Prevention and Control of Infection at University Hospital Sharjah

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1 1 Newsletter November 2016 UHS Medical Times Prevention and Control of Infection at University Hospital Sharjah Prevention is Better Than CURE Health Care-Associated Infections (HAIs) have become more common as medical care has grown complex and patients have become more complicated. HAIs are associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and costs (direct, indirect and opportunity). To counter this health care providers around the world have invested heavily in developing infection control programs that aimed to keep their hospital safe, reduce patient mortality, morbidity and length of stay. In addition, it helps to bring down the misuse of antibiotics and prevent spread of resistant microorganisms. A well-structured infection control program helps in protecting the health and safety of patients, health care providers, community and environment. University Hospital Sharjah (UHS), as a modern hospital in United Arab Emirates gives highest priority to its infection control program. The program is well developed, comprehensive with up-to-date policies and procedures that follows evidence based practice and recent guidelines. The program is strongly backed up by the management and works closely with all its stakeholders including the local and national government bodies. The doctors, nurses, allied health workers have co-operated and valued the program in providing better health care to their patients and reducing cost and suffering.

2 2 e-newsletter Newsletter October September November At UHS, infection control is everyone s responsibility including doctors, nurses, housekeeping and ancillary staff to patients, relatives and visitors. The infection control program is called Prevention and Control of Infection (PCI). The program is implemented through a committee consisting of a chair, coordinator and 15 elected members representing all the departments of the hospital. The UHS-PCI committee provides the leadership and liaises between the patients, health care providers and administrators in effective infection prevention and control. The committee has its own terms of references and reports to the medical director. The goal of UHS Prevention and Control of Infection program is to identify and reduce the potential risk of acquiring and transmitting infections amongst patients, staff, healthcare professionals, contract workers, and visitors. It plans to achieve its goal through (i) formulation of policies and procedures (ii) education and training (iii) implementation of the policies and programs (iv) effective surveillance and reporting. Currently, the committee has developed two robust programs called Prevention and Control of infection Program and Employee Health and Safety Program. It also has formulated 44 hospital wide policies, 14 guidelines and 36 structured forms to implement the programs in the hospital. Besides, it has developed two quality improvement projects; the first one is a (FOCUS PDCA) focusing on Hand Hygiene compliance by all healthcare workers at UHS and the second one is a Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) that identifies and prioritize infection control risks in the hospital. The committee constantly educates the UHS staff to ensure best infection control practices through CME (Continuing Medical Education), CNE (Continuing Nursing Education), training, rounds and departmental sessions. The committee has been monitoring the effectiveness of its program implementation through continuous surveillance. It uses 36 forms, internal and external audits, formal and informal feedbacks, incident reporting and most importantly measuring its key performance indicators. The data generated are displayed and informed hospital wide through share folder electronically. Some of the key achievements of the UHS-PCI committee are: e-newsletter

3 3 Newsletter November 2016 Successfully implementing 44 hospital-wide infection control policies and guidelines. Achieving hand hygiene compliance rate of 75% in the first quarter of 2016 as a gain from the FOCUS-PDCA. Achieving 100% coverage of Hepatitis B Vaccination for UHS health care providers and staff and recording their antibody profile. Launched a popular Kids Club Program that aims to educate and broaden kids (patient and staff s children ages 6-9 years old) curiosity about health and ways to prevent infections from spreading in the community. In addition it is to raise awareness to the community about significant infection control and health topics such as hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Success of running the Infection Control Road Show with an objective to educate, increase awareness, refresh and update knowledge of all staff on matters related to infection control. It is regularly conducted in UHS ground floor to as well clarify concerns, doubts and queries. The event has become very popular amongst the nurses, ancillary staff and patient s relatives. Conducted several Continuing Nursing Education CNE, Continuing Medical Education CME, General Nursing Orientation - GNO, Human Resources Department Orientation, departmental session, individual counseling, rounds, audit (departmental and external), competency, annual training hugely attended by UHS staff. Provided annual trainings in management of biohazard spillage and N95 mask fit testing regularly through its liaison with the suppliers and third party. Performed the Epidemic Disaster Plan and Drill to test the UHS capabilities and preparedness for any emergency epidemic response including flu like illness outbreak. Participated in environmental safety programs like Preserving the Future of the Gulf Ecosystems. held at American University of Sharjah highlighting UHS infection control programs and achievements. Completion of Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) during construction and demolitions for the newly built Dialysis, NICU extension, Catheterization Laboratory, MSW extension, ICU B facilities in UHS.

4 4 Newsletter November 2016 Negotiated and procured infection control related items including soap and sanitizing products, sharp containers, biohazard spill kit as per the latest industry standard and requirements. Created brochures, posters in issues related to infection control including hand hygiene, cough etiquette, occupational health hazard incident management, and indication of personal protective equipment both inside and outside of UHS, reaching the community. The PCI committee at UHS works very closely with the Ministry of Health and has collaborated with them in implementing various preventive measures for the community. The committee has successfully partnered in the national measles campaign for the kids and for adults between ages 18 to 34 years. The committee through its coordinator regularly communicates and notifies the reportable diseases and act as a bridge in managing the patients who require their interventions. Time and again the PCI at UHS has been appreciated for its constant involvement for their role in infection prevention. Overall, Keeping UHS a safe hospital as evidenced from its surveillance infection rates as compared to industry standards. Our efforts are truly reflected in the success of UHS acquiring the JCI accreditation in its first attempt. The contribution and efforts of PCI at UHS was highly appreciated by the JCI surveyors as reflected in their report. The PCI program at UHS is growing and encompassing more and more needs of the hospital. Addressing the infection preventive measures of the at-risk population, specialty services and pandemic preparedness have been reprioritized. Given the interest in cutting health care costs, improving patient safety, protecting the environment and stopping the transmission of resistant bugs to the community, infection control program will continue to grow at UHS in times to come. e-newsletter

5 5 Newsletter November 2016 Surgical Patients are IN your hands. See what s ON your hand. Practice hand hygiene for surgical patients. FROM ADMISSION TO DISCHARGE. SAVE LIVES CLEAN YOUR HANDS I. INFECTION CONTROL ROAD SHOWS Road show is oversees by PCI chairperson. It is a team running project that is encouraging all clinical and non-clinical staff to participate to update their knowledge and increase their awareness on matters correlated to infection control.

6 6 Newsletter November 2016 Security team is actively participating in infection control road show highlighting infection control policies, programs and best practices. A variety of attendees from medical, nursing team and also from Radiology, discussion focused mainly on best practices of infection control in SPECIAL ANALYSIS operating UNIT theatre. Discussed and highlighted on environment surveillance, disinfection and surgical site infection. Infection control road show is as well reaching out to patients. They were engrossed and involved as they learned the importance of infection control at home and in the community.

7 7 Newsletter November 2016 Road show is also participated by Accuro HK staff and porters. Proper hand hygiene and wearing of personal protective equipment explained. Session conducted by one of our link staff and initial participants are patients care providers emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Infection control road show is not only staff-centered but also encouraging kids to join and learn the importance of hand hygiene in school and at home in an interesting manner.

8 8 Newsletter November 2016 University of Sharjah medical students visited and attended the road show. The session productively discussed the transmission of infection and precautions to prevent infection. II. KIDS CLUB PROGRAM On 8th of March, 2016 the infection control team has successfully launched the kids club in the pediatric OPD play area from 14:00 till 16:00H. Launching of Kids club in UHS was a huge success. There were group of kids ages 4 to 11 who attended the program. It was an initial program with 29 attendees who were external patients, inpatient and staffs children.

9 9 Newsletter November 2016 The kids club began when there are regular admitting cases of infections in Paediatric ward and OPD which can be prevented through proper education. The kids club program purpose is to broaden kids curiosity about health and ways to prevent infections from spreading amongst them and to the community. In addition it is to raise awareness to the community about significant health topics such as hand hygiene and cough etiquette. It is conducted by variety of healthcare team experts. Providing information for the kids to remember and learn in a fun way. Throughout the program kids were given the chance to show the process of hand hygiene and cough etiquette, to identify the importance and the consequences if not routinely observed. The program ran for two hours and kids were encouraged to participate throughout the day by staff members as much as they can. Small gifts were also given for everyone who shared an answer and being attentive too.

10 10 Newsletter November 2016 III. HAND HYGIENE DAY 5TH OF MAY 2016 Hand hygiene as part of an infection prevention and control programme in all settings that support surgery, prevents patient infection and reduces an avoidable burden on health systems. Improving hand hygiene practices in all surgical services through the continuum of care, from surgical wards to operating theatres, to outpatient surgical services, is the primary focus of 5th May 2016 campaign. W.H.O Clean your Hands 5th of May See Your Hands hand hygiene supports safe surgical care practice hand hygiene for surgical patients from admission to discharge. The campaign aims to galvanise action at the point of care to demonstrate that hand hygiene is the entrance door for reducing health care-associated infection and patient safety. It also aims to demonstrate the world's commitment to this priority area of health care.

11 11 Newsletter November 2016 Clean Hands, Save Lives SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands was deemed a natural next phase of the Clean Care is Safer Care programme, moving the call to action from a country pledge of commitment to the point of patient care. The central core of SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands is that, all health-care workers should clean their hands at the right time and in the right way. Team At UHS (USA) and a Fellow of Canadian College of Microbiologist (Canada). EXPERIENCE Dr. Nihar, an American Board Certified Consultant Microbiologist has 16 years of diagnostic, academic and research experience. He has been continuously involved in clinical diagnostic services and infection control programs. Currently he is an Assistant Professor in the College of Medicine, University of Sharjah and part time Consultant Microbiologist in UHS. He chairs the UHS s Prevention and Control of Infection Committee. Infectious Diseases and the Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. SPECIAL INTEREST Infectious Diseases and Hospital Infection Control Academics and Assessments LANGUAGE KNOWN English and Hindi Dr. Nihar Dash Diplomat American Board of Medical and Microbiology (ABMM), Fellow of Canadian College of Microbiologist (FCCM), Diplomat London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), MS in Control of Infectious Diseases (UK), MD in Medical Microbiology Consultant Microbiologist, Chairperson - Prevention and Control of Infection Committee QUALIFICATIONS Dr. Nihar after his MBBS took Master of Science in Infectious Diseases from University of London, UK and Doctor of Medicine in Medical Microbiology from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India. He is a Diplomat of American Board of Medical Microbiology Prior to this, Dr. Nihar has worked as an Assistant Professor, Specialist Microbiologist and Senior Demonstrator in Oman, UAE and India. He is a member of the National Committee for Scientific Research Concerning Corona Virus and National Immunization Technical Advisory Group, Ministry of Health, United Arab Emirates. Dr. Nihar has many research studies that were published and presented in several local and international journals and conferences. He is a journal reviewer for International Journal of Infectious Disease, Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, Journal of Pediatric

12 12 Newsletter November 2016 SCOPE OF SERVICES AT UHS MEDICAL SERVICES SURGICAL SERVICES CARDIOLOGY NEUROPHYSIOLOGY Anesthesiology Bariatric Surgery 24-Hour BP Monitoring Electroencephalogram (EEG) Aviation Medicine Ears, Nose and Throat Surgery 24-Hour Holter Monitoring Electromyography (EMG) Cardiology General Surgery 2D/3D Echo Evoked Potential Test Critical Care Neurological Surgery 3D Transesophageal Echo Brain Auditory Evoked Potential Dermatology Obstetrics and Gynecologic Surgery CT coronary Angiography (BAEP) Emergency Medicine Endocrinology Family Medicine Gastroenterology Internal Medicine Ophthalmic Surgery Orthopedic Surgery Pediatric Surgery Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Urologic Surgery Dobutamine Stress Echo for Ischemia and Viability Studies Interventional Cardiology Stress Test Treadmill Stress Test Somato Sensory Evoked Potential (SSEP) Visual Evoked Potential ( VEP) Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) Medical Oncology Vascular Surgery Neonatology Nephrology Neurology Pediatrics Psychiatry Pulmonology Rheumatology MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS IMAGING (MDI) 128 Channel CT Scan with Coronary and Cardiac Facility Bone Densitometry Digital X-Ray and Fluoroscopy Mammography and Guided Breast Intervention MRI 1.5 TESLA Ultrasound PATHOLOGY & LABORATORY MEDICINE Biochemistry Blood Transfusion Medicine Cytology Hematology Histology Immunology Microbiology Phlebotomy AUDIOLOGY Acoustic Reflex Threshold Auditory Brainstem Response Auditory Steady State Response Cochlear Implant Mapping Electrocochleography Free Field Audiometry Hearing Aid Fitting and Programming Newborn Hearing Screening Otoacoustic Emission Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) Speech Audiometry Tinnitus Evaluation Tympanometry OTHER SPECIALTY SERVICES 24/7 Emergency Services Ambulance Hemodialysis Physiotherapy Pharmacy Sharjah Breast Centre Vascular Interventional Lab CONNECT WITH US AND SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE University Hospital Sharjah (UHS) is excited to be on social media. By subscribing to us, you ll learn about scheduled events, news, videos, download health tips and know a little more about out featured physicians. We look forward to enhancing your UHS experience on your favourite engagement platforms. We encourage you to take every opportunity to stay connected with us. info@uhs.ae call: Contribute to UHS Medical Times Thanks for your interest in UHS Medical Times. We welcome submissions by UHS freelance writers and photographers. If you have a news, story you would like to share with the rest of the UHS family, an interesting hobby, great photo or even just a comment/suggestion please to Praveen Pillai, at praveen.pillai@uhs.ae.