MEDLINE y en la biblioteca virtual SciELO. Se incluyeron los artículos en portugués, Inglés y Español sin periodo de delimitación. Se seleccionaron, a partir del análisis crítico de los resúmenes, diez (100%) artículos. Se presentaron los resultados en forma de figuras. Resultados: se relata, con relación a la caracterización de los artículos analizados, que cuatro (40%) fueron publicados en el año 2008. Se nota que siete (70%) presentan como objetivo evaluar y mejorar las prácticas de limpieza en diversos ambientes. Conclusión: se sugieren nuevos estudios que vislumbre demostrar el impacto de intervenciones en la limpieza con los indicadores de seguridad del paciente, permitiendo apuntar exactamente las ganancias al paciente.(AU)

Wide diversity of fungal species found in wellwater for human consumption: an analytical cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fungi are ubiquitous in the environment. They are able to grow in water and many of them may be opportunistic pathogens. OBJECTIVE: The aims were to identify fungi in registered wells (RWs) and nonregistered wells (NRWs) that tap into groundwater; and to correlate the results from physicochemical assays on this water (free residual chlorine and pH) with the presence of fungi. DATA AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional quantitative study on groundwater wells in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: 52 samples of 500 ml of water were collected from RWs and 107 from NRWs. These were sent to a microbiology laboratory to identify any fungi that were present. In addition, free residual chlorine and pH were measured immediately after sample collection. Several statistical analysis tests were used. RESULTS: Fungal contamination was present in 78.8% of the samples from RWs and 81.3% from NRWs. Filamentous fungi were more prevalent than yeast in both types of wells. There was no significant difference in presence of fungi according to whether chloride and pH were within recommended levels in RWs; or according to whether pH was within recommended levels in NRWs. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in the levels of fungal contamination between RWs and NRWs. CONCLUSION: Both RWs and NRWs are potential reservoirs for many types of fungi. Many of these may become opportunistic pathogens if they infect immunosuppressed individuals. Furthermore, this study confirms that fungi are able to grow even when chlorine and pH parameters are within the standards recommended.

Mortalidade em receptores de transplante renal ­ causas e fatores relacionados: revisão integrativa / Mortality in renal transplant receptors ­ causes and related factors: integrative review

Objetivos: Analisar as produções científicas sobre os fatores associados à mortalidade em pacientes submetidos ao transplante renal. Métodos: revisão integrativa realizada no período de janeiro de 2006 a julho de 2016, cujo levantamento bibliográfico foi por meio das bibliotecas eletrônicas: PubMed, SciELO, LILACS e Cochrane Library, totalizando 777 artigos. Após a leitura dos títulos e resumos, foi excluída toda publicação duplicada e as que não correspondiam aos critérios de inclusão. A amostra compôs-se de 21 estudos os quais responderam à questão de pesquisa. Resultados: A maior incidência de publicações deu-se em periódicos internacionais, predominando estudos de coorte com nível de evidência IV. Quanto às causas da mortalidade prevaleceu a cardiovascular. Os fatores associados a mortalidade foram relacionados a função cardiovascular, processos infecciosos, metabólicos, fisiológicos, nutricionais e estruturais. Conclusões: Recomenda-se melhorias no processo de avaliação e acompanhamento dos pacientes receptores de transplante renal

Objectives: To analyze the scientific production on the factors associated with mortality in patients submitted to renal transplantation. Methods: An integrative review was carried out from January 2006 to July 2016, whose bibliographic survey was done through electronic libraries: PubMed, SciELO, LILACS and Cochrane Library, totaling 777 articles. After reading the titles and abstracts, all duplicate publications and those that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. The sample consisted of 21 studies which answered the question of research. Results: The highest incidence of publications occurred in international journals, predominantly cohort studies with level of evidence IV. As for the causes of mortality, cardiovascular disease prevailed. The factors associated with mortality were related to cardiovascular function, infectious, metabolic, physiological, nutritional and structural processes. Conclusions: Improvements in the evaluation and follow-up of renal transplant recipients are recommended

Hospital infection control programs: assessment of process and structure indicators. / Programas de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar: avaliação de indicadores de estrutura e processo.

OBJECTIVE: To assess hospital infection control committees in relation to structure and process indicators of hospital infection control programs. METHOD: Descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted with hospital committees registered in the National Registry of Healthcare Facilities. Primary and secondary data collection was conducted through structured interview using validated instruments and verification of documents, respectively. RESULTS: Fourteen committees participated in the research. Mean values of conformity of 80.58% were evidenced for the technical-operational structure assessment indicator, 60.77% for the infection control and prevention operational guidelines indicator, 81.59% for the epidemiological surveillance system assessment indicator, and 63.44% for hospital infection control and prevention activities assessment indicator. CONCLUSION: Among the four instruments applied to assess hospital infection control programs, only two presented results with more than 80.0% of conformity: those related to the epidemiological surveillance and technical-operational structure assessments.

Fatores associados à qualidade de vida de pessoas com feridas complexas crônicas / Los factores asociados con la calidad de vida de personas con heridas crónicas complejo / Factors associated with quality of life of people with chronic complex wounds

Objective: to analyze the quality of life of people with chronic complex wounds. Method: Data were collected through a questionnaire containing the WHOQOL-Bref instrument of the World Health Organization and questions about sociodemographic and clinical variables. Statistical analysis methods used were: linear correlation of Pearson; Analysis of Variance and Tukey with reliability of 95% and p <0.05. Results: We evaluated 53 patients with complex wounds. 28 (52.83%) of these were female with an average age of 62.17 years and with low education. In the evaluation of the quality of life, the pain was correlated with the physical domain (p = 0.030) and psychological (p = 0.051); while the area was correlated with age (p = 0.051) and pain correlated with the time of injury (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Knowning the clinical characteristics and the quality of life enables better understanding of the complaints and better healthcare planning, which contributs to improved quality of life.

Objetivo: analisar a qualidade de vida de pessoas com feridas complexas crônicas. Método: Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário contendo o instrumento WHOQOL-Bref da Organização Mundial de Saúde e questões sobre variáveis sociodemográficos e clínicas. Para análise estatística foram utilizados os métodos: Correlação Linear de Pearson; Análise de Variância e Tukey com confiabilidade de 95% e p<0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 53 pacientes com feridas complexas. Desses, 28 (52,83%) são do sexo feminino com média de idade de 62,17 anos e com baixa escolaridade. Na avaliação da qualidade de vida, a dor se correlacionou com o domínio físico (p=0,030) e psicológico (p=0,051); enquanto que a área se correlacionou com a idade (p=0,051), e a dor se correlacionou com o tempo de lesão (p=0,001). Conclusão: Conhecer as características clínicas e a qualidade de vida possibilita melhor compreensão das queixas e melhor planejamento assistencial contribuindo para melhoria da qualidade de vida.

Objetivo: analizar la calidad de vida de las personas con heridas crónicas complejas. Métodos: Los datos fueron recolectados a través de un cuestionario que contiene el instrumento WHOQOL-BREF de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y las preguntas acerca de las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Se utilizaron métodos de análisis estadístico: correlación lineal de Pearson; El análisis de varianza y Tukey con una fiabilidad del 95% y p <0,05. Resultados: Se evaluaron 53 pacientes con heridas complejas. De éstos, 28 (52,83%) eran mujeres con una edad media de 62,17 años y con bajo nivel de educación. En la evaluación de la calidad de vida el dolor se correlacionó con el dominio físico (p = 0,030) y psicológico (p = 0,051); mientras que el área se correlacionó con la edad (p = 0,051) y el dolor correlacionado con el momento de la lesión (p = 0,001). Conclusión: Conocer las características clínicas y la calidad de vida permite una mejor comprensión de las quejas y una mejor planificación de la salud, lo que contribuye a una mejor calidad de vida.