Infection Control Horizon Scanning Volume 1 Issue 8

Developing an audit tool to standardise infection control practice

Source: Nursing Times Coward J. et al (2009) Nursing Times, 105: 45, early online publication

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Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust developed a ward accreditation scheme to tackle healthcare-associated infection which has resulted in a 35.6% reduction in MRSA over a 12-month period. This article describes how the scheme was developed and the resulting standardisation of practice.

Length of publication: Web page

Max4Health Hand Hygiene Evaluation Report

Source: Clean, Safe Care

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Date of publication: 23rd October 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: An evaluation of a Max4Health Hand Hygiene Campaign undertaken at Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, based around a cartoon character called ‘Max’. The nine week campaign included graphics on transport vehicles, storybooks for children, mouse mats and personal items for distribution to staff. The report offers advice to other organisations considering using the campaign.

Length of publication: 18 pages

Central line care bundle to be launched in December

Source: Nursing Times.net

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Date of publication: 13th October 2009

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A national initiative to reduce central venous catheter associated bloodstream infections (CABSI) is set to be launched in December, potentially saving the NHS £14m per year.

Evaluation of ChloraPrep® for skin antisepsis

Source: Clean, Safe Care

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Date of publication: 26th August 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: This report sets out the findings from an evaluation in NHS Showcase Hospitals of ChloraPrep® 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate w/v 70% Isopropyl Alcohol v/v cutaneous solution for skin antisepsis. Staff opinions were favourable. The main concern was around cost. There were some  adverse skin reactions (a known issue). The showcase project demonstrated that ChloraPrep® can be safely implemented in NHS hospitals and that its use was popular with staff. A template business case has been produced for organisations considering using this product.

Length of publication: 31 pages

Storytelling to enhance infection control education

Source: Journal of Infection Prevention, Volume 10 Issue 5, p. 154-8

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Date of publication: September 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Traditional didactic methods of educating healthcare workers about the importance of hand hygiene may be poor at sustaining altered behaviour. Storytelling, which encourages thought and reflection, may be a more effective way of improving a hang hygiene strategy.

Length of publication: 5 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

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