Smartphone application for antibiotic prescribing

Source: Department of Health

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Date of publication: August 2012

In a nutshell: The National Centre for Infection Prevention and Management (CIPM) and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust developed and implemented a clinical decision support smartphone application based on the trust’s antibiotic prescribing policy. This report summarises the steps in the development and implementation process and key learning points for other organisations considering adopting similar technologies.

Length of publication: 12 pages

Researchers use genome sequencing to dissect and control an MRSA outbreak

Source: Wellcome Trust

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Date of publication: November 2012

In a nutshell: For the first time, researchers have used DNA sequencing to help bring an infectious disease outbreak in a hospital to a close. The approach is much more accurate than current methods used to detect hospital outbreaks and has important implications for the future of infection control.

Smartphone application for antibiotic prescribing

Source: Department of Health

For full text link here

Date of publication: August 2012

In a nutshell: The National Centre for Infection Prevention and Management (CIPM) and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust developed and implemented a clinical decision support smartphone application based on the trust’s antibiotic prescribing policy. This report summarises the steps in the development and implementation process and key learning points for other organisations considering adopting similar technologies.

Length of publication: 12 pages

An MRSA screening programme for relevant elective and non-elective patients

Source: Clean, Safe Care

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Date of publication: February 2010

Publication type: Case study

In a nutshell: This case study outlines the work done by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals to implement an MRSA screening programme screening for relevant elective and non-elective patients. The Trust adopted a ‘whole health economy’ approach which involved the foundation trust, GPs and the PCT (both the Commissioner and Provider arms).

Length of publication: 3 pages

Community Clostridium difficile Alert Cascade

Source: Clean, Safe Care

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Date of publication: Jan 2010

Publication type: Case study

In a nutshell: This case study examines the implementation of a ‘Community Clostridium difficile Alert Cascade’ at NHS North Yorkshire and York Community and Mental Health Services. The aim of the project was to improve antimicrobial prescribing and infection prevention measures for patients in the community with C.difficile infection. This was achieved through the development of a mechanism for the acute-based laboratories to inform the PCT Infection Prevention and Control team of a new C.difficile isolate, who then fax patient details to the patient’s General Practitioner.

Length of publication: 5 pages

Infection Prevention Education – meeting the needs of a PCT within a large geographical area

Source: Clean, Safe Care

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Date of publication: Jan 2010

Publication type: Case study

In a nutshell: NHS North Yorkshire and York PCT developed an infection control workbook to tackle the difficulty of educating a large number of staff over a large geographical area about infection control practices. The workbook is linked to the Key Skills Framework, proves cost-effective and does not require staff attendance at face-to-face training sessions. A copy of the workbook and further information can be found in the ‘Training’ section at www.nyypct.nhs.uk/AdviceInformation/InfectionControl/index.htm

Length of publication: 4 pages

Improving patient safety with surgery checklists and safety ‘walkrounds’

Source: Health Service Journal
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Date of publication: 24^th July 2009
Publication type:  Case Study
In a nutshell: Royal Brompton and Harefield Foundation Trust signed up to the Patient Safety First campaign in July 2008.  The trust has adopted the World Health Organisation’s  Safer Surgery checklist as part of the reducing harm in perioperative care intervention.  Executive safety ‘walkrounds’ have also been introduced in clinical areas across the trust to bring senior management and frontline staff together to discuss patient safety. 
Length of publication: Web page

Reducing MRSA rates in drug users

Source:  Nursing Times.net
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Date of publication: 4th August 2009
Publication type: Case Study
In a nutshell: The drugs specialist nursing team at Bristol Royal Infirmary aim to improve services for patients misusing drugs. In 2007 their role was extended to tackle infection control issues relating to patients who misused substances, after a hospital audit revealed a significant number of MRSA infections were entering the hospital via injecting drug users. The team of nurses also provide health promotion covering MRSA, hand hygiene, and avoiding infections while the patients are hospitalised. Between January and April 2007, 10 cases of MRSA bacteraemia in injecting drug users were recorded. Following the introduction of the infection control role, this went down to nine cases for January-December 2008. So far just one case of MRSA bacteraemia in an injecting drug user has been recorded in 2009.
Length of publication: Web page

A memorable framework for consistent renal dialysis catheter insertion procedure

Source: Clean, Safe Care
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Year of publication: 2009
Publication type: Case study
In a nutshell: Having identified a lack of consistency in the documentation of actions taken and observations made prior to renal dialysis catheter insertion, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust have developed a memorable framework to embed into daily practice.  SCIP (Screening, Cleaning, Insertion, Post-insertion care) provides a step-by-step framework that if followed demonstrates compliance and provides documentary evidence in the event of an infection related problem.
Length of publication: 1 page PDF

Renal Turnaround Programme at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Source: Clean, Safe Care
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Year of publication: 2009
Publication type: Case study
In a nutshell: Following seven reported MRSA bacteraemias and a visit from the Department of Health, the Renal Unit at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust implemented a Renal HCAI Improvement Action Plan.  This case study outlines the strategies used that have resulted in no line related MRSA bacteraemia since January 2008, increased staff awareness and morale and patient empowerment.
Length of publication: 4 page PDF

MRSA Patient Held Record (PHR) pilot project

Source: Clean, Safe Care
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Year of publication: 2009
Publication type: Case study
In a nutshell:  Case study which investigated the use of a Patient Held Record (PHR) or ‘MRSA passport’ as a means of improving communication about patients with MRSA bacteraemia.  The PHR provides information and records of MRSA results and decolonisation for all healthcare staff dealing with that individual patient.  A six month pilot began in January 2009 and is so far proving to be extremely successful.
Length of publication: 6 page PDF

Provision of infection prevention and control in care homes in Doncaster to reduce Healthcare Associated Infections

Source: Clean, Safe Care
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Year of publication: 2009
Publication type: Case study
In a nutshell: Case study examining a project that aimed to reduce healthcare associated infections and improve infection prevention and control standards in care homes in Doncaster.  Various strategies were employed including an audit to assess the availability of education and training for care home staff, strengthening of working relationships and lines of communications with care home managers and staff, and developing an audit culture in care homes, ultimately leading to self-assessment.
Length of publication: 21 page PDF