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Background: During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, ambulance staff continued to deliver direct patient care whilst simultaneously adapting to a considerable escalation in evolving infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. Aim: To enable learning to benefit future planning, this qualitative article aims to describe ambulance staff's experiences of this rapid escalation of IPC practices. Method: Three online surveys were presented during the acceleration, peak, and deceleration phases of the pandemic's first wave in the UK (2020). Overall, 18 questions contributed 14,237 free text responses that were examined using inductive thematic analysis at both descriptive and interpretive levels. Findings: Many participants lacked confidence in policies related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) because of perceived inadequate supporting evidence, confusing communication, and low familiarity with items. Compliance with policy and confidence in PPE use were further influenced by discomfort, urgency, and perceptions of risk. Various suggestions were made to improve IPC practices within the work environment, including reducing unnecessary exposure through public education and remote triage improvements. Discussion: Some participants' poor experiences of escalating IPC practices were shared with health care workers studied in other environments and in previous epidemics, emphasising the need for lessons to be learnt. PPE should be developed with consideration of ambulance staff's unique working environment and regular familiarisation training could be beneficial. Pragmatic, evidence-based, clearly communicated policies implemented with sufficient resources may protect staff and facilitate them to maintain standards of care delivery during a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infection prevention competencies are critical for successful job performance, career progression and robust performance of infection prevention and control programs. Aim/objective: Identify competency assessment tools available to infection preventionists and describe their characteristics, validation processes and reliability. Methods: A scoping review was conducted on five databases and grey literature from 1999 to 2022. A descriptive synthesis approach was undertaken to analyse the data. Finding/results: Seven tools that meet the inclusion criteria were identified. Of those, one tool was reviewed twice. All tools were developed in the United Kingdom, Canada, China and the United States, and were published between 2009 and 2022. All tools use a rating scale; and the most used method to assess competencies was self-assessment. Levels of competency were cited by five tools. Two tools provided information on validation methods and reliability tests for internal consistency. Discussion: Few competency assessment tools are available in the literature, and there is a lack of information on their development process. A global effort to develop an assessment tool that allows comparison across countries and cultures can be a step forward to propel infection preventionists' careers and enhance the efficacy of Infection Prevention and Control Programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Teams (IPCTs) provide clinical cover during weekdays with on call support at weekends. We report the results of a 6-month pilot of extending infection prevention and control nursing (IPCN) clinical cover to weekends at one National Health Service trust in the United Kingdom. Methods: We examined daily episodes of infection prevention and control (IPC) clinical advice given before and during the pilot of extended IPCN to weekends. Stakeholders rated the value, impact, and their awareness of the new extended IPCN cover. Results: Episodes of clinical advice given were more evenly distributed across the weeks during the pilot. Advantages for infection management, patient flow, and clinical workload were seen. Conclusions: IPCN clinical cover at weekends is feasible and valued by stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of point-of-care testing (POCT) for influenza is not routine in many hospitals in the United Kngdom and testing is currently by laboratory-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. This review aims to evaluate patients who were tested positive for influenza in the last winter season and project if future POCT usage at initial point of patient assessment could assist in better utilisation of healthcare resources. Methods: Retrospective review in a district general hospital without POCT facility for influenza. Medical records of patients who tested positive for influenza during a 4-month period from 1 October 2019 to 31 January 2020 in the paediatric department were reviewed and analysed. Results: Thirty patients had laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza of which 63% (n = 19) were admitted to the ward. 56% of patients were not isolated at first instance on admission and 50% (n = 9) of admitted patients did not require inpatient management which totalled up to 224 h length of stay in ward. Conclusions: Routine POCT for influenza can potentially improve management of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms and allocation of healthcare resources. We recommend its use to be introduced in diagnostic pathways for acute respiratory illness in the paediatric population in the next winter season in all hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Infection Prevention Societies Competency Framework is a detailed tool that recognises the multi factorial work of Infection Prevention and Control Teams. This work often takes place in complex, chaotic and busy environments where non-compliance with policies, procedures and guidelines is endemic. As reductions in Healthcare Associated Infection became a health service priority the tone of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) became increasingly uncompromising and punitive. This can create conflict between IPC professionals and clinicians who may take a different view as to the reasons for sub optimum practice. If unresolved, this can create a tension that has a negative impact on working relationships and ultimately patient outcomes. Concepts and Context: Emotional Intelligence, that ability to recognise, understand and manage our own emotions and recognise, understand and influence the emotions of others, is not something, hitherto, that has been headlined as an attribute for individuals working in IPC. Individuals with higher level of Emotional Intelligence show a greater capacity for learning, deal with pressure more effectively, communicate in interesting and assertive ways and recognise the strengths and weaknesses of others. Overall, the trend is that they are more productive and satisfied in the workplace. Conclusion: Emotional Intelligence should be a much sought after trait in IPC as this will better equip a post holder to deliver challenging IPC programmes. When appointing to an IPC team, the candidates Emotional Intelligence should be considered and then developed through a process of education and reflection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) pose a significant threat to the health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors. Infection prevention and control (IPC) teams play a crucial role in ensuring that systems and processes are in place to keep everyone safe within the healthcare environment. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify components of infection prevention services, priorities, indicators of successes and how they are measured, and facilitators and barriers to success. Methods: A s urvey questionnaire was developed and circulated to infection prevention leaders and managers. Findings/results: Seventy IPC leaders/managers completed the survey. Participants were responsible for a range of IPC services within and across healthcare organisations, with significant variations to IPC delivery components. Additionally, a range of budget availability was reported. Several IPC service requirements were considered core work of IPC teams, including providing IPC advice and support, surveillance and audit and education and training. Discussion: An optimal IPC service needs to be in place to ensure HCAIs are minimised or prevented. In a post pandemic era, this is more important than ever before. This is also as crucial for the health and wellbeing of those working in IPC, who have endured unprecedented demand for their services during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid testing facilitates safe and effective diagnosis, but the true speed of the process is the time from collection of a sample to delivery of an accurate and reliable test result – 'end-to-end' time. Transport, unpacking and relaying of information can extend this time considerably beyond the minimum laboratory turnaround times as stipulated by PCR testing protocols. Aim/Objective: This study aimed to minimise time needed to ascertain SARS-CoV-2 status prior to treatment in a UK Dental Hospital using a novel, mobile, direct to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) workflow. Methods: Process flow analysis and PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycles for rapid continuous improvement were employed in a service improvement programme. Primerdesign™ q16 rapid PCR instruments and PROmate® COVID-19 direct assays were used for molecular testing. Findings/Results: We showed a reduction in real-world end-to-end time for a diagnostic test from 240 min to 85 min (65% reduction) over a 4-week period. Discussion: New rapid technologies have become available that reduce analytical time to under 90 min, but the real-world clinical implementation of the test requires a fully integrated workflow from clinic to reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The importance of infection prevention and control (IPC) services to prevent threats from healthcare-associated infections and improve the quality of healthcare delivery is undeniable. However, IPC services across the UK and Ireland have substantial variability in terms of team structures and delivery models. Aim: The aim of this study was to define an optimal IPC service in different contexts and settings within the United Kingdom and Ireland. Methods: This mixed methods study adopted discussion huddles with IPC teams to explore various components of IPC programmes and services. A Nominal Group technique was then undertaken to achieve a group consensus of what an optimal infection prevention service should look like. Results: Five discussion huddles were conducted which included 53 participants in total. Key themes arising were IPC Service Priorities, IPC Service Enablers for Success, and Necessary Skills and Expertise Required for Delivering an Effective IPC Service. For the nominal technique, 45 responses were identified which were determining the key priorities for an effective IPC service and 69 responses for establishing key enablers for success. Discussion: These findings supported the development of a conceptual model for designing an optimal infection prevention service, which can be used to develop IPC services at an international, national, regional and local level. A focus is required around implementation of these highlighted enablers, so are effectively embedded into infection prevention and control services, and wider healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Handwashing is a key strategy for reducing the spread of infection but hand hygiene practises are often poor. Pre-testing messages prior to a campaign is expensive and time consuming. Objective: This study investigates (1) emotional reactions to handwashing messages based on four different theoretical constructs (Knowledge of Risk, Comfort, Disgust and Social Norms), (2) how images may influence emotional reactions and (3) the influence of emotion, images and theoretical construct on handwashing motivation. Methods: A novel methodology was employed whereby FaceReader, software that automatically analyses emotions, was used to identify reactions to handwashing messages. Thirty-one participants from The University of Sheffield were recruited for this laboratory study. Results: Most participants did not react strongly to any message and emotional reactions were similar for messages from different theoretical constructs. Adding images to text messages intensified some emotional reactions, particularly Happy and Disgusted for the two messages from the Disgust theoretical perspective. Moreover, participants thought that messages that used images were 1.8 times more likely to encourage handwashing. Knowledge of Risk messages (most encouraging) were 2.9 times more likely to be selected as encouraging handwashing than Comfort messages (least encouraging). An increase in the Disgusted emotion was also associated with an increase in encouragement. Discussion: This study suggests that handwashing messages should be designed to exploit emotional reactions but more research is needed to understand how to design messages for these reactions. Whether disgust is as important post Covid-19 requires future investigation. FaceReader can be usefully and inexpensively employed to pre-test handwashing messages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electronic hand hygiene monitoring overcomes limitations associated with manual audit but acceptability to health workers varies and may depend on culture of the ward and the nature of the system. Objectives: Evaluate the acceptability of a new fifth type electronic monitoring system to frontline health workers in a National Health Service trust in the UK. Methods: Qualitative interviews with 11 informants following 12 months experience using an electronic monitoring system. Results: Informants recognised the importance of hand hygiene and embraced technology to improve adherence. Barriers to hand hygiene adherence included heavy workload, dealing with emergencies and ergonomic factors related to placement of alcohol dispensers. Opinions about the validity of the automated readings were conflicting. Some health workers thought they were accurate. Others reported problems associated with differences in the intelligence of the system and their own clinical decisions. Opinions about feedback were diverse. Some health workers thought the system increased personal accountability for hand hygiene. Others ignored feedback on suboptimal performance or ignored the data altogether. It was hard for health workers to understand why the system registered some instances of poor performance because feedback did not allow omissions in hand hygiene to be related to the context of care. Conclusion: Electronic monitoring can be very well tolerated despite some limitations. Further research needs to explore different reactions to feedback and how often clinical emergencies arise. Electronic and manual audit have complementary strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2016, a UK vessel health and preservation (VHP) framework was developed to support healthcare staff to select the most appropriate vascular access device for patients requiring intravenous therapy. The VHP framework was based on available evidence and expert consensus. The VHP was based on available evidence and expert consensus. Development of the VHP 2020 Framework: A multidisciplinary team reviewed the original UK VHP framework and considered new published evidence, national and international guidelines and expert opinion. A literature search was performed using Cinahl and Medline, incorporating a variety of terms linked to vascular access devices, assessment and selection. Articles published in and after 2014 in English were included. Twelve articles were found to be relevant including three evidence-based guidelines, two randomised control trials and one systematic review. Findings: Three main studies provided the evidence for the update: the MAGIC study that assessed the appropriateness of peripherally inserted central catheters in patients; a study that utilised the 'A-DIVA scale' to predict the likelihood of difficult venous access; and a study that incorporated an 'I-DECIDED tool' for peripheral intravenous catheter assessment and decision-making for device removal. In addition, published guidelines provided evidence that the original advice on appropriate osmolarity of medicines for peripheral administration needed updating. Conclusion: The 2020 UK VHP framework reflects latest evidence-based research and guidelines, providing healthcare staff updated guidance to assist in maintaining good practice in vascular access assessment and device selection and patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We report an outbreak of SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare workers (HCW) in an NHS elective healthcare facility. Methodology: A narrative chronological account of events after declaring an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs. As part of the investigations, HCWs were offered testing during the outbreak. These were: (1) screening by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) to detect a current infection; and (2) serum samples to determine seroprevalence. Results: Over 180 HCWs were tested by real-time RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The rate of infection was 15.2% (23.7% for clinical or directly patient-facing HCWs vs. 4.8% in non-clinical non-patient-facing HCWs). Of the infected HCWs, 57% were asymptomatic. Seroprevalence (SARS-CoV-2 IgG) among HCWs was 13%. It was challenging to establish an exact source for the outbreak. The importance of education, training, social distancing and infection prevention practices were emphasised. Additionally, avoidance of unnecessary transfer of patients and minimising cross-site working for staff and early escalation were highlighted. Establishing mass and regular screening for HCWs are also crucial to enabling the best care for patients while maintaining the wellbeing of staff. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first UK outbreak report among HCWs and we hope to have highlighted some key issues and learnings that can be considered by other NHS staff and HCWs globally when dealing with such a task in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobial usage and stewardship programmes during COVID-19 have been poorly studied. Prescribing practice varies despite national guidelines, and there is concern that stewardship principles have suffered. Aim: To analyse antibiotic prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic at a teaching hospital and to propose improved approaches to stewardship. Methods: We reviewed COVID-19 admissions to medical wards and intensive care units (ICUs) in a London teaching hospital to assess initial antibiotic usage and evidence of bacterial co-infection, and to determine if our current antibiotic guidelines were adhered to. Findings: Data from 130 inpatients (76% medical and 24% ICU) were obtained. On admission, 90% were treated with antibiotics. No microbiological samples taken on admission provided definitive evidence of respiratory co-infection. In 13% of cases, antibiotics were escalated, usually without supporting clinical, radiological or laboratory evidence. In 16% of cases, antibiotics were stopped or de-escalated within 72 h. Blood results and chest radiographs were characteristic of COVID-19 in 20% of ward patients and 42% of ICU patients. Overall mortality was 25% at 14 days – similar to rates described for the UK as a whole. Conclusion: The majority of patients received antibiotics despite limited evidence of co-infection. Most patients received narrower spectrum antibiotics than recommended by NICE. As understanding of the natural history of COVID-19 infections progresses, stewardship programmes will need to evolve; however, at this point, we feel that a more restrictive antibiotic prescribing approach is warranted. We propose strategies for effective stewardship and estimate the effect this may have on antibiotic consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deep sternal wound infections are a financially costly complication of cardiac surgery with serious implications for patient morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic antimicrobials have been shown to reduce the incidence of infection significantly. In 2018, the European Association for CardioThoracic Surgery (EACTS) provided clear guidance advising that third-generation cephalosporins are the first-line prophylactic antimicrobial of choice for cardiac surgery via median sternotomy as a result of their broad spectrum of activity and association with reduced postoperative mortality. Despite this guidance, it was believed that UK practice differed from this as a consequence of national concerns surrounding cephalosporins use and Clostridioides difficile infection. Methods: A survey was developed and distributed to all UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI) cardiac surgery centres in January 2019 to quantify this variation. Results: Of the 38 centres, 34 responded. Variation existed between the antimicrobial agent used, as well as the dosage, frequency and duration of suggested regimens even among centres using the same antimicrobial agent. The most common antimicrobial prophylaxis prescribed was a combination of flucloxacillin and gentamicin (16, 47%). Followed by cefuroxime (6, 17.6%) and cefuroxime combined with a glycopeptide (4, 11.7%). In patients colonised with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or those with penicillin allergy gentamicin combined with teicoplanin was most common (42% and 50%, respectively). Discussion: This variation in antimicrobial agents and regimens may well contribute to the varying incidence of surgical site infection seen across the UK and ROI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is common in both hospitals and the community. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of indwelling urinary catheters on district nursing caseloads in the UK. Methods: Participants were recruited through the Infection Prevention Society (IPS). An electronic survey was undertaken on a single day between November 2017 and January 2018. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings: A total of 49,575 patients were included in the survey, of whom 5352 had an indwelling urinary catheter. This gave a point prevalence of 10.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.53–11.07), which varied between organisations, ranging from 2.36% (95% CI = 2.05–2.73) to 22.02% (95% CI = 20.12–24.05). Of catheters, 5% were newly placed (within four weeks). Of these, most (77%) had a documented indication for insertion. Only half of patients with a newly placed catheter had a plan for its removal. This varied between organisations in the range of 20%–96%. Only 13% of patients had a patient-held management plan or 'catheter passport' but these patients were significantly more likely to also have an active removal plan (28/36 [78%] vs. 106/231 [46%]; P < 0.0001). Alternative bladder management strategies had been considered for 70/267 (26%) patients. Discussion: The management of patients with an indwelling urinary catheter represents a significant component of district nursing caseloads. Given the high proportion of newly catheterised patients without an active management plan for removal of the catheter, the establishment of an optimal management pathway should be the focus of future prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate a type five electronic monitoring system (EMS) for hand hygiene (HH) adherence with respect to accuracy and ability to avoid the Hawthorne effect. Design: HH events were observed manually and electronically. The agreement between the two observation methods was evaluated. Continuous electronic measurement was made throughout the study. Setting: An acute 31-bed medical ward in a National Health Service trust in London, United Kingdom. Participants: Staff working or attached to the ward. Intervention: A newly developed type five EMS that can measure disinfectant dispenser usage as well as continuous movements of health workers throughout the ward with arm-length precision and analyse HH adherence was installed at the ward. Results: A total of 294 HH events were observed in five sessions by an observer previously unknown to the ward. There was concordance between HH adherence assessed by manual observer and the EMS on 84% (79.1%–89.9%) of the occasions. During the five observation sessions, the observed HH adherence increased from 24% to 76% while the EMS measurements immediately before the arrival of the observer remained constant for all sessions. Conclusion: The 84% agreement between the EMS and the manual observation suggest a high level of precision for the evaluated system. The Hawthorne effect (higher rate of HH performance) was clearly seen in the increase by a factor of three in the manually observed adherence from session to session as the health workers became more aware of them being observed. The EMS was able to avoid the Hawthorne effect when the observer was not present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many investigations into the determinants of hand hygiene (HH) behaviour have explored only individual predictors or were designed according to arguably overly simplistic models of behaviour. Consequently, important influences on HH behaviour, including habit and emotion, are sometimes neglected. This study is the first to employ the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour as a comprehensive model for understanding the determinants of HH behaviour. Method: A self-report questionnaire was conducted with staff from two large UK veterinary referral practices. Participants (n = 75) reported their HH behaviour and responded to statements rating the importance of social norms, self-protection, patient protection, time pressures, access to equipment, habit and disgust, to their HH behaviour. Results: Regression analysis showed that, overall, determinants explained 46% of variance (p <.001) in self-reported HH behaviour, with time constraints being the strongest predictor (β = −.47, p <.001) followed by difficulty finding equipment (β = −.21, p =.05). Discussion: Time constraints may be the most important influence on HH adherence among the determinants investigated. Future researchers should consider employing theoretical models to aid a more comprehensive understanding of the psychology underlying HH adherence and HH interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Surgical face masks are worn by theatre staff to protect the surgical site from airborne contamination and the wearer from bodily fluid splash. This observational/audit aimed to assess whether theatre staff wear masks in accordance with manufacturers'/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines of use. Methods: A total of 1034 surgically scrubbed staff were assessed on their technique of applying surgical face masks, compared to the CDC guidelines as manufacturers' guidelines were not available as per Health and Safety Executive guidelines. Results: Only 18% of surgically scrubbed staff fully complied with the CDC guidelines on the application of a face mask. Compliance was worst in urology, ophthalmology and vascular surgeons, whereas orthopaedic and plastic surgeons were the most compliant. Discussion: Compliance with CDC face mask guidelines may have an impact on surgical site infections (SSI) and protection of staff from body fluid splash, but most staff do not comply with these guidelines. Conclusions: Most operating theatre staff do not apply a face mask using correct technique, outlined in CDC guidance, which may increase SSI rates. Staff are not aware of existing guidelines for donning a mask. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hand hygiene is a key tool in infection control. While methods of hand washing have been widely researched, there have been fewer studies investigating the effectiveness of available ways to dry hands in public areas. Aims: This study compared the efficacy of using paper towels (PT), warm air dryers (WAD) and jet air dryers (JAD) after hand washing in terms of microbiological effectiveness and potential for dispersal of pathogens. Methods: Microbial flora on palms and fingertips of 30 subjects were sampled on nutrient agar plates before washing hands and after drying with PTs, WADs and JADs. Total colony forming units (cfus) were recorded. Walls in the vicinity of a PT dispenser, WAD and JAD in female and male washrooms were sampled for the presence of viable microorganisms. Results: Mean cfu significantly reduced after drying with PTs (palms t= 2.67, p <0.05; fingertips t=4.44, p<0.01) significantly increased after using WADs (palms t=3.11, p<0.01; fingertips t=2.06, p<0.05), but there was no difference with JAD (palms t= 1.85, p>0.05; fingertips t=0.97, p>0.05). Some dispersal of organisms was detected on the washroom walls, with the least distribution around PT dispensers and unusual opportunistic pathogens isolated from the JAD units. Discussion: PTs are more effective at drying hands than WADs and JADs, they are more likely to be used appropriately and lead to minimal dispersal of microorganisms from wet hands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Director of Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC) role was introduced into the UK in 2003 to address the need for effective leadership within Infection Prevention (IP). The role was embedded in English legislation in 2008. In one Independent healthcare organisation (with 31 acute hospitals spread geographically across the UK), the DIPC role is held by the hospital matron (known as Director of Nursing in the NHS), who influence resource allocation and ensure infection prevention is prioritised. A knowledge gap in microbiology, standard precautions and infection prevention regulatory requirements was identified and as there was no educational provision for this role, an accredited programme was developed. Twenty-five matrons completed the DIPC programme. Aims: Evaluate the impact of a DIPC educational programme on the delivery of IP services. Methodology: A post-course qualitative retrospective survey using open-ended questions was used to collect data from DIPCs who had completed the programme. Inductive thematic and content analysis methods were used to identify key themes from survey responses. Results: Out of 20 DIPCs, 16 completed the survey. Key findings included improvements in knowledge related to microbiology, IP and regulatory requirements of the DIPC role. DIPCs reported changes to service delivery including appointment of six IP nurses, improved surveillance processes, reduced infections and improved cleanliness standards. This small study demonstrates the impact of an educational programme for DIPCs who felt more empowered to manage the IP services effectively, resulting in improved patient safety through reduced infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This outbreak column explores the epidemiology and infection prevention guidance on tuberculosis (TB) in the UK. The column finds that, at present, national guidance leaves UK hospitals ill-prepared to prevent nosocomial TB transmission. Reasons for this conclusion are as follows: (1) while TB is predominantly a disease that affects people with ‘social ills’, it has the potential to infect anyone who is sufficiently exposed; (2) nosocomial transmission is documented throughout history; (3) future nosocomial exposures may involve less treatable disease; and (4) current UK guidance is insufficient to prevent nosocomial transmission and is less than that advocated by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In response to the ongoing infection prevention (IP) challenges in England, a 90-day quality improvement (QI) collaborative programme was developed. The paper discusses the approach, benefits, challenges and evaluation of the programme. Objective: The objective of the collaborative was to develop new approaches to enable sustainable and effective IP. Methodology: Six trusts in the region participated in the collaborative. Each defined their bespoke IP focus. There was no expectation that statistically significant measurable improvements would be identified during the short time frame. The experiences of the participants were sought both during the programme to facilitate its constant review and at the end of the programme to evaluate its effectiveness. The feedback focused on achievements, barriers to change and benefits of participating in a QI collaborative. To measure the potential success of the projects, participants completed the Model for Understanding Success in Quality framework. (MUSIQ; Kaplan et al., 2012). Results: Since each trusts IP focus was bespoke commonalities of success were not evaluated. Participants identified a positive outcome from their QI interventions. The MUSIQ score identified the projects had the potential for success. Discussion: The feedback from the participants demonstrated that it is worthy of further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We describe the investigation and control of a nosocomial outbreak of Sequence Type (ST) 22 MRSA containing the Panton–Valentine leucocidin (PVL) toxin in an acute multispecialty surgical ward at University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Methods: A patient was classed as acquiring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) if they had a negative admission screen and then had MRSA isolated from a subsequent screen or clinical specimen. Spa typing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was undertaken to confirm MRSA acquisitions. Findings: The Infection Prevention and Control Team were alerted to the possibility of an outbreak when two patients acquired MRSA while being on the same ward. In total, five patients were involved in the outbreak where four patients acquired the PVL-MRSA clone from an index patient due to inadequate infection control practice. Two patients who acquired the strain developed a bloodstream infection. Infection control measures included decolonisation of affected patients, screening of all patients on the ward, environmental sampling and enhanced cleaning. Discussion: Our study highlights the potential risk of spread and pathogenicity of this clone in the healthcare setting. Spa typing and PFGE assisted with confirmation of the outbreak and implementation of infection control measures. In outbreaks, microbiological typing should be undertaken as a matter of course as without specialist typing identification of the described outbreak would have been delayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key drivers for preventing healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) include evidence-based practices and procedures that prevent infection. Among the current guidance for preventing HCAIs is evidence and mandatory requirements for reducing needle stick injuries (NSIs). This article highlights how John Kotter’s model for change could help healthcare workers plan for successful and sustained deployment of needle safety devices (NSDs) and ultimately reduce the risk of a NSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disclosure of sero-status is part of living with HIV and involves a complex decision-making process. Disclosure is not a one-off event and can be viewed as a sequential process and, while affording opportunities for individuals to access appropriate physical and psychological support, it is also an important part of secondary prevention. It is, however, often fraught with emotional challenges, and there is a considerable amount of evidence demonstrating the barriers that individuals face to making a disclosure. Adolescents are one such group that face challenges over disclosing their HIV status. Many adolescents are choosing not to disclose their status, through fear of potentially adverse outcomes, such as rejection and stigma, which could amplify onward transmission rates. In order to better support young people through disclosure journeys, it is essential to understand the reasons and motivations behind why young people choose not to disclose their sero-status in order to develop interventions which may facilitate supporting young people through the disclosure process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the Hand Hygiene Torch Tour (HHTT) whose aims are to raise awareness on the importance of hand hygiene, support the World Health Organization (WHO) annual call to action for healthcare workers and promote the Infection Prevention Society nationally and internationally. The Torch Tour planning group led by Carole Hallam allocated dates for each IPS Branch to receive the Tourch who would then promote hand hygiene at local events that would meet the aims of the campaign.

The article discusses how the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) has been a major influence and support in her 30-year career as an infection control specialist and how working for the Society was an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

The article discusses several studies on infection prevention, published in various medical journals as of July 2016 including the role of parents in the promotion of hand hygiene of children, environmental contamination after occupancy of a burns patient, and acquisition of Clostridium (C.) difficile on hands of healthcare personnel caring for patients with resolved C. difficile infection.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various topics within the issue including "Necessary infrastructure of infection prevention and healthcare epidemiology programs: A review. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology", " Infections and interaction rituals in the organisation: clinician accounts of speaking up or remaining silent in the face of threats to patient safety", and "What is the right approach to infection prevention and control for children living at home with invasive devices?"

The article presents a profile of the Professor Graham Ayliffe, on his involvement in formation of organisations such as Infection Prevention Society (IPS) (formerly the Infection Control Nurses Association (ICNA)), and on his study emergence of antibiotic resistance and the role of plasmids.

Carbapenem-resistant organisms are emerging as a global health threat. The prevalence of CROs in London is largely unknown. A retrospective review of microbiology records indicates an increased in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (none in 2011 to 1.3% of 386 in 2013, P = 0.073) and Acinetobacter baumannii (9.1% of 11 in 2011 to 31.2% of 16 in 2013, P = 0.001) in a background of low prevalence at a London hospital. This suggests that CROs may be emerging in our patient population. These increases demand an urgent enhanced surveillance response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces that Defence Medical Services Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Cadre has been awarded the title Team of the Year by Infection Prevention Society for the team's role in Operation Gritrock, fighting Ebola Virus Disease in Sierra Leone.

Vascular access is an important part of many patient care management plans but has some unwanted risks. Previous work published by Moureau et al. (2012) inspired a working group led by the UK Infection Prevention Society (IPS) to produce a vessel health and preservation (VHP) framework. This was with the intention of producing a resource for frontline staff to be able to assess and select the best vascular access device to meet the individual patient’s needs and to preserve veins for future use.The working group produced a framework that used available evidence, expert opinion and some small scale testing of the components of the framework. The work so far has received positive feedback but further work is required to formally evaluate the VHP framework in clinical practice to measure both staff knowledge and patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Centre for Behaviour Change at University College London (UCL) is a new venture that has grown out of the work that we have been doing in the Health Psychology Research Group at UCL and seeks to harness the different pockets of behaviour change work in different disciplines across UCL. A lot of our work in health focuses on the adoption of evidence-based guidelines in practice; not just designing and evaluating interventions, but also developing usable tools for people who are tasked with changing behaviours. These tools aim to enable those who do not necessarily have a background in behavioural science to understand the behaviours they are trying to change and design appropriate interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Norovirus outbreaks have a significant impact on all care settings; little is known about the index cases from whom these outbreaks initiate. Aim: To identify and categorise norovirus outbreak index cases in care settings. Methods: A mixed-methods, multi-centre, prospective, enhanced surveillance study identified and categorised index cases in acute and non-acute care settings. Results: From 54 participating centres, 537 outbreaks were reported (November 2013 to April 2014): 383 (71.3%) in acute care facilities (ACF); 115 (21.4%) in residential or care homes (RCH) and 39 (7.3%) in other care settings (OCS). Index cases were identified in 424 (79%) outbreaks. Of the 245 index cases who were asymptomatic on admission and not transferred within/into the care setting, 123 (50%) had been an inpatient/resident for 4 days. Four themes emerged: missing the diagnosis, care service under pressure, delay in outbreak control measures and patient/resident location and proximity. Conclusion: The true index case is commonly not identified as the cause of a norovirus outbreak with at least 50% of index cases being misclassified. Unrecognised norovirus cross-transmission occurs frequently suggesting that either Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) are being insufficiently well applied, and or SICPs are themselves are insufficient to prevent outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin organisms at the insertion site are frequently implicated in central venous catheter blood stream infections (CVC BSIs) yet few studies have compared the durability of CVC dressings in critically ill patients. Aims: To undertake an evaluation of the durability and associated costs of different CVC dressings. Methods: Dressing duration was captured prospectively using a pro forma on four different dressings on five critical care units over a 12-month period. Staff received training on CVC dressing evidence-based practices and a ‘how to guide’ was implemented. Findings: A total of 1229 CVC dressings were observed from 590 CVCs. One dressing had a median (IQR) duration of 68.5 h (range, 32–105 h) compared to a median duration of 43.5, 46.0 and 40.5 h for the other dressings (P <0.001). The mean time to change a CVC dressing was 13.5 min and the cost of a dressing change was in the range of £1.97–4.97. During the 12-month study period we observed a downward trend in CVC BSIs. Discussion: Despite few dressings remaining adherent for 7 days, the low rates of CVC BSI observed suggests good dressing practices. Conclusions: One dressing appeared more durable than the others, although it was still below the recommended standard and more expensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]