Clostridium difficile infection: a critical analysis of the guidance

Source: British Journal of Nursing 18 (21) pp.1328-32

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Date of Publication: November 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a Nutshell: Looks at implementation of the report Clostridium Difficile Infection: How to deal with the problem.  Identifies that while it puts in place a structure for clinical governance it pays scant regard to the financial implications of implementation.  The article highlights the reports limitations in an acute setting.

Length of publication: 5 pages

MRSA objective: recommendations from the National Quality Board

Source: DH

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Date of Publication: December 2009

In a Nutshell: The MRSA objective reflects a zero tolerance approach to preventable infections and the aim of reducing variation in performance on MRSA bloodstream infections.  NHS organisations will be set an objective for reducing MRSA infections, relative to the median, with the best-performers setting their objectives locally.

Length of Publication: 3p.

 

Additional Papers:

1. Supplementary paper 1 – MRSA objective – detail of recommendations
2. Supplementary paper 2 – MRSA objective – detail of recommendations
3. Letter from Secretary of State, Andy Burnham, to NHS Chief Executive
4. Impact assessment of proposals to set an objective for MRSA reductions
5. Equality impact assessment

Isolation precautions for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings

Title: Isolation precautions for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings

Source: Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, 22(4) pp. 339-344.

Publication type: Journal Article

Date of publication: 2009

In a Nutshell: Identifies that effective prevention of the transmission of pathogens within the healthcare system requires a multifaceted approach. Existing guidelines should be used to create institutional policies specific to individual patient populations, problem pathogens and the ability to practically implement various infection control procedures.

Length of publication: 5p.

Some Important Notes: Ask your health librarian to get hold of this for you.

Pandemic influenza: guidance for commissioners and providers of social care

Improving infection control competency through an online learning course

Title: Improving infection control competency through an online learning course

Source: Nursing Times, 105 (4) 30-32

Date of publication: February 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Article considering the role of e-learning as a tool to improve competency in infection control.  Discusses the barriers to successful use of e-learning in terms of access to appropriate technology and protected learning time.  Finds though significant increased competency in participants and concludes that with employer support e-learning can be used to refresh and improve infection control competency.

Length of publication: 3 pages

Some important notes: Ask your local health librarian to get hold of a copy for you.

Acknowledgement: CINAHL

Implementation of Department of Health MRSA screening recommendations

Source: Clean, Safe Care

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Case study

In a nutshell: This case study describes the steps taken by United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) to implement the Department of Health MRSA screening recommendations.  Includes a discussion of staff communication, training and guidance methods, the change in practice to screen all patients on admission and the resulting increased confidence in infection control of both patients and staff.

Length of publication: 5 page PDF document

Infection control risks

Source: Journal of Hospital Infection, 71(2) 103-107

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Review

In a nutshell: Managing infection risks is a core activity for infection control professionals, yet there is a relative paucity of literature on infection control risk management. This
review draws attention to areas requiring further clarification and research.  These include risk management objectives, clarity about which risks are taken account of, agreed terminology both for experts and non-experts, and research on the importance of risk compensation in hospital-acquired infection control.

Some important notes: Ask your local health librarian to get hold of this for you (not available electronically as part of national core content)