Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service II (Projects aiming to enhance clinical safety and outcomes, clinical governance / risk management)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Tai YM(1), Pang HN(1), Cheung YN(1), Kaur S(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Medical and Rehabilitation Department, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Infection control is crucial in healthcare, especially when managing MDROs in hospitals. MDROs outbreaks in hospital can seriously affect patient health. Patients who are already ill or immunocompromised at increased risk of infection, and those who become infected with MDROs may experience more extended hospital stays and require more intensive treatment. It is vital to communicate with all staff and visitors about the importance of strict infection control measures. Therefore, staff training and visitor education on the proper infection control strategies according to hospital guidelines were enhanced.
Objectives :
To reduce transmission of MDROs to other patients;
To enhance staff knowledge and compliance with the implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) practice;
To provide education about the strategies to prevent the spread of MDROs to visitors of patients with confirmed MDRO;
To enhance visitors’ compliance with hand hygiene and appropriate use of PPE;
Methodology :
Stringent hand hygiene and infection control measures, including contact precautions, cohort from the non-infectious patients, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were reinforced to all staff. Ward APNs reassessed all supporting staff’s compliance on hand hygiene and IPC practice during napkin change procedure.
Ward nurses designed a simple and concise information pamphlet to summarize the critical points on infection control strategies for prevention of transmission of MDROs. The information pamphlet and education on the proper use of gowning & de-gowning of PPE and hand hygiene were given to visitors of patients with MDROs by ward nurse. Designated hand hygiene ambassador was assigned to remind all visitors performing hand hygiene during visiting hours. The compliance of visitors’ hand hygiene and appropriate use of PPE was evaluated from 1/8/2023 to 31/8/2023 and 15/11/2023 to 17/12/2023.
Result & Outcome :
Audit on checking supporting staff compliance of IPC practice during napkin change procedures was conducted. The audit form consisted of 16 items, including proper use of gloves, hand hygiene compliance and IPC practice. Total 7 supporting staff were assessed. The compliance rate was 95.7%. During the study period, total 229 observations of visitors' hand hygiene were observed. All visitors’ hand hygiene was significantly improved with hand hygiene ambassadors’ direct verbal prompt to use alcoholic based hand rub. Also, the visitors’ compliance on proper use of PPE was 100%.
Adopting the enhanced infection control strategies, including distribution of information leaflets and education on hand hygiene and appropriate is of PPE can reduce the risk of transmission of MDROs to already vulnerable patients. We must remain vigilant and proactive to create a safer healthcare environment.
