Researchers surveyed hospital epidemiologists at 28 children’s hospitals that are members of the Children’s Hospital Association. The survey included questions on IPC program structure, personnel, antimicrobial stewardship, employee vaccination policies and practices on healthcare-associated infection reporting and surveillance.
While program structure across participating hospitals was similar, specific IPC practices varied substantially from hospital to hospital, according to the report. For example, 68 percent of hospitals had mandatory flu vaccine programs for staff, while just 25 percent had a program in place for pertussis vaccines. Children with respiratory symptoms were placed in isolation when a test was ordered in 11 hospitals, but in 17 other hospitals they were isolated based on symptoms alone.
“Although all surveyed institutes have established programs, we found substantial variability in practices,” the authors wrote in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. “This highlights the need for strong evidence to indentify best practices in IPC and pediatric-focused guidelines.”
More articles on infection prevention:
Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare reduces C. diff 39% thanks to UV light system
No matter the surgical setting – Inpatient or Outpatient – Compliant preoperative skin cleansing is vital
5 risk factors associated with recurrent C. diff. infections
