• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.769-777
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• 2017

Objectives: The study was to promote patient safety by analyzing the effect of dental hygienist's perception of patient safety culture on infection control activities. Methods: The study is based on a survey of 377 dental hygienists in total working in dental settings. The questionnaire consisted of 119 questions, including 34 questions on perception of patient safety culture, and 85 questions on infection control activities. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the perception of patient safety culture and infection control activities. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20.0, and p<0.05 was adopted to decide on significance. Results: The longer dental hygienists have worked n the dental settings, the more active they become in infection control activities. Among the different types of dental care settings, general (university) hospitals had the largest number of infection control activities, followed by dental clinics, and network dental clinics, in descending order. The dental settings possessing a higher number of dental hygienists were found to conduct more infection control activities than other dental settings. In addition, it was found that when a dental setting adopts a patient safety policy across all the units in the hospital, more systems and procedures for patient safety tend to be established, and that stricter management response to error leads to improvement of infection control activities. Conclusions:In order to enhance infection control activities, infection control activity programs should develop and implement periodic reinforcement of infection control education. regular monitoring of infection control activities.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.161-172
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• 2022

Purpose : The study was to promote patient safety by analyzing the effect of dental hygienist's perception of patient safety culture on infection control activities. Methods : The study is based on a survey of 210 dental hygienists in total working in dental settings. To find out infection control activities according to patient safety culture awareness, there were 6 general characteristics, 3 teamwork within the department, 2 infection control systems, 4 surface management, 9 equipment washing, disinfection, and laundry management, 4 infectious wastes, and 3 personal protection phrases.The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20.0, and p<.05 was adopted to decide on significance. Results : The longer dental hygienists have worked n the dental settings, the more active they become in infection control activities. Among the different types of dental care settings, general (university) hospitals had the largest number of infection control activities, followed by dental clinics, and network dental clinics, in descending order. The dental settings possessing a higher number of dental hygienists were found to conduct more infection control activities than other dental settings. In addition, it was found that when a dental setting adopts a patient safety policy across all the units in the hospital, more systems and procedures for patient safety tend to be established, and that stricter management response to error leads to improvement of infection control activities. Conclusion :In order to enhance infection control activities, infection control activity programs should develop and implement periodic reinforcement of infection control education. regular monitoring of infection control activities.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.267-280
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the status of infection control nurses (ICNs) and their activities, and to identify the factors affecting the level of infection control activities. Methods: Data were collected from 199 hospitals from June 24 to July 26, 2016. The structured questionnaires included status of infection control nurses, type and level of infection control activities. Results: Most participating hospital were advanced general hospital (20.1%) and general hospital (67.8%). Among the hospitals, 86.4% had an infection control department (ICD). The average hospital work experience of ICNs was 14.62 years, and their average infection control career was for 4.94 years. Among the ICNs, 85.6% worked in full time and the average number of beds per ICN was 311.21. There were significant differences in the existence of ICD, infection control activities including surveillance, outbreak investigation, negative pressure room, hand hygiene monitoring, disinfection, and sterilization according to hospital size. The level of infection control activities was higher with more number of ICNs, ICN employment as full time, and healthcare institution accreditation status. The explanatory power was 37.5%. Conclusion: These results of this study which reflect infection control status of healthcare facilities with more than 150 beds in 2016 will provide baseline data to establish infection control system in small to medium sized hospitals after the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak in 2015.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.313-319
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• 2016

Objectives: The objective of the study was to infection control by analyzing the influence of working environment on infection control activities in the dental hygienists. Methods: The cross-sectional study was based on a survey on a total of 377 dental hygienists working in dental settings. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship of general characteristics and infection control activities. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS for Windows version 20.0, and p<0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Predictive powers(=Adjusted $R^2$ of the investigated factors such as operation room, sterilization disinfection laundry, dental unit waterline, staff individual, infection control system, personal protective equipment, medical waste, hand hygiene, oral surgical procedures, clinical contact surfaces were adjusted $R^2=0.394$, 0.306, 0.277, 0.244, 0.241, 0.177, 0.165,, 0.154, 0.134, 0.124 respectively. Conclusions: In order to enhance infection control activities, the program development and implementation for the aseptic procedure is very important. The program should include periodic reinforcement of infection control education and regular monitoring of infection control activities.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.330-341
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• 2015

Objectives: Emergency medical personnel (EMPs) are pre-hospital emergency responders who are at risk of exposure to infections and may also serve as a source for the transmission of infections. However, few studies of infection control have specifically addressed EMPs in the Republic of Korea (hereafter Korea). The goal of this study was to assess the current status of infection prevention and control programs (IPCPs) for EMPs in Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to quantitatively assess the resources and activities of IPCPs. A total of 907 EMPs in five metropolitan cities completed a structured questionnaire from September 2014 to January 2015. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multi-response analysis, and the chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the participants was $34.8{\pm}15.1years$. IPCPs were found to have weaknesses with regard to the following resources: the assignment of infection control personnel (ICP) (79.5%), hand hygiene resources such as waterless antiseptics (79.3%), the use of paper towels (38.9%), personal protective equipment such as face shields (46.9%), and safety containers for sharps and a separated space for the disposal of infectious waste (10.1%). Likewise, the following activities were found to be inadequately incorporated into the workflow of EMPs: education about infection control (77.5%), post-exposure management (35.9%), and the decontamination of items and spaces after use (88.4%). ICP were found to have a significant effect on the resources and activities of IPCPs (p<0.001). The resources and activities of IPCPs were found to be significantly different among the five cities (p<0.001). Conclusions: IPCPs for EMPs showed some limitations in their resources and activities. IPCPs should be actively supported, and specific IPCP activities for EMPs should be developed.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.99-113
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• 2008

In order to protect Rescue 119 workers exposed on the spot from potential infection, this study identified their awareness and practices of infection control so that it could help preventing them from infection and also provide basic materials necessary for pre-hospital infection control. This study applied questionnaire survey to total 215 Rescue 119 workers at fire stations in Jeonbuk province, Jeonnam province and Gwangju city from July 14 to Sept. 14, 2006 for the benefit of data collection. The questionnaire about possible associations between awareness and practices of infection control consisted of total 46 times across 6 categories such as washing hands during emergency activities ; fluid therapy and injection ; respirator maintenance; individual hygienics ; disinfectant supplies and equipments maintenance ; and control of infectious wastes. And collected data were processed using SPSS statistic program to analyze frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, Pearson's correlation coefficient, t-test and one-way ANOVA. As a result, this study came to the following conclusions : In terms of awareness about infection control, our respondents showed highest awareness about infectious waste control, and also showed highest level of practices in washing hands during emergency activities. Throughout all domains, awareness means were higher than practice means. In particular, infectious waste control was the domain of significant differences between awareness and practices. In terms of associations between awareness and individual characteristics, it was found that female rescue worker group and hospital/general hospital career group (before joining the Rescue 119) showed significantly higher awareness on statistic level. In regard to associations between individual characteristics and practices, it was found that female rescue worker group showed higher level of practices than male group on statistic level. This study also analyzed correlations between rescue workers' awareness and practice of infection control. As a result, it was found that the higher awareness was in correlations with the higher practices across all 6 domains including washing hands. In addition, the higher awareness of a questionnaire item was in significantly positive correlations with the higher practice of other items. However, our respondents showed high awareness about anti-infection, but low practices in reality. This indicates necessity of devising possible solutions to improve the practices as much as awareness. Especially, it was noted that major reasons for insufficient practices of infection control guideline come from unhabituated practices and lack of supports for infection-preventing supplies and protective device (mask, etc). Hence, it is necessary to provide more infection-preventing supplies for local rescue workers sufficiently, in parallel with steady habituation of infection control. Furthermore, it is required to manage and study infection control policies even at pre-hospital step in efforts for effective infection control, education and activities.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.156-171
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• 1996

Background: Nosocomial infection control is one of important means to assure the quality of medical care in the hospital, however, it has been neglected by most of the hospital personnels. Of nosocomial infections, urinary tract infection is the highest incidence, which is related to the indwelling catheter. It is, therefore, necessary to pay primary attention to the patients with the indwelling catheter in intensive care unit in order to control nosocomial Infection and to improve the quality of medical care in the hospital. Methods : The subjects of this study were patients with indwelling catheter who were admitted to the ICU of Pusan Paik Hospital from March 1994 to May 1995. The author calculated UTI rate among the subjects through the cultivation of the urine, identified the related factors of the UTI through brain storming of study team and head nurses working at ICU, and analized the effectiveness of the proposed approaches through comparing the infection rates of before and after activities. Results : The major activities carried out by the study team were to conduct in-service education programs for the staffs working at ICU about the importance of the nosocomial infection control in QA, and nursing intervention to reduce the UTI rate among the patients with indwelling catether. 1. The major nursing interventions that the study team had implemented were as follows ; 1) Drainage system was changed from partial open system to completely closed system. 2) Bladder irrigation which was routinely practised in all patients stopped among the noninfected patients. 3) Bladder irrigation set was changed to the disposable one. 4) Catheter was inserted under the anesthesia for patients to be operated. 5) Male patient receiving wrapped with gauze after perineal care was not wrapped. 6) Clamp which had not been before was newly attached to drainage tube. 7) Urine bag which had been packed into a lot of pieces was done into each piece. 8) The interval of change of indwelling catheter had regularly been four weeks, however it was used continously until it worked well. 9) Catheter was attached well at the defined site. 10) Paper towel was used instead of cotton towel. 11) Mats at the entrance were removed and cleansing of wards was enhanced. 2. The UTI rate by month was 34.4% in maximum and 9.8% in minimum during the period of this study, however it had gradually decreased. After 6 months from initiating infection control activities, the trend of rates was relatively stable. It was identified that UTI rate was different by season 12.5% in winter and 27.2% in summer. 3. Utilization rate of indwelling catheter was maintained at under 50%, but it was increased above 57% from April 1995. 4. The number of bladder irrigation sets used per day was 33.3 sets in maximum and 2.8 sets in minimum. The number used per day were also remarkably deceased. Conclusion : It was found that a program to control UTI could contribute to nosocomial infection control, and it was, in turn, a mean to assure the quality of medical care in the hospital. The nursing interventions which this study team had implemented were effective in the reduce of UTI rates.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.19-27
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• 2007

Purpose: By identifying the actual profile of emergency medical personnel's pre-admission infection control practices, this study intended to provide a basic reference material for the improvement and reorientation of pre-admission infection control measures, and thereby help establish an effective plan for pre-admission infection control activities. Methods: Total 119 EMT's working for Jeollabuk-do Provincial Fire Defense HQ were asked to join a structured questionnaire survey from June to August 2006. Results: 1. It was found that 56.1% respondents answered no guideline available on the prevention of infection. Out of our rescue brigade members who knew about relevant guideline available, 34.2% respondents answered that their department conducted quality control program for the guideline. 2. For protective outfit in emergency practice, it was found that most respondents put on gloves or nothing at all(38%), which was followed by sterile gloves(29.2%), disposable mask(26.9%), gown(4.3%) and protective goggle(1.6%). And it was noted that all respondents(100%) washed out any clothing contaminated with somatic secretion on their own. 3. For a question about any experience in emergency activities exposed to infectious diseases, it was found that most of all respondents(77.9%) answered 'No', which was followed by 'Don't Know'(18.6%) and Yes(3.9 %). 4. For a question about any experience in inquiring of patients about infectious diseases, it was found that most respondents(49.4%) answered 'Yes' and 'Sometimes'(9.1%). It was noted that 20.2% respondents had extra medical examination in medical institution in terms of whether they were exposed to infectious diseases, apart from regular medical examination. Conclusions: In order to protect 119 EMT's from infectious diseases, it will be necessary to acquire emergency medical staffs specializing in infection control and organize corresponding personnel training units to keep providing reorientation and evaluation. In addition, it will be also necessary to supply them with a full set personal protection apparatuses and other equipments required for disinfection and sterilization.

• Journal of Korean Academic Society of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.5-13
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• 2002

This study was conducted to assess need for education on the infection control by examining the knowledge on infection control in home care of the home care trainees who had completed an infection control course. Using 64 items questionnaire. home care trainees of eight home care education institutions who took classes related with infection control. The level of knowledge evaluated subjectively was 4.24point (full mark: 5 point). The correct answer rates for handwashing and gloving. cleaning patients' rooms. preventing sharp injury, preventing exposure to potential infectious agents, home care bag technique were 84.5% 86.4% 70.7% 65.3% 76.2% representatively. For the knowledge on the infection control principles to prevent catheter related infection, indwelling catheter related infection, tracheal tube related pneumonia. L-tube related infection, oxygen therapy related infection. and wound infection were 62.8% 27.8% 39.1% 87.8% 76.5% 80.5% representatively. The correct answer rates varied depending upon the educational institutes (p< = .0001), educational levels (p= .001), workplaces (p<.0001), and the experience of infection control education (p= .001). Considering these results. a standardized curriculum must be developed and implemented after analyzing the existing infection control curricula of the home care education institutes. and guide books for infection control in home care should be developed and distributed. In addition. continuous infection control education be provided to the home care nurses through reeducation so they can acquire new knowledge needed for carrying out infection control activities effectively.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.79 no.4
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• pp.201-206
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• 2016

Active tuberculosis (TB) has a greater burden of TB bacilli than latent TB and acts as an infection source for contacts. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is the state in which humans are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis without any clinical symptoms, radiological abnormality, or microbiological evidence. TB is transmissible by respiratory droplet nucleus of $1-5{\mu}m$ in diameter, containing 1-10 TB bacilli. TB transmission is affected by the strength of the infectious source, infectiousness of TB bacilli, immunoresistance of the host, environmental stresses, and biosocial factors. Infection controls to reduce TB transmission consist of managerial activities, administrative control, engineering control, environmental control, and personal protective equipment provision. However, diagnosis and treatment for LTBI as a national TB control program is an important strategy on the precondition that active TB is not missed. Therefore, more concrete evidences for LTBI management based on clinical and public perspectives are needed.