bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Risk Interactions for Transmission of CRE to Health Worker Gloves or Gown: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Calfee David , Miller Loren , Nguyen Minh-Hong , Pineles Lisa , Magder Laurence , Johnson J. Kristie , Morgan Daniel , Harris Anthony
Published: November 2020

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a serious threat to public health due to high associated morbidity and mortality. Healthcare personnel (HCP) gloves and gowns are frequently contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including CRE. We aimed to identify patients more likely to transmit CRE to HCP gloves or gowns and HCP types and interactions more likely to lead to glove or gown contamination. Methods:Between January 2016 and August 2018, patients with a clinical or surveillance culture positive for CRE in the preceding 7 days were enrolled at 5 hospitals in California, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania. Ten HCP–patient interactions were observed for each patient and were recorded by research staff. Following patient care, but prior to doffing, the gloves and gown of each HCP were sampled for the presence of CRE. Results: We enrolled 313 CRE-colonized patients, and we observed 3,070 HCP interactions. CRE was transmitted to HCP gloves in 242 of 3,070 observations (7.9%) and to gowns in 132 of 3,070 observations (4.3%). Transmission to either gloves or gown occurred in 308 of 3,070 interactions observed (10%). The most frequently identified organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 171, 53.2%), followed by Enterobacter cloacae (n = 36, 11.2%), and Escherichia coli (n = 33, 10.3%). Patients in the intensive care unit (n = 177, 56.5%) were more likely to transmit CRE to HCP gloves or gown (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.03–2.64) compared to those not in an ICU and adjusted for HCP type. The odds of CRE transmission increased with the number of different items touched near the patient (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.21–1.44) and with the number of different items touched in the environment (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06–1.21). Respiratory therapists had the highest rates of transmission to gloves and gown (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.61–8.94), followed by physical therapists and occupational therapists (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.01–8.32) when compared to HCP in the “other” category. Manipulating the rectal tube (OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.53–6.04), providing wound care (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.73–4.59), and touching the endotracheal tube (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.86–4.19) were the interactions most strongly associated with CRE transmission compared to not touching these items and adjusted for HCP type. Conclusions: Transmission of CRE to HCP gloves and gowns occurs frequently. We identified interactions and HCP types that were particularly high risk for transmission. Infection control programs may wish to target infection prevention resources and education toward these high-risk professions and interactions.

Funding: This work was supported by the CDC Prevention Epicenter Program (U43CK000450-01) and the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (R01 AI121146-01).

Disclosures: None
Incidence and Characteristics of Nosocomial Influenza at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Azim Ahmed Abdul , Schrank Gregory , Feeser Baevin , Wright Sharon
Published: November 2020

Background: Despite introduction of mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) in 2011, we continued to see occasional cases of nosocomial influenza. We sought to understand the characteristics of patients who acquired nosocomial influenza to better target prevention efforts. Methods: The study population was a retrospective cohort of all patients aged ≥18 years admitted to an academic medical center between September 2012 and August 2018. Patient data obtained included age, admission/discharge date, service line, influenza vaccination status on admission, and virus serotype. Nosocomial influenza was defined as positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen testing for influenza A/B >3 days after admission. Each influenza season, patients with nosocomial influenza or community-acquired influenza (CA-I) were censored after the positive test. Means with standard deviations are reported (SAS version 9.4). Results: Overall, 223,005 patient admissions occurred during the study period: 222,154 (99.6%) were without confirmed influenza infection, 788 (0.35%) had CA-I, and 63 (0.03%) had nosocomial influenza (Fig. 1). The mean age of patients without influenza infection was 57.6 ± 19.3 years compared to 66.5 ± 18.8 years for those with CA-I and 67.1 ± 13.5 with nosocomial influenza. Influenza A accounted for 630 cases (80%) of CA-I, and 58 cases (92%) of nosocomial influenza. Also, 31 (48%) with nosocomial influenza had been vaccinated against influenza prior to admission (Table 1). Most nosocomial influenza cases (78%) occurred on medicine and oncology units. Conclusions: Influenza A represented a larger percentage of nosocomial influenza compared to CA-I. The proportion of nosocomial influenza cases remained stable during the study period, even after introduction of PCR tests in the 2014–2015 season. The mean age of the nosocomial influenza group was greater compared to the CA-I and no influenza groups. More than half of nosocomial influenza cases were unvaccinated at the time of admission, demonstrating the importance of improving vaccine uptake among vulnerable populations.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
The Burden of Infection in Transfers from Nursing Homes to Hospitals
Authors: Dick Andrew , Sorbero Mark , Furuya E. Yoko , Agarwal Mansi , Stone Patricia
Published: November 2020

Background: The focus on infection prevention in nursing homes is growing, but little is known about the role infections play in transfers from nursing home to hospital. Our goals were (1) to identify rates of infection-related transfers to the hospital and (2) to identify trends in these rates from 2011 to 2014. Methods: Using a nationally representative sample of 2,501 nursing homes (2011–2014), elderly resident data from the Minimum Data Set 3.0 were combined with CMS inpatient data (MedPAR). We classified transfers from nursing home to hospital as caused by infection (1) if infection was the primary diagnosis and present on admission (POA) or (2) if infection was indicated as the MedPAR admitting diagnosis code and POA. We classified all transfers, including those caused by infection, for which infection was POA in any of the 25 diagnosis codes as transfers with infection. Types of infection included respiratory, sepsis, urinary tract infection (UTI), and all (including ‘other’). Results: Table 1 shows the number of all-cause transfers and the percentage caused by infections. From 2011 to 2014, the rate of all-cause transfers declined from 0.479 to 0.396 per patient; infections were primarily responsible for ~1 in 3 transfers each year. The rate of transfers caused by sepsis increased by 37% from 2011 to 2014, and the rate for respiratory infections fell by 18%. More than half of all transfers from nursing home to hospital in each year had an infection POA. Although the percentage of transfers caused by any kind of infection increased by >7% during the period, the number of transfers per patient dropped by 17%. Conclusions: A large number of elderly nursing home residents are transferred to hospitals with infection each year. Many of these transitions may be avoidable with improved infection prevention and surveillance in nursing homes. Reduced infection rates would improve health and quality of life of nursing home residents and reduce infection-related inpatient costs.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Use of Simulations to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Barrier Precautions for Prevention of pathogen Transmission
Authors: Alhmidi Heba , Li Daniel , Cadnum Jennifer , Herrera Natalia Pinto , Haq Muhammed Fawwaz , Wilson Brigid , Donskey Curtis
Published: November 2020

Background: Barrier precautions (eg, gloves and gowns) are often used in clinical settings to reduce the risk for transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens. However, uncertainty persists regarding the efficacy of different types of barrier precautions in preventing transmission. Methods: We used simulated patient care interactions to compare the effectiveness of different levels of barrier precautions in reducing transfer of pathogen surrogate markers. Overall, 30 personnel performed standardized examinations of contaminated mannequins while wearing either no barriers, gloves, or gloves plus cover gowns followed by examination of a noncontaminated mannequin; the order of the barrier precautions was randomly assigned. Participants used their usual technique for hand hygiene, stethoscope cleaning, and protective equipment removal. The surrogate markers included cauliflower mosaic virus DNA, bacteriophage MS2, nontoxigenic Clostridium difficile spores, and a fluorescent tracer. We compared the frequency and route of transfer of each of the surrogate markers to the second mannequin or to the surrounding environment. Results: As shown in Fig. 1, wearing gloves alone or gloves plus gowns significantly reduced transfer of each of the surrogate markers by the hands of participants (P < .05 for each marker). However, wearing gloves or gloves plus gowns only modestly reduced transfer by stethoscopes despite cleaning of stethoscopes between exams by approximately half of the participants. Contamination of the clothing of participants was significantly reduced in the glove plus gown group versus the gloves only or no-barriers groups (P < .05). Conclusion: Barrier precautions are effective in reducing hand transfer of pathogens from patient to patient, but transfer may still occur via devices such as stethoscopes. Cover gowns reduce the risk for contamination of the clothing of personnel.

Funding: Proprietary Organization: The Center for Disease Control.

Disclosures: None
Validation of a Semiautomated Surveillance Algorithm for Deep Surgical Site Infections After Primary Hip or Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Verberk Janneke , van Rooden Stephanie , Koek Mayke , Hopmans Titia , Bonten Marc , de Greeff Sabine , van Mourik Maaikevan
Published: November 2020

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) complicate ~2% of primary total hip (THAs) or total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Accurate and timely identification through surveillance is essential for targeted implementation and monitoring of preventive interventions. Electronic health records (EHR) facilitate (semi)-automated surveillance and enable upscaling. A validated algorithm is a prerequisite for broader implementation of semiautomated surveillance. Objectives: To validate a previously published algorithm for semiautomated surveillance of deep SSI after THA or TKA in 4 independent regional Dutch hospitals. The algorithm was developed and implemented in the University Medical Centre Utrecht and relies on retrospective routine care data. Methods: For this multicenter retrospective cohort study, the following data required for the algorithm were extracted from the EHR from all patients under THA and TKA surveillance: microbiology results, antibiotics, (re)admissions, and surgical procedures within the 120 days following the primary surgery. Patients were retrospectively classified with a low or high probability of having developed a deep SSI after THA or TKA, according to the algorithm. Sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and workload reduction (defined as the proportion of manuals requiring review) were calculated compared to the traditional (manual) surveillance results, as reported to the national surveillance PREZIES. Discrepancy analyses were performed to understand algorithm results. Results: Data from 8,378 total THA and TKA surgeries (deep SSI n = 95, 1.1%) performed between 2012 and 2018 were extracted by 4 hospitals (Table 1). Sensitivity ranged across centers from 93.6% to 100%, with a PPV from 55.8% to 72.2%. In all hospitals, the algorithm resulted in >98% workload reduction. Cases missed by the algorithm could be explained by incomplete data extraction. Conclusions: This study shows that the surveillance algorithm performance is good in general Dutch hospitals. Broader implementation of this semiautomated surveillance for SSIs after THA or TKA may be possible in the near future and will result in a substantial workload reduction.

Funding: This work was supported by the Regional Healthcare Network Antibiotic Resistance Utrecht with a subsidy of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (grant number 326835).

Disclosures: None
Communications and Screening for 2019 Novel Coronavirus at a Tertiary-Care Medical Center
Authors: Sheeler Lorinda , Kukla Mary , Abosi Oluchi , Meacham Holly , Holley Stephanie , Salinas Jorge
Published: November 2020

Background: In December of 2019, the World Health Organization reported a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 [SARS-CoV-2)]) causing severe respiratory illness originating in Wuhan, China. Since then, an increasing number of cases and the confirmation of human-to-human transmission has led to the need to develop a communication campaign at our institution. We describe the impact of the communication campaign on the number of calls received and describe patterns of calls during the early stages of our response to this emerging infection. Methods: The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is an 811-bed academic medical center with >200 outpatient clinics. In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, we launched a communications campaign on January 17, 2020. Initial communications included email updates to staff and a dedicated COVID-19 webpage with up-to-date information. Subsequently, we developed an electronic screening tool to guide a risk assessment during patient check in. The screening tool identifies travel to China in the past 14 days and the presence of symptoms defined as fever >37.7°C plus cough or difficulty breathing. The screening tool was activated on January 24, 2020. In addition, university staff contacted each student whose primary residence record included Hubei Province, China. Students were provided with medical contact information, signs and symptoms to monitor for, and a thermometer. Results: During the first 5 days of the campaign, 3 calls were related to COVID-19. The number of calls increased to 18 in the 5 days following the implementation of the electronic screening tool. Of the 21 calls received to date, 8 calls (38%) were generated due to the electronic travel screen, 4 calls (19%) were due to a positive coronavirus result in a multiplex respiratory panel, 4 calls (19%) were related to provider assessment only (without an electronic screening trigger), and 2 calls (10%) sought additional information following the viewing of the web-based communication campaign. Moreover, 3 calls (14%) were for people without travel history but with respiratory symptoms and contact with a person with recent travel to China. Among those reporting symptoms after travel to China, mean time since arrival to the United States was 2.7 days (range, 0–11 days). Conclusion: The COVID-19 outbreak is evolving, and providing up to date information is challenging. Implementing an electronic screening tool helped providers assess patients and direct questions to infection prevention professionals. Analyzing the types of calls received helped tailor messaging to frontline staff.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Siblings’ Precautions and Parents’ Decolonization to Control Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Authors: Dias Livio , Silva Camila de A , Richtmann Rosana , Miglioli Lisia , Dea Bruna Dalla , Lima Aurivan , Tobara Mariana , Silva Pollyana , Fernades Vanessa
Published: November 2020

Background: Following the first reports of the emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the 1970s, several measures to prevent its transmission were introduced in hospitals. However, controversy continues regarding the best approach to prevent and control MRSA, especially in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Objective: To report the reduction of colonization and primary central venous catheter–related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) caused by MRSA through surveillance, decolonization, and adoption of best practices in intravenous catheter care. Methods: Quasi-experimental, nonrandomized, before-and-after intervention study conducted in a 70-bed NICU in a private maternity hospital in Brazil. Period studied comprehended between August 2018 and May 2019 (period 1 - preintervention) and June to December 2019 (period II - postintervention). At the end of period 1, several measures were implanted to control and prevent colonization and CRBSI in the unit. The following measures were implemented: incentive to hand hygiene; best practices training on medication preparation and central catheter manipulation; systematic screening of colonized patients with nasal and umbilical swabs; contact precautions for colonized newborn (NB); contact precautions for twins of a colonized NB even when they had a negative swab; decolonization of patients with nasal mupirocin and chlorohexidine (oral preparation) for oral hygiene; concurrent linen change at the end of the patient’s decolonization; decolonization of parents of colonized siblings with chlorohexidine bath and nasal mupirocin; environmental organization; intensification of cleaning and disinfection of equipment and articles; cohort of patients and workers; isolation and precautions compliance audit; professional investigation and decolonization and universal chlorhexidine bath for newborns. Results: In periods I and II, the positivity rates of the collected swabs were 4.14% and 0.75% (P < .0001), respectively, with a peak of positivity of 11.8% in January. Also, 12 episodes of CRBSI were documented in period I (incidence, 2.9%) versus no episode in period 2, with a significant difference in incidence rate between the 2 periods (P = .002). Conclusion: The innovative measures were effective for eradicating the outbreak when instituted together with recognized good practices. In an outbreak scenario is difficult to define the isolated impact of each measure, although, parents’ decolonization to prevent the colonization of other siblings and contact precautions for twins of colonized NB seemed to improve the results.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
100% Single-Patient Rooms and Environmental Contamination With Highly Resistant Microorganisms: The MOVE Study
Authors: van der Schoor Adriënne S. , Voor in ‘t holt Anne F. , Severin Juliëtte A. , Gommers Diederik , Bruno Marco J. , Hendriks Joke M. , Vos Margreet C.
Published: November 2020

Background: Studies have shown that patients colonized with highly resistant microorganisms (HRMO) contaminate the hospital environment, and that transmission from contaminated environments to patients occurs. In May 2018, the Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, moved from a hospital with mostly multiple-occupancy rooms to a new hospital with 100% single-patient rooms with private bathrooms. This move provided the unique opportunity to determine environmental contamination before the new hospital was open for admissions and thereafter and to compare the environmental contamination to the number of patients colonized with HRMO. Method: Environmental sampling took place twice in the old building and 12 times in the new building, from 2 weeks before to 15 months after relocating patients. At each moment, ~306 samples were taken from 13 locations (eg, nightstands, sinks) in 40 patient rooms. Samples were screened for Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible [MSSA] and methicillin resistant [MRSA]) and highly resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterobacteriales. During the study period, January 1, 2018, until August 31, 2019, all clinical samples positive for HRMO were included. Results: Environmental sampling revealed that 29 of 724 (4.0%) locations were positive for HRMO in the old building, whereas 4 of 3,358 (0.1%) samples in the new building were positive for HRMO (P < .001). In the old building, 14 of 29 locations were positive for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing bacteria and 15 were positive for carbapenemase-producing bacteria. In the new building, 3 of 4 positive samples were positive for vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VRE), 1 was positive for ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae. For both HRMO, no carriers were detected. In the old building, 145 of 12,256 adult patients (1.2%) had clinical samples positive for HRMO, compared to 561 of 38,397 (1.5%) in the new building, a small but significant increase (P = .02). Conclusions: The transition from mainly 2- and 4-person rooms to 100% single-patient rooms resulted in a significant decrease in environmental contamination, even though the number of patients colonized with HRMO slightly increased. No molecular typing to determine transfer from environment to patients and vice versa has yet been performed. Future sampling is needed to determine whether the low environmental contamination is a long-term effect of the transition to single rooms.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
A Decade in Trying to Increase Hand Hygiene—Finally Success
Authors: Huddleston Linda , Bennett Sheila , Hermann Christopher
Published: November 2020

Background: Over the past 10 years, a rural health system has tried 10 different interventions to reduce hospital-associated infections (HAIs), and only 1 intervention has led to a reduction in HAIs. Reducing HAIs is a goal of nearly all hospitals, and improper hand hygiene is widely accepted as the main cause of HAIs. Even so, improving hand hygiene compliance is a challenge. Methods: Our facility implemented a two-phase longitudinal study to utilize an electronic hand hygiene reminder system to reduce HAIs. In the first phase, we implemented an intervention in 2 high-risk clinical units. The second phase of the study consisted of expanding the system to 3 additional clinical areas that had a lower incidence of HAIs. The hand hygiene baseline was established at 45% for these units prior to the voice reminder being turned on. Results: The system gathered baseline data prior to being turned on, and our average hand hygiene compliance rate was 49%. Once the voice reminder was turned on, hand hygiene improved nearly 35% within 6 months. During the first phase, there was a statistically significant 62% reduction in the average number of HAIs (catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), central-line–acquired bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), and Clostridiodes difficile experienced in the preliminary units, comparing 12 months prior to 12 months after turning on the voice reminder. In the second phase, hand hygiene compliance increased to >65% in the following 6 months. During the second phase, all HAIs fell by a statistically significant 60%. This was determined by comparing the HAI rates 6 months prior to the voice reminder being turned on to 6 months after the voice reminder was turned on. Conclusions: The HAI data from both phases were aggregated, and there was a statistically significant reduction in MDROs by 90%, CAUTIs by 60%, and C. difficile by 64%. This resulted in annual savings >$1 million in direct costs of nonreimbursed HAIs.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
A Randomized Assessment of a Laxative-Based Clostridioides difficile Diagnostic Stewardship Intervention
Authors: Lau Chelsea E. , Morse Rena G. , Sifri Costi , Madden Gregory
Published: November 2020

Background:Clostridiodes difficile is the leading healthcare-associated pathogen, with significant morbidity associated with acute C. difficile infection (CDI). However, polymerase chain reaction stool testing is unable to differentiate colonization from infection, leading to frequent overdiagnosis, unnecessary iatrogenesis, and additional costs. As a result, IDSA guidelines do not recommend C. difficile testing in patients with diarrheal symptoms attributed to other causes, including laxatives. Our group has previously investigated the use of a computerized clinical decision support (CCDS) tool to reduce inappropriate C. difficile testing in a single tertiary-care health system, with a subsequent 41% reduction in testing. We investigated the reduction in proportion of inappropriately completed tests with the randomized addition of a laxative alert to our existing CCDS. Methods: An existing electronic medical record-based CCDS tool was augmented by the addition of an automatic alert that notified the user if a patient received any of a set of identified laxative medications within 48 hours. During the 78-day pilot period, users encountered the existing CCDS or the CCDS with laxative alert (CCDS-LA), randomized by patient identification number. A proportional χ2 analysis was used to compare the proportion of aborted to completed tests among patients who met laxative criteria in the CCDS versus CCDS-LA groups. Results: In total, 187 test orders were attempted during the pilot period in 119 patients meeting the laxative alert criteria, with 43.3% order attempts randomized to the existing CCDS and 56.7% to the CCDS-LA. Of order attempts via the CCDS-LA, 50.0% were completed, compared to 64.2% of orders completed via the existing CCDS (22.1% relative reduction in test completion; P = .0525). Conclusions: We demonstrated substantially fewer completed C. difficile tests among patients receiving laxatives who were randomized to modified laxative-alert CCDS. Although our result did not reach statistical significance, the trend toward reduced inappropriate testing prompted the CCDS-LA alert to be adopted hospital-wide following completion of the test period. Further analyses of the pre- and postintervention periods are required to determine whether this intervention significantly impacts testing rates over time, as well as to determine the durability and safety of the CCDS-LA. Additional analyses are also needed to assess the impacts on hospital-onset CDI rate and the associated costs.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
A Single Case Outbreak of Nipah Encephalitis From India in May–June 2019
Authors: Warrier Anup , Wilson Arun
Published: November 2020

Background: Nipah encephalitis outbreaks mostly involve multiple patients. We report a case of Nipah virus encephalitis (NVE), which had no documented secondary cases in spite of many having prolonged and close contact with the patient. Methods: A 21-year-old male was admitted with NVE on May 30, 2019. Before the confirmatory report, there was close contact with multiple healthcare workers (HCWs), defined as exposure for >1 hour to the patient or his immediate environment and/or exposure to body fluids. We conducted extensive contact tracing of all HCWs who had come into close contact with the proven NVE case from the time of admission to the time of discharge. This contact tracing included those who had nursed him before the diagnosis with usual standard precautions and those who had nursed him after the diagnosis with full PPE. These HCWs were reviewed daily for fever and respiratory symptoms. All those who developed these symptoms within the 3 weeks of exposure where tested for NEV with a throat swab using RT-PCR. This testing was conducted twice over 3 days to confirm negative results. For the close family contacts that were asymptomatic, both throat swab and serum for Nipah IgM were tested. Results: In total, 169 HCW contacts were identified at our hospital. Of these, 94 were at high risk according the predetermined criteria and others were low-risk contacts. Moreover, 7 HCWs developed fever and respiratory symptoms within the defined surveillance period; 5 had symptoms before the diagnosis (using only standard precautions) and 2 were in contact with full PPE after the diagnosis. All of these symptomatic contacts were tested for NEV (throat swab and serology), and all were negative. The family members of the patient (his mother and aunt) who had cared for him throughout his illness period of 12 days before the diagnosis were also tested and were seronegative for NEV. Conclusions: This NEV case had very low transmission capability; even close family members who cared for him for 12 days without any precautions and had exposure to urine (which was positive for NEV) did not contract the disease. The absence of overt respiratory involvement and young age of the affected patient could have contributed to low transmissibility both prior to hospitalization and during the hospitalization.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
A Statistically Significant Reduction in Hospital Onset Clostridioides difficile Events Using a Learning Collaborative Model
Authors: Louis Tracy , Hyde Sandi
Published: November 2020

Background: Evidence-based best practices are available for the reduction and prevention of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Often, these practices are not consistently followed in many inpatient care settings. A learning collaborative model resulted in a cost neutral, rapid, sustainable, statistically significant reduction in CDI events across an 88-hospital campus system without requiring hospitals to standardize laboratory methods, increase spending or increase staffing. Methods: In March 2018, a healthcare system with 88 critical access and community hospital campuses across 29 states participated in a harms-reduction learning collaborative. The collaborative format included educational webinars, gap analyses, action plans, and coaching calls facilitated by subject matter experts (SMEs). A collaborative cohort of 11 hospitals (55% rural*) was identified as having significant opportunity for improvement. These facilities participated in 3 monthly coaching calls. The coaching calls supported peer-to-peer sharing of practices and discussions of challenges and successes, and educational materials and presentations were provided by SMEs in pharmacy and infection prevention. Results: Statistically significant changes for the 88-hospital system as a whole: (1) 2018 compared to 2017: P < .001 (statistically significant); (2) 1H2018 compared to 2H2018 (before-and-after collaborative): P = .001; (3) 2019 compared to 2018: P < .001 (statistically significant). Statistically significant changes for the collaborative cohort: (1) 2018 compared to 2017: P < .001; (2) 1H2018 compared to 2H2018 (before-and-after collaborative): P = .002; and (3) 2019 compared to 2018: P < .001. We used 2-proportion, 2-tailed z-test for our analysis. Conclusions: Utilizing a learning collaborative model that included webinars, gap analyses, and interactive coaching calls, a cohort of 11 hospitals was able to induce rapid improvements to adherence of evidence-based practices resulting in a rapid, sustained, statistically significant improvement for both the cohort hospitals and the healthcare system.

*2018 American community survey, US Census.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Achieving a Sustained Decrease in Facility-wide C. difficile Incidence in an Acute-Care Hospital in New York City
Authors: Moss Marie , Javaid Waleed , Ehni Jordan , Camins Bernard , Barnett Barbara
Published: November 2020

Background: Mount Sinai Beth Israel is a 350-bed, acute-care hospital located on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. In 2014, the hospital had reached a high (9.8 cases per 10,000 patient days ) hospital-onset (HO) C. difficile rate. By 2015, this rate had decreased to 5.6 cases per 10,000 patient days because of compliance with established C.difficile bundle practices performed by nursing and environmental services. Despite these interventions, HO C. difficile events continued to occur. We realized that more had to be done to gain control over our rates. To determine areas for further improvement, infection prevention held an RCA meeting for every positive hospital-onset result. We discovered from these RCAs that many C. difficile tests were ordered without a valid indication. We believed that measures could be taken to ensure that only C. difficile tests with a valid indication would be ordered. Methods: We used the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model to look at what changes could be made to reduce our rate and to sustain this reduction. Multidisciplinary meetings of leaders and frontline staff were held to determine why patients were being tested for C. difficile. The following indications were revealed: repeat tests for same patient to “catch” a positive result after the first test was negative; inclusion as part of patient “pan-culturing”; testing patients who had diarrhea after receiving laxatives; and C. difficile cultures for patients who were asymptomatic. Starting in 2016, 3 consecutive interventions were implemented in fairly rapid succession. First, a C. difficile testing algorithm was developed. Second, a C. difficile test order protocol with a “hard stop” to prevent inappropriate indications was placed in the EMR. Last, a multidisciplinary form, called the C. difficile Team Huddle Form, was created for use by all members of the patient’s team. This form gave MDs, RNs, and PCAs a framework to decide together whether the test was indicated for the patient. If the team agreed to test, the ID physician on service was called for approval. Results: These 3 interventions yielded a sustained and statistically significant decrease (P = 0.0007) in the facility-wide hospital-onset C. difficile from a preintervention rate of 5.6 cases per 10,000 patient days in 2015 to 0.4 in 2019. Conclusions: Multidisciplinary use of the C. difficile testing interventions led to further reduction of the hospital-onset C. difficile infection rate. To sustain this rate reduction over time, infection prevention specialists must work with providers and frontline staff on an ongoing basis.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Administrative Coding Methods Impact Surgical Site Infection Rates
Authors: Alsuhaibani Mohammed , Alzunitan Mohammed , Jenn Kyle , Diekema Daniel , Edmond Michael , Kukla Mary , Holley Stephanie , Meacham Holly , Abosi Oluchi , Salinas Jorge
Published: November 2020

Background: Surveillance for surgical site infections (SSI) is recommended by the CDC. Currently, colon and abdominal hysterectomy SSI rates are publicly available and impact hospital reimbursement. However, the CDC NHSN allows surgical procedures to be abstracted based on International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) or current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. We assessed the impact of using ICD and/or CPT codes on the number of cases abstracted and SSI rates. Methods: We retrieved administrative codes (ICD and/or CPT) for procedures performed at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics over 1 year: October 2018–September 2019. We included 10 procedure types: colon, hysterectomy, cesarean section, breast, cardiac, craniotomy, spinal fusion, laminectomy, hip prosthesis, and knee prosthesis surgeries. We then calculated the number of procedures that would be abstracted if we used different permutations in administration codes: (1) ICD codes only, (2) CPT codes only, (3) both ICD and CPT codes, and (4) at least 1 code from either ICD or CPT. We then calculated the impact on SSI rates based on any of the 4 coding permutations. Results: In total, 9,583 surgical procedures and 180 SSIs were detected during the study period using the fourth method (ICD or CPT codes). Denominators varied according to procedure type and coding method used. The number of procedures abstracted for breast surgery had a >10-fold difference if reported based on ICD only versus ICD or CPT codes (104 vs 1,109). Hip prosthesis had the lowest variation (638 vs 767). For SSI rates, cesarean section showed almost a 3-fold increment (2.6% when using ICD only to 7.32% with both ICD & CPT), whereas abdominal hysterectomy showed nearly a 2-fold increase (1.14% when using CPT only to 2.22% with both ICD & CPT codes). However, SSI rates remained fairly similar for craniotomy (0.14% absolute difference), hip prosthesis (0.24% absolute difference), and colon (0.09% absolute difference) despite differences in the number of abstracted procedures and coding methods. Conclusions: Denominators and SSI rates vary depending on the coding method used. Variations in the number of procedures abstracted and their subsequent impact on SSI rates were not predictable. Variations in coding methods used by hospitals could impact interhospital comparisons and benchmarking, potentially leading to disparities in public reporting and hospital penalties.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Antimicrobial-Resistant Organism Outbreak in a Skilled Nursing Facility in Pennsylvania, 2019
Authors: Paoline Julie , Masters Michel , Cheriyan Feba , Kinsey Cara Bicking
Published: November 2020

Background: In April 2019, the Montgomery County Office of Public Health (MCOPH) was notified by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) of a tier 2 carbapenemase mechanism in a resident of a Pennsylvania skilled nursing facility that was detected through targeted surveillance. Production of the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) carbapenemase was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The initial follow-up revealed that the patient resided at a 148-bed skilled nursing facility that specializes in spinal cord injury, neurological diseases, ventilator dependence, and pulmonary diseases. MCOPH and PADOH initiated an investigation to identify additional cases and prevent transmission. Methods: Over a series of 9 point-prevalence surveys, we collected 518 specimens for colonization screening. Screening was conducted on the wing of the index case and was later expanded to include the entire unit (n = 90), after evidence of transmission was noted. Perirectal swabs were submitted to the regional antibiotic resistance laboratory for testing using the Cepheid GeneXpert Carba-R assay. Together with screening, MCOPH and PADOH conducted a series of on-site visits involving the completion of the CDC infection control assessment and response (ICAR) tool and direct care observations, including 409 hand hygiene observations. Results: In addition to NDM, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) and Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) were also detected. ICAR results and direct care observations revealed numerous deficiencies in the domains of hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and environmental cleaning. In addition to 2 cases of carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) being detected through clinical specimens, an additional 27 CPO cases were identified through screening coordinated by public health. This large, multimechanism outbreak is attributed to a combination of intrafacility transmission and imported cases. Based on these findings, recommendations for infection prevention and control were provided on site and in writing. Our continued work with this facility lead to improvements in infection control, including a HH success rate improvement of 53%. Conclusions: Novel or targeted multidrug-resistant organisms are effectively contained when healthcare facilities and state and local public health work together to reduce transmission to baseline and to improve infection control practices.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Application of an Outpatient CLABSI Surveillance Definition: Results and Lessons From 7 Infusion Clinics
Authors: Williamson Keenan , Nix Chad Douglas , Hale Molly
Published: November 2020

Background: The NHSN does not have a published surveillance definition for central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) related to healthcare in ambulatory settings. With the increasing reliance on services involving central-line care in the ambulatory setting, there is opportunity to improve healthcare performance by developing standardized surveillance. Methods: Chart review was performed on 320 patients who had a visit at an infusion clinic and a positive blood culture in 2018. A qualifying infusion clinic visit involved accessing of the central line during the encounter. Ambulatory-associated cases were defined as having a qualifying infusion clinic encounter within 7 days prior to blood culture collection. Cases were excluded if the patient’s central line had been accessed in an inpatient setting between the positive blood culture and infusion clinic visit. All other criteria were based on the NHSN inpatient CLABSI case definition. Results: Application of the proposed surveillance definition revealed 17 of 320 (5.3%) patients who met criteria for an ambulatory CLABSI. All 16 patients who met criteria (94%) had an inpatient hospital stay within 7 days of the qualifying infusion clinic encounter, for an average of 8.8 hospital days (range, 2–20). Positive blood cultures were collected on average 3.2 days after the patient’s qualifying infusion clinic encounter (range, 0–7). Moreover, 20 causative organisms were identified: 6 common commensals, 2 Staphylococcus aureus, and 12 gram-negative bacteria. Also, positive blood cultures for 7 patients (41%) were collected in ambulatory clinics. Patients reported symptom onset on average 1.2 days prior to telling a healthcare professional (range, 0–5) and an average of 2 days from their last qualifying infusion clinic visit (range, 0–6). In addition, 1 patient (6%) met for a site-specific infection outside of the defined window period during their subsequent admission. Conclusions: Application of the surveillance definition resulted in the identification of 17 CLABSIs. These results highlight important limitations in ambulatory CLABSI surveillance: Patients who access emergency services closer to their residence may have had their bloodstream infection (BSI) identified elsewhere. Ensuring comprehensive interfacility communication would increase the value of an institution’s surveillance. Additionally, ambulatory surveillance for BSI should include all possible collection locations. Although subject to recall bias, the event date could be based on symptom onset to allow for variation in healthcare-seeking behavior. In the ambulatory setting, because diagnostics are not readily available, delayed diagnosis of site-specific infections could result in an inflated ambulatory CLABSI rate.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Assessment of Knowledge and Implementation Practices of the Ventilator-Acquired Pneumonia Bundle in a Private Hospital
Authors: Formalejo Cordella , Mantaring Dan Meynard , Abad Cybele L. , Henson Karl Evans
Published: November 2020

Background: Ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP) is estimated to occur in 9%–27% of patients intubated for >48 hours, and despite advances in antibiotic therapy, it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Several studies have shown that a VAP bundle significantly decreases VAP rates. In 2017, VAP rates in our institution peaked at 7.92 per 1,000 ventilator days despite perceived good adherence to the bundles of care. Methods: We performed a prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study using both quantitative (eg, validated questionnaires) and qualitative methods (eg, small group discussion and direct observation of practices) to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of infection control preventionists (ICPs) and intensive care unit (ICU) nurses regarding VAP prevention and the VAP bundle. Results: Of the 89 ICU nurses and 5 ICPs, we included 60 respondents, of whom 56 were ICU nurses, and 4 were ICPs. Median experience for nurses was 6 years (range, 0.67–16) and was 2 years (range, 2–4) for ICPs. Only 1 ICP had formal training on the VAP bundle, and only 1 ICU nurse had a master’s degree in nursing. Only 23 of 56 nurses (41%) reported that they had had formal training regarding the VAP bundle. Mean knowledge score regarding evidence-based VAP guidelines was 5 of 10 points (range, 3–8). Questions regarding mechanical ventilator operations had the lowest scores. Self-reported adherence to the VAP bundle ranged from 38.5% to 100%, with perfect compliance to head of bed elevation and poorest compliance with readiness to extubate and DVT prophylaxis. Overall VAP bundle compliance was 84.6%. Direct observation of nurses validated self-adherence to the VAP bundle and the institution’s compliance rates. Barriers to bundle adherence included lack of formal training, perceived lack of guidelines, inadequate resources, and fear of adverse events. Conclusions: Knowledge regarding specific components of VAP prevention is lacking. Compliance to the VAP bundle can be improved. Regular training, education, and direct feedback to assess the competency of both the medical and nursing staff are needed to improve adherence to the bundle, and ultimately decrease incidence of VAP in the ICU. Despite limitations, this is the first study to determine baseline knowledge, adherence, and implementation practices of key personnel directly involved with implementation of the VAP bundle.

Disclosures: None

Funding: None
Awareness of Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions Within a Community Hospital Network
Authors: Hou Cindy , Vyas Nikunj , Kraemer Marianne , Condoluci David
Published: November 2020

Background: A system of 3 community hospitals in New Jersey has actively engaged in antimicrobial stewardship since November 2014. Consultations with infectious diseases specialists are mandatory for patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, septic shock, patients on 3 or more antibiotics, and for those diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). A multidisciplinary team meets monthly and has begun to improve the appropriateness of antibiotics use and to reduce antibiotic days of therapy per 1,000 patient days. Recently, we participated in a targeted assessment program (TAP) for CDI, and we identified areas of opportunity for antimicrobial stewardship. Methods: The TAP survey was emailed to a wide distribution of employees in the hospital, primarily nurses, physicians, and others with a variable range of experience and for those working in the intensive care units and on the wards. Ultimately, the numbers of responses were 60 in hospital A, 88 in hospital B, and 124 in hospital C. Results: In hospital A, most respondents were nurses or nurse assistants or technicians (63%), and most of the total individuals surveyed worked outside the intensive care unit setting. In hospital B, nurses or nurse assistants or technicians comprised 69% of all responses. Hospital C had the highest percentage of physicians who responded (31%). One theme for all hospitals was that a little more than half of those surveyed felt that for patients with new or recent CDI infections, antibiotics prescribed for infections were reviewed by clinicians. Less than half of respondents believed that education was being given to patients and families about the risks of CDI from antibiotics. With regard to high-risk CDI antibiotics, there was a general lack of knowledge that these were being monitored. For example, survey respondents felt that this was always monitored on clindamycin by only 33% of respondents in hospital A, 40% in hospital B, and 42% in hospital C. With regard to strategies to reduce the unnecessary use of fluoroquinolones, the response of “always” ranged from 35% to 47% of the time. Conclusions: Even though hospitals may have robust antimicrobial stewardship programs, it is important to survey frontline staff. Although all of the antimicrobial stewardship interventions, such as monitoring high-risk-CDI antibiotics, reducing high-risk CDI antibiotics, among others, are performed, there may be lack of knowledge that these initiatives are even being implemented. In this TAP against CDI, we found opportunities to share data with respondents to increase awareness of antimicrobial stewardship to further combat hospital-acquired infections.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None