Hospital Infection Control & Prevention – February 1, 2003
February 1, 2003
View Issues
-
Will ‘dropout fever’ spread? Hospitals opting out of smallpox offer draw fire
Deciding that the risk of smallpox vaccine outweighs the current benefit of immunization, an increasing number of hospitals are refusing the governments offer to vaccinate key health care workers. Though public health authorities still are expecting widespread compliance, the move has raised concerns that the nonparticipants will undermine bioterrorism preparedness. -
Pox plan raises concerns for HIV-infected workers
Confidentiality and testing concerns about HIV-infected health care workers are starting to surface as the government moves ahead with its plan to offer smallpox vaccine to hospital staff. Those with HIV would be at risk of dangerous complications, including potentially fatal progressive vaccinia, if they receive smallpox vaccine. -
Smallpox vaccination handbook available now
-
JCAHO sounds alarm about deadly nosocomial infections
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has sent out a sentinel alert to all accredited facilities calling for them to report fatal nosocomial infections. The request for data has raised concerns among infection control professionals, who argue that ascribing deaths to infections is a complex matter confounded by underlying illness and a host of other variables. -
New TB test can be used for baseline HCW testing
A recently approved tuberculosis test can be used to diagnosis latent TB infection in health care workers without generating false positives due to boosting effects of the traditional TB skin test, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. -
West Nile a new threat to laboratory workers
West Nile virus is emerging as a new threat to laboratory workers as its presence grows in the United States. Infection control precautions should be reemphasized in light of two occupational cases of West Nile virus infection in research laboratorians, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes. -
Abstract & Commentary: Group A strep strikes 24 health care workers
A patient with group A streptococcal respiratory and soft tissue infection was the source of an outbreak involving 24 health care workers. -
Program takes aim at drug-resistant bugs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to distribute some 10,000 copies of a new training tool designed to assist laboratorians in selecting and using appropriate testing methods to detect antimicrobial-resistant strains of bacteria. The new tool, an interactive CD-ROM-based training course, provides the most extensive compilation of information on antimicrobial-resistance testing available to date. -
Congressional watchdog asked to jump on JCAHO
Continuing to face withering criticism from diverse corners, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has now drawn the ire of a powerful member of Congress. -
Journal Review: EDs best way to deliver pneumonia vaccine?
Pneumococcal vaccination rates in the United States are reported to be 28% to 47%, well below the desired 90% levels, with the result that many patients are denied effective protection against a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This study demonstrates that an ED-based vaccination strategy would protect most patients at risk for pneumococcal bacteremia in an inner-city public hospital, with a best-case scenario showing cost savings. -
JCAHO Update for Infection Control: ‘Flip-flop’ flap: Joint Commission urges ICPs to report fatal, impairing nosocomial infections as ‘sentinel events’
In an unusual direct appeal to health care facilities, the chairman of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is asking for reports of nosocomial infections that result in patient deaths or permanent loss of function. -
JCAHO Update for Infection Control: ICPs won’t push JCAHO for new staffing formula
Though recent research supports the need for more infection control staffing than traditionally allotted, ICPs are not expected to press for a specific staffing requirement from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. -
JCAHO Update for Infection Control: JCAHO looking at timing of surgical drug prophylaxis
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is partnering with three other organizations to conduct a study that will examine hospitals timely use of antibiotics before and after cardiovascular, joint replacement, and hysterectomy surgeries to effectively reduce post-surgical infection. -
JCAHO Update for Infection Control: Surveyors checking for new patient safety goals
Effective Jan. 1, 2003, all Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organization organizations will be surveyed for implementation of the recommendations or of an acceptable alternative. Alternatives must be at least as effective as the published recommendations in achieving the goals. -
Bioterrorism Watch Supplement
Israel reports 4 hospitalized among 18,000 smallpox immunizations; Smallpox Vaccine Alert: Use only three needle sticks for first-time vaccinees; IOM: Set trigger before a vaccine death occurs; How not to run a bioterror immunization campaign