Infection prevention and control and related practices in African neonatal units: The Pan-African neonatal care assessment study (PANCAS).
Int J Hyg Environ Health
; 259: 114357, 2024 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38564877
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The burden of neonatal mortality is primarily borne by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including deaths due to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Few studies have assessed infection prevention and control (IP&C) practices in African units caring for small and/or sick newborns aimed to reduce HAIs.METHODS:
We performed a mixed-methods study composed of a survey and virtual tour to assess IP&C and related practices. We created a survey composed of multiple-choice and open-ended questions delivered to site respondents via Zoom or video equivalent. Respondents provided a virtual tour of their unit via video and the study team used a checklist to evaluate specific practices.RESULTS:
We recruited 45 units caring for small and sick newborns in 20 African countries. Opportunities to optimize hand hygiene, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices, Kangaroo Mother Care, and IP&C training were noted. The virtual tour offered further understanding of IP&C challenges unique to individual sites. All respondents expressed the need for additional space, equipment, supplies, education, and IP&C staff and emphasized that attention to maternal comfort was important to IP&C success.DISCUSSION:
This study identified opportunities to improve IP&C practices using low-cost measures including further education and peer support through learning collaboratives. Virtual tours can be used to provide site-specific assessment and feedback from peers, IP&C specialists and environmental engineering experts.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Cross Infection
/
Infection Control
Limits:
Humans
/
Newborn
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Hyg Environ Health
Journal subject:
SAUDE AMBIENTAL
/
SAUDE PUBLICA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article