Development of a tool for assessing the safe preparation of parenteral medicines in clinical environments

Source: Journal of Clinical Nursing, volume 19, issue 11-12, pages 1569-77

For abstract link here

Date of publication: June 2010

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: To reduce risks to patients from medication error and microbiological contamination, a tool was developed to allow preparation of parenteral medicines to be scored for risk before being prepared in clinical areas.  Highest risk items are now targeted for transfer to pharmacy for preparation.  This work was adopted by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) and was subsequently issued as Patient Safety Alert 20 (Injectable Medicines).

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library for the full text of this article.

Length of publication: 9 pages

Body art practices among inmates: implications for transmission of bloodborne infections

Title: Body art practices among inmates: implications for transmission of bloodborne infections

Source: American Journal of Infection Control 38(2) 121-129.

Date of publication: March 2010

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Unsterile body art practices among inmates in prison have been implicated in the transmission of bloodborne viruses. This article identifies both risk factors and identifies strategies to reduce the transmission of bloodborne viruses.

Length of publication: 8p.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article.

Acknowledgement: CINAHL

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) toolkit

Source: Clean, Safe Care

Follow this link for fulltext

Date of publication: 9^th September 2009

Publication type: Best practice

In a nutshell: A Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is an essential activity to undertake following the diagnosis of a health care associated infection.   Clean, Safe Care has developed a toolkit for implementing a clearly defined process for undertaking a RCA, in order to identify areas that require improvement and minimise the chance of recurrence.   The toolkit includes data gathering tools, training materials, case studies and checklists.

Healthcare-associated infections as patient safety indicators

Title: Healthcare-associated infections as patient safety indicators.

Source: Healthcare Papers, 9(3) pp.8-24.

Publication type: Journal Article

Date of publication: 2009

In a Nutshell:  Provides suggested strategies to improve patient safety with respect to HAIs, including a focus on the role of potential links to accreditation; the role of public reporting; healthcare facility design; change management strategies; visible leadership and role modelling; collaboration between facilities and with public health; reducing hospital overcrowding; and accountability and funding. Finally, the impact of the burgeoning interest of the media, the threat of legal liability and the well-being of healthcare providers are discussed.

Length of publication: 16p.

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

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.

Minimizing the risk of infection in the operating department: a review for practice

Title: Minimizing the risk of infection in the operating department: a review for practice

Source: Journal Perioperative Practice 19 (4) pp.142-6

Publication type: Journal Article

Date of publication: 2009

In a Nutshell: Good practice guidelines and waste disposal regulations are discussed in conjunction with the principles of infection control in theatres, including microbiology and transmission of infection.

Length of publication: 4p.

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

Theatre Support Pack

Title: Theatre support pack

Source:

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Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: Summarises the consequences for theatre practices of outsourcing contracts for decontamination signed as part of the National Decontamination Programme.  The rport aims to provide clinical teams with clear and concise advice on the processes underpinning the transfer of instrument decontamination services as part of the National Decontamination Programme (NDP).

Length of publication: 28p

Acknowledgement: DH Website

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)