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Showing results for tags 'Infection control'.
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Content ArticleThese new updated guidelines, produced in collaboration between the Healthcare Infection Society and The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, used NICE-accredited methodology to provide further advice on which practices in the operating theatre are unnecessary. The guidelines are intended for an international audience. Specifically, they discuss the current available evidence for different rituals that are commonplace in the operating theatre and highlight the gaps in knowledge with recommendations for future research.
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Applying PSIRF in infection prevention and control
Sam posted an event in Community Calendar
untilOverview: The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) sets out a new approach to learning and improving following patient safety incidents across the NHS in England. This workshop will focus on applying PSIRF within Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). Audience: All PSIRF webinars are open to everyone to attend, including both NHS and arm’s length bodies. This webinar will focus on PSIRF in IPC. It is recommended for Directors of Infection Prevention and Control, IPC practitioners, IPC Doctors, Microbiologist, pharmacists and patient safety leads. Presenters: Tracey Herlihey – Head of Patient Safety Incident Response Policy, NHS England Rosie Dixon – Regional Head of IPC North West , NHS England Ruth Henein – Head of IPC and Aimee Joyce –Data and Information Co-ordinator, Northumbria-healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Sharon Edgell – ICB System Lead for IPC, NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB Register -
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Woundcare Conference 2023
Patient-Safety-Learning posted an event in Community Calendar
untilAs we grapple with the rising burden of chronic wounds in the UK, Public Policy Projects is excited to bring together key stakeholders from across the UK at a half-day conference that aims to examine how we can improve woundcare by breaking silos, delivering on joint-up care and raising the salience of the challenges. Following on from this year’s series of four roundtables focusing on challenges and opportunities within woundcare, PPP’s Woundcare Conference will serve as the launch of our flagship woundcare report. Our work will identify opportunities for efficiency gains and produce recommendations for reducing inequalities of access and outcomes for chronic wounds. It will provide an invaluable opportunity for our delegates and speakers to engage in a dynamic dialogue on how we can go further for wound healing, and improve outcomes, costs and population health through delivering better wound care. Register for the conference -
EventuntilAntibiotic resistance is an increasing problem in healthcare, especially in nursing homes, where up to 75% of antibiotics are prescribed inappropriately. Contributing to this is pressure from residents and families, antiquated prescribing practices, and a “What could it hurt?” mentality. Whether you need to rebuild your antibiotic stewardship program from scratch or just want to make sure all the basics are covered, sign up for the Patient Safety Authority "Antibiotic Stewardship Webinar Series". Participants will receive an overview of antibiotic stewardship, assistance in evaluating current policies/processes, and tools to develop an effective programme. Register
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EventuntilAntibiotic resistance is an increasing problem in healthcare, especially in nursing homes, where up to 75% of antibiotics are prescribed inappropriately. Contributing to this is pressure from residents and families, antiquated prescribing practices, and a “What could it hurt?” mentality. Whether you need to rebuild your antibiotic stewardship program from scratch or just want to make sure all the basics are covered, sign up for the Patient Safety Authority "Antibiotic Stewardship Webinar Series". Participants will receive an overview of antibiotic stewardship, assistance in evaluating current policies/processes, and tools to develop an effective programme. Register
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Content ArticleAs reported recently, the Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition called upon the Scottish Government to reinstate 'universal masking' in health and social care settings. In this statement written in support of their campaign, an occupational safety and health practitioner, David Osborn, explains the legal requirements for risk assessments that the Government ought to have undertaken before reaching such a decision that exposes healthcare staff to the life-changing consequences associated with repeat Covid-19 infections. He also explains the legal duty of the Government to consult with workers before implementing changes that may affect their health and safety. Neither duty (risk assessment nor prior consultation with workers) appears to have been well met, putting the Scottish Government and Health Boards in breach of UK-wide health and safety law.
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News Article
Doctors call for return of face mask guidance
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Doctors have warned the decision to remove face mask guidance in healthcare settings is "playing Russian roulette" with staff and patients' welfare. It was withdrawn in May in hospitals, dentists and GP surgeries having been in place since June 2020. Doctors from the British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland condemned the decision at the time. Now, the Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition has written to ministers to highlight the "very serious flaws" in changing the guidance. The group is made up of Scottish healthcare workers who worked throughout the pandemic and are now living with long Covid or another chronic post-viral illness or disability. In the letter, the coalition states the updated guidance is not based on the science of coronavirus transmission and "represents a flawed and dangerous decision which will result in more infection in health and social care settings". Dr Shaun Peter Qureshi, of the Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition, said: "At-risk patients have entirely legitimate concerns that they may endanger their health by visiting their GP or hospital. "With at least 4% of NHS staff now living with chronic post-Covid complications, the Scottish government must follow the evidence and improve protections from the airborne spread (of the virus) in healthcare settings, not reduce them." Read full story Source: BBC News, 17 July 2023 -
Content ArticleThe Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) is the largest database of patient safety event reports in the US. In addition to over 4.5 million acute care reports, the PA-PSRS database contains more than 396,000 long-term care healthcare-associated infection (HAI) reports. This study in Patient Safety aimed to look at trends in HAIs in long term care using data from the PA-PSRS database. The study found that there was an increase in the total number and rate of infections reported to PA-PSRS in 2022.
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Matt Hancock says UK's pandemic strategy was completely wrong
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Ex-health secretary Matt Hancock has criticised the UK's pandemic planning before Covid hit, saying it was "completely wrong". He told the Covid Inquiry that planning was focused on the provision of body bags and how to bury the dead, rather than stopping the virus taking hold. He said he was "profoundly sorry" for each death. After giving evidence he approached some of the bereaved families, but they turned their backs on him as he left. The former health secretary, who answered questions from the inquiry on Tuesday, said he understood his apology might be difficult for families to accept, even though it was "honest and heartfelt". Under questioning from Hugo Keith KC, lead counsel to the Covid Inquiry, Mr Hancock stressed that the "attitude, the doctrine of the UK was to plan for the consequences of a disaster". Read full story Source: BBC News, 27 June 2023- Posted
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Content ArticleA hot briefing template for the purpose of sharing lessons learned across Scotland particularly for rare or unusual events.
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EventuntilThis enlightening session during Wounds Week dives into the world of surgical infection prevention. The session will explore a range of assessment and improvement tools provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) that have a significant impact on infection prevention and patient outcomes. Claire Kilpatrick, Consultant, Global Health - KSHealthcare (S3Global), will guide you through an overview of various WHO tools that have been developed to guide healthcare practitioners in infection prevention practices. By examining these tools and understanding their significance, you will gain practical knowledge on how to implement effective measures that minimise the risk of surgical infections and enhance patient outcomes. Register
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Content ArticleIn this blog, hub topic lead Julie Storr talks about her new book Infection prevention and control: A social science perspective, which explores new perspectives on and approaches to infection prevention and control (IPC). The book examines how people and their behaviour affect IPC, and how they are in turn affected by IPC measures. Julie highlights the importance of compassion in IPC policy and implementation and outlines the unintended negative consequences that IPC measures can have. Among other contributors, Patient Safety Learning's Chief Executive Helen Hughes has written a chapter for the book highlighting the need for patient safety to be treated as a core purpose of health and social care.
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Content ArticleThis report set out an infectious disease strategy for England, including new arrangements to counter old and new threats, such as radiological and chemical hazards through bioterrorism, by describing the scope of the threat posed as well as establishing the priorities for action to combat this threat. It aimed to overhaul previously fragmented systems and to place a new emphasis on communicable diseases through direct action plans, programmes to inform understanding and legislative reform.
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Content ArticleAn understanding of the social sciences within infection prevention and control (IPC) is important for those working in health and social care. This new book positions the specialty of IPC as more than a technical discipline concerned with microbes. It is about people and their behaviour in context and the book therefore explores a number of relevant social sciences and their relationship to IPC across different contexts and cultures. IPC is relevant to every person who works in, and accesses health care and it remains a global challenge. Exploring novel approaches and perspectives that expand our collective horizons in an ever changing and evolving IPC landscape therefore makes sense.
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News Article
‘Smart bandages’ could improve outcomes for patients with non-healing wounds
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Pioneering new technology could help patients with non-healing wounds avoid infections and the need for antibiotics, scientists say. Wirelessly powered, environmentally friendly “smart bandages” have been developed by a team of scientists from the UK and France, with the University of Glasgow and the University of Southampton leading the research. The bandage could help improve the quality of life for people with chronic non-healing wounds as a result of conditions such as cancer, diabetes or damaged blood vessels, they said. Currently, wounds require painful cleaning and treatment. Researchers believe the technology could help to slow the rise of dangerous new strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria known as superbugs. Read full story Source: The Independent, 30 May 2023- Posted
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News Article
Closing baby unit considered over safety concerns
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Health inspectors considered shutting down a maternity unit earlier this year over safety concerns. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) instead called for "immediate improvements" following a visit to the William Harvey hospital in Ashford, Kent. Helen Gittos, whose newborn daughter died in the care of the East Kent Hospitals Trust, said there were "fundamental" problems at the trust. The inspection of East Kent's William Harvey hospital laid bare multiple instances of inadequate practices at the unit, including staff failing to wash their hands after each patient, and life-saving equipment not being in the right place. Days after the visit, the watchdog raised safety concerns and threatened the trust with enforcement action to ensure patients are protected. Ms Gittos, whose baby Harriet was born at the East Kent trust's Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in 2014 and died eight days later, said: "When my daughter Harriet was born, the then head of midwifery was so concerned about safety that she thought that the William Harvey in particular should be closed down." She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Here we are, almost nine years later, in a similar kind of situation. What has been happening has not worked. "I keep being surprised at how possible it is to keep being shocked about all of this, but I am shocked, that under so much scrutiny, and with so much external help, it's still the case that so much is not right. "The problems that are revealed are so fundamental that we have to do things differently." Read full story Source: BBC News, 26 May 2023- Posted
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Content ArticleThe 'Living with Long Covid' podcast series from Julie Taylor aims to raise awareness of Long Covid, and provide a platform of support, education and the lived experience.
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Content ArticleRemote digital postoperative wound monitoring provides an opportunity to strengthen postoperative community care and minimise the burden of surgical-site infection (SSI). This study aimed to pilot a remote digital postoperative wound monitoring service and evaluate the readiness for implementation in routine clinical practice. It concluded that remote digital postoperative wound monitoring successfully demonstrated readiness for implementation with regards to the technology, usability, and healthcare process improvement.
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News Article
Rise in UK measles cases causing concern
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A "very concerning" rise in the number of people catching measles in the UK has been reported by health officials. There were 54 cases of measles in the whole of last year. However, there have already been 49 in the first four months of 2023. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging parents to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date. The main symptoms of measles are a fever and a rash. But it can cause more serious complications including meningitis, and an infection can be fatal. Vaccination rates had been falling in the UK before the Covid pandemic. However, the disruption caused by Covid has dented vaccination programmes around the world, including in the UK, meaning even more children have missed out. The World Health Organization has already warned of a "perfect storm" for measles, because the fewer people who receive protection from vaccines, the easier it is for outbreaks to happen. Read full story Source: BBC News, 4 May 2023- Posted
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Content Article
Top picks: Six resources about hand hygiene
Patient-Safety-Learning posted an article in Infection control
Good hand hygiene in healthcare is essential to reduce the spread of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), which are the most frequent adverse event in healthcare globally. Although progress has been made in improving hand hygiene, there is still a pressing need to give healthcare professionals around the world the necessary knowledge and facilities to achieve effective infection control. The latest World Health Organization (WHO) data shows that globally, half of healthcare facilities do not have basic hand hygiene services, one in five facilities have no water services and one in ten have no sanitation services.- Posted
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News ArticleTwo years ago, administrators and caregivers at St. Bernard Hospital in Chicago were stunned when they flunked a basic standard for patient safety. "It was a real jolt," said Charles Holland, the hospital's president and CEO. "We thought we were doing patient safety and we thought we were doing it well." But the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit health care watchdog organisation, found the hospital fell short on documenting and having comprehensive approaches to hand-washing, medication safety systems and fall and infection prevention. The wake-up call led Holland to hire a Patient Safety and Quality Officer and to use Leapfrog's criteria as a roadmap for improving patient safety. It worked. In its latest annual review of hospital safety, released Wednesday, Leapfrog awarded the century-old charity hospital an A. The fact that St. Bernard could turn around so quickly and so effectively without spending a fortune in the process shows that patient safety is an attainable goal, said Leah Binder, Leapfrog's president and CEO. Read full story Source: USA Today, 3 May 2023
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Content ArticleThis article in USA Today looks at how the Covid-19 pandemic has caused setbacks in hospitals' patient safety progress. It looks at data from a report by the US non-profit health care watchdog organisation, Leapfrog, which show increases in hospital-acquired infections, including urinary tract and drug-resistant staph infections, as well as infections in central lines. These infections spiked during the pandemic and remain at a five-year high. The article also looks at the case study of St Bernard Hospital in Chicago, which was rated poorly by Leapfrog on handwashing, medication safety, falls prevention and infection prevention, but then made huge progress in improving safety. It describes the different approaches and interventions taken by St Bernard.
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Content ArticleCentral line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) account for many harms suffered in healthcare and are associated with increased costs and disease burden. Central line rounds, like medical rounds, are a multidisciplinary bedside assessment strategy for all active central lines on a unit. The project team designed a HIPAA-protected, text-based process for assessing central lines for risk factors contributing to infection. Staff initiated a consultation via a virtual platform with an interdisciplinary team composed of oncology and infectious disease experts. The virtual discussion included recommendations for a line-related plan of care.
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Content ArticlePhysicians raised a concern to the Quality Department about patients who were diagnosed in the emergency department (ED) with a urinary tract infection (UTI) but who later were clinically reviewed and found to be without disease. These patients were often admitted and treated with potentially unnecessary antibiotics.
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Content ArticleI guess that a common feature linking most visitors to Patient Safety Learning is that they have a profound interest in two things. First, recognising and applauding innovations and ‘best practice’ in healthcare. Second, recognising, exposing and denouncing bad practice. The thing they have in common is the desire to learn from the mistakes in the past to do better in the future. When it comes to ‘bad practice’ in healthcare it is usually in connection with some adverse and damaging impact on patients. Our thoughts turn perhaps to certain medical failures, such as the ‘Mid‑Staffs scandal’. Seldom do we find the need to consider the adverse and damaging impacts on the doctors, nurses and all the other staff who work in the health and social care sector. However, those of you who watched the recent BBC Panorama programme, 'Forgotten heroes of the Covid frontline' will have been appalled at the scandal that now confronts so many frontline staff for whom we stood outside our front doors and clapped for so enthusiastically back in those dark days at the height of the pandemic. This blog is dedicated to those 'forgotten heroes'. I hope that it demonstrates that they are not, in fact, forgotten I hope that the resources linked to this blog may be of help to them.