Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Perceived Challenges for Healthcare Workers on Water-Less ICU Care at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Singapore

Published on 02/21/2024 | by Waterline Admin

Buvaneswarran S, Chua MCW, Amin Z, Xia W, Low JM. J Hosp Infect. 2024 Jan 25:S0195-6701(24)00027-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.11.025. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38280438.

Highlights

  • Implementation of water-less care, including removal of sinks from patient care areas, is an emerging approach to reduce water-borne infections in high-risk areas such as intensive care units (ICUs).
  • This study was conducted using a customised survey at a single hospital.
  • Participation rate was 88.6% comprising 66.3% nurses, 31.0% doctors and 3.0% allied health professionals.
  • 90.1% had positive attitudes and 53.5% had good knowledge regarding water-less ICU care. 83.1% followed the appropriate practice of hand hygiene when their hands were visibly soiled.
  • The main challenges with water-less ICU care were perceived compromise of personal (46.5%) and patient (22.8% ) hygiene.
  • 43.6% reported an increase in skin-related conditions – 10.9% had to visit a doctor for this reason, of which 64.0% had pre-existing skin conditions.
  • Despite overall good attitudes and practices toward water-less ICU care, HCWs may have specific concerns related to hygiene and skin conditions which need to be addressed.

  • The paper can be sourced here

    Diary Dates & Events

    Grime Scene

    ANNOUNCING OUR NEW GRIME SCENE COMPETITION:

    Following on from the successful Grime Scene competition, we have decided to continue the theme for another year, but with a twist. This year, we are asking for photographs of the grimiest pictures you can find accompanied with another photograph of how the ‘scene’ has been improved by your maintenance or cleaning.


    We will display the photographs in each of the Waterline editions throughout 2024. The ‘most improved’ picture will be chosen by WMSoc members via an online vote. The winner will receive a £25 Amazon Gift Voucher after the Winter 2024/25 edition has been published.


    Please send your photographs to:
    [email protected].


    Product & Service Spotlight

    Introducing B & V Chemicals' new film forming amines for closed circuits and steam boilers.

    Product Launch: Film forming amines.

    This all-in-one solution offers low-dose, cost-effective treatment. Improves heat transfer efficiency by removing corrosion deposits, leading to cleaner surfaces. Enhances energy and resource efficiency by reducing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The stable film provided by polyamines ensures superior corrosion control, promoting longer equipment lifespan.

    Plus - environmentally friendly, offering a greener alternative to traditional treatments.

    Contact us on [email protected] for further information.

    How the NEW SolidTek® Biocide Feeder Package will BENEFIT YOU

    SolidTek® has launched its NEW Biocide Feeder which is functional, compact, and environmentally-friendly.

    Designed for use with SolidTek’s® enhanced bromine biocide, BromTek, it offers multiple benefits:

    SAFER
    Reduced exposure to fumes and bromine dust (non-pressurised system).

    EFFECTIVE
    Use with field proven mixed hydantoin biocide - better performance than standard bromine tablets.

    COMPACT
    Wall mounted reducing footprint of installation.

    QUICK & EASY
    Charge with product in under 5 minutes without isolation from the system.
    SUPPORT

    Product calculators and tech support available.

    Lovibond MD640 Photometer (PTSA & Fluorescein capable)

    Product Spotlight Drop Test Kits

    How many times have you heard … ‘we’re not sure what the system volume is’. A common problem which can be expensive - wasting chemical over dosing, or underdosing so the treatment is ineffective (i.e. shock dosing a biocide). The MD640 photometer has PTSA & Fluorescein capability built in. Simply use our System Checkers to add to an unknown system and read a PTSA or Fluorescein levels to accurately identify the system volume.

    The Hydrosense PRO range

    Hydrosense

    The Hydrosense PRO range pioneers Legionella pneumophila detection, the cause of over 97% of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks, by identifying all the serogroups 1-15 of this dangerous Legionella species. This easy-to-use, highly sensitive test uses unique filtration, offering a three-line test result that distinguishes between serogroup 1 and serogroups 2-15 within 25 minutes. The water test has a level of detection of 100 CFU/L and swab tests detect 200 CFU per swabbed area, providing crucial, rapid insights for water safety management.