bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Influenza Vaccination of Hospital Workers from 30% to 80% Through Application of Behavior Change Theories
Authors: Lingaas Egil , Sandness Ylva , Raastad Ragnhild
Published: November 2020

Background: Historically, influenza vaccination coverage among Norwegian healthcare workers has been low. In 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 the national averages were 9% and 12%, respectively, Although the Fig.s for Oslo University Hospital were higher (30% in 2015–2016), we were still far from the goal of 75% set by the WHO. The same year, <10% of employees at Vestre Viken Hospital Trust were vaccinated. Before the 2016–2017 influenza season, we therefore launched a campaign using methods based on behavior change theories and social marketing to enhance vaccination coverage. Methods: In May–June 2016 a questionnaire was sent by e-mail to all employees at Oslo University Hospital (n = ~25,000) and Vestre Viken Hospital Trust (n = 9,000). The questionnaire was structured according to the theory of planned behavior, asking questions related to attitude, subjective norms, and perceived control. The respondents were asked to grade each answer from 1 to 5, and we could then calculate a score for each question based on the proportion (%) of respondents across the 5 grades. Thus a score between 0 and 500 was possible. We then selected the questions with the highest and lowest scores for intervention, and applied stages of change principles and social marketing for implementation. In May–June 2017, the same questionnaire was sent to all employees and the procedure was repeated before the 2017–2018 influenza season. Finally, for the third time, the procedure was repeated before the 2019–2020 season. This time some additional questions were added, about which sources the employees were using for information on influenza vaccination. Results: In 2017–2018 vaccination coverage increased from 30% to 54%. The year after we reached 73%, and at the time of abstract submission (November 12, 2019) we have passed 80% for the 2019–2020 season, still with more vaccines to be given. Among Norwegian healthcare workers, attitudes and perceived control seemed to have a stronger impact on behavior (vaccination) than subjective norms. Conclusions: We were able to significantly increase voluntary influenza vaccination, reaching the WHO goal of at least 75%, by the application of behavior change theories and social marketing.

Funding: None

Disclosure: Egil Lingaas, Salary - 3M Healthcare
Epidemiology and Clinical Outcomes Associated With Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter in US Veterans’ Affairs Health Care
Authors: Fitzpatrick Margaret , Suda Katie , Poggensee Linda , Vivo Amanda , Gutkowski Marissa , Wilson Geneva , Evans Charlesnika
Published: November 2020

Background: Infections caused by Acinetobacter spp are often healthcare acquired, difficult to treat, and associated with high mortality. Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter are nonsusceptible to at least 1 agent in all but 2 or fewer antimicrobial classes. Epidemiologic and outcome data for XDR Acinetobacter are limited and have largely been reported outside the United States. This national cohort study describes epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes for patients with XDR Acinetobacter in VA health care. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including microbiology and clinical data from all patients hospitalized between 2012 and 2018 at any VA medical center who had cultures that grew XDR Acinetobacter spp. Performance and reporting of bacterial speciation and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed by each VA laboratory according to their protocol. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Results: Of 11,541 unique patients with 15,358 cultures that grew Acinetobacter spp during the study period, 410 (3.6%) patients had 670 (4.4%) cultures that grew XDR Acinetobacter. Mean age was 68 years (SD, 12.2 years) and the median Charlson comorbidity index was 3 (IQR, 1–5). The greatest proportion of isolates were from the respiratory tract (n = 235, 35%) followed by urine (n = 184, 28%). The South had the greatest proportion of patients with XDR Acinetobacter (n = 162, 40%); almost all patients were seen at urban VA medical centers (n = 406, 99%). Most patients (n = 335, 82%) had had antibiotic exposure in the prior 90 days, most commonly vancomycin (n = 238, 65%) and third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins (n = 155, 38%). Most patients (n = 334, 81%) also had a hospital or long-term care admission in the prior 90 days. Fig. 1 shows antibiotic susceptibilities of XDR Acinetobacter isolates; polymyxins, tigecycline, and minocycline demonstrated the highest susceptibility. In-hospital mortality occurred in 90 patients (22%), 30-day mortality in 97 patients (24%), and 1-year mortality in 198 patients (48%). Of 93 patients, 23% were readmitted to the hospital within 90 days. Conclusions: Providers should maintain a heightened suspicion for infection with XDR Acinetobacter spp in older patients seen at urban medical centers who have had recent healthcare and antibiotic exposures, particularly if they have respiratory or urinary tract infections. Isolation of XDR Acinetobacter is associated with high in-hospital and 30-day mortality. New antibiotics targeting MDR gram-negative bacteria generally lack activity against Acinetobacter, leaving polymyxins, tigecycline, and minocycline as the only limited treatment options. Therefore, novel antibiotics for XDR Acinetobacter are urgently needed.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
No Device, No Problem? Healthcare-Associated Bloodstream and Urinary Tract Infections in a Children’s Hospital
Authors: Gornick Wendi , Huff Beth , Singh Jasjit
Published: November 2020

Background: Central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) definitions continue to be refined to ensure accuracy. As facilities decrease CLABSI and CAUTI, and as midline catheters become more widely utilized, we sought to understand our non–central-line bloodstream infections (NCLBSI) and non–catheter-associated urinary tract infections (NCAUTI). Total healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (HABSIs) and urinary tract infections (HAUTIs) may provide more objective measures. Methods: The CHOC Children’s Hospital is a 334-bed quaternary-care hospital in Orange, California, with 146 intensive care unit (ICU) beds. We retrospectively reviewed all HABSIs (CLABSIs + NCLBSIs) and HAUTIs (CAUTIs + NCAUTIs) from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2019, for demographic and microbiologic data. Both HABSI and HAUTI were defined as healthcare-associated infection when the date of event occurs on or after the third calendar day of admission. CLABSI and CAUTI were both defined using CDC-NHSN criteria. Mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections were excluded. Results: In a 3-year period, there were 100 HABSIs, of which 26 (26%) were NCLBSIs. The mean age for HABSI was 81 months. Enteric gram-negative infections (42%) and Staphylococcus aureus (35%) were the most common etiology for NCLBSI. The most common etiologies for CLABSI were coagulase-negative staphylococci (23%), Staphylococcus aureus (22%), and enteric gram-negatives (22%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 16% of CLABSIs, but no NCLBSIs (Fig. 1). There was 1 midline catheter NCLBSI. There were 49 HAUTIs, of which 39 (80%) were NCAUTIs. One asymptomatic bacteremic urinary tract infection was included with the CAUTIs. The mean age for HAUTI was 55 months. The most common etiology of CAUTI was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (50%), whereas for NCAUTI the most common etiology was enteric gram-negative organisms (69%) (Fig. 2). In total, 11 HAUTIs (22%) resulted in secondary sepsis. Most HABSIs and HAUTIs occurred in the ICU setting. There were 6 deaths (6%) among HABSI patients and 3 deaths (8%) among HAUTI patients within 2 weeks of infection (Fig. 3). Conclusions: A preponderance of HABSIs were CLABSIs, but most HAUTIs were NCAUTIs. Although patient demographic and microbiologic differences exist in CLABSIs and NCLBSIs as well as CAUTIs and NCAUTIs, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa are important pathogens, particularly in device-associated infections. Trending total numbers of HABSIs and HAUTIs may be less subjective and may avert the shifting of categories seen with increased use of midline catheters. In addition, non–device-associated infections are potential causes of morbidity and mortality.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Risk of Hospital-Onset C. difficile Infection Increases With Prior Inpatient and Outpatient Visits
Authors: Miller Aaron , Segre Alberto , Sewell Daniel , Pemmaraju Sriram , Polgreen Philip
Published: November 2020

Background:Clostridioides difficile is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, and greater healthcare exposure is a primary risk factor for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Longer hospital stays and greater CDI pressure, both at the hospital level and the level, have been linked to greater risk. In addition, symptoms associated with healthcare-associated CDI often do not present until a patient has been discharged. Our study objective was to estimate the extent to which exposure to different types of healthcare settings (eg, prior hospitalization, emergency department [ED], outpatient or long-term care) increase risk for hospital-onset CDI. Methods: We conducted a case-control study using the Truven Marketscan Commerical Claims and Medicare Supplemental databases from 2001 to 2017. Case patients were selected as all inpatient visits with a secondary diagnosis of CDI and no previous CDI diagnosis in the prior 90 days. Controls were selected from all inpatient admissions without any CDI diagnosis during the current admission or prior 90 days. A logistic regression model was used to estimate risk associated with prior healthcare exposure. Indicators were created for prior exposure to different healthcare settings: separate indicators were used to indicate transfer, exposure to that setting in the prior 1–30 days, 31–60 days and 61–90 days. Separate indicators were created for prior hospitalization, ED, outpatient clinic, nursing home or long-term care facilities (LTCFs), psychiatric or substance-abuse facility or other outpatient facility. We also included an indicator for prior exposure to a family member with CDI and prior outpatient antibiotics. Results: Estimates for selected variables (odds ratios) are presented in Table 1. Prior hospitalization, ED visits, outpatient clinics, nursing home and LTCFs were all associated with increased risk of secondary diagnosed CDI. Prior hospitalization and nursing home/LTCF conveyed the greatest risk. In addition, a ‘dose-–response’ relationship occurred for each of these exposure settings, with exposure nearest the admission date having the largest risk. Prior exposure to psychiatric , substance abuse, or other outpatient facilities were not risk factors for CDI. Having a family member with prior CDI and both low-risk and high-risk outpatient antibiotics were associated with increased risk. These factors also exhibited a ‘dose–response’ pattern. Conclusions: Exposure to various healthcare settings significantly increased risk for secondary CDI. Prior healthcare exposures occurring nearest to the point of admission conveyed the greatest risk. These results suggest that many hospital-associated CDI cases attributed to a current hospital stay may actually be acquired from prior healthcare settings.

Funding: CDC Modeling Infectious Diseases (MInD) in Healthcare Network

Disclosures: None
A Bundled Approach to Reduce Delayed Testing and Hospital-Acquired Cases of Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Chirca Ioana , Sun Alan , Albrecht Adrienne Wright , Henry Kelly
Published: November 2020

Background:Clostridioides difficile is a leading cause of nosocomial infectious diarrhea in developed countries, and it has a significant economic impact throughout the world. Early detection of the pathogen and its toxins is critical because early treatment significantly reduces infection-related morbidity, mortality, and medical cost. Surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is conducted using the NHSN standardized infection ratio (SIR). This metric allows comparison of a facility’s observed infection rate to a national benchmark. The SIR can be elevated due to both a lack of institutional criteria for stool submission and the use of highly sensitive but poorly specific testing as a standalone test for diagnosis. The SIR can be artificially elevated by inclusion of C difficile carriers rather than infected patients due to inappropriate testing and overly sensitive methods. We aimed to determine the impact of an institutional nursing-driven protocol for stool submission as well as 2-step testing on the SIR. Methods: Starting from the fourth quarter of 2018, we instituted a nursing protocol for initiation of C. difficile testing. If the patient had ≥3 soft, loose, or liquid stools in 24 hours within the first 3 days of admission, they were placed on contact precautions and an unformed stool sample was submitted for C. difficile nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). A positive result prompted further evaluation with a stool enzyme immunoassay toxin test for confirmation of active infection. From hospital day 4 onward, stricter criteria were implemented for testing for C. difficile infection. Data were extrapolated for calculation of a quarterly SIR. This value was then compared to retrospective SIR data from the first quarter of 2016 to the third quarter of 2018. Results: The quarterly total of hospital-onset C. difficile infections from the first quarter of 2016 to the third quarter of 2018 ranged from 24 to 39 incidents per quarter. After implementing the nursing-driven protocol and 2-step testing, the quarterly total of hospital onset C. difficile infections decreased to 5–6 per quarter. The SIR prior to initiation ranged from 0.66 to 1.37 and decreased to 0.306–0.386 after the nursing-driven protocol and 2-step testing were implemented. Conclusions: Implementation of both an institutional nursing-driven protocol for stool submission and a 2-step testing protocol reduced the number of quarterly hospital-onset C. difficile events as well as our facility’s quarterly SIR to below the national standard.

Funding: None

Disclosures: Ioana Chirca, University Hospital
A Successful Bundled Intervention to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: Sustainability Still an Issue
Authors: Ben Mirian Dal , Perdiz Rafael , Amarante Gustavo , Colombari Heloise , Ramos Cintia , Viveiros Libanês Viviane , Barbosa Sandra , Oliveira Maura
Published: November 2020

Background: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Interventions based on the identification of patients at risk for aspiration with subsequent application of multidisciplinary measures, such as speech therapy follow-up, head elevation, oral hygiene, and patient and family education can be effective in reducing the incidence of HAP. In 2016, the step-down unit of our institution experienced an increase in the incidence of HAP with 21 cases. A root-cause analysis showed that most of them were related to comorbidities that increased aspiration risk. We conducted an study to decrease the incidence of HAP through a multidisciplinary bundled intervention. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study in a 45-bed step-down unit from January 2016 to June 2019. In January 2017, we conducted an educational intervention with all the unit team, reinforcing practices of bed head elevation and oral hygiene. In June 2018, we observed inconsistencies in practice and conducted a second intervention with another round of educational training and a bundled intervention consisting of the following elements: identification of patients at risk for aspiration at admission by a speech therapy evaluation, bed-head elevation, oral hygiene, feeding guidance individualized to each patient by a nutritionist and a speech therapist, patient and family education with a printed material, signaling of aspiration risk in a care plan board within the room and development of a sialorrhea treatment protocol. HAP surveillance was conducted in accordance to CDC definitions and was reported as number of HAP cases per 1,000 patient days. Results: Our first intervention decreased the incidence of HAP in the first semester of 2017 from 1.03 to 0.29 (graph) but was not sustained. The incidence started to increase in the second semester of 2017 and reached a high incidence of 1.87 HAP per 1,000 patient days in the first semester of 2018. The second bundled intervention succeeded in decreasing HAP incidence to 0.57 in the second semester of 2018 and 0.23 in the first semester of 2019. Conclusions: An educational intervention combined with a bundled intervention focused on strategies to reduce the risk of aspiration succeeded in decreasing the incidence of HAP in a step-down unit. However, the sustainability of improvements remains challenging.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
A Survey of Antibiotic-Resistant Microorganisms in Hospital Sink Drains
Authors: Franco Lauren , Ganim Christine , Tanner Windy
Published: November 2020

Background: Handwashing sinks in healthcare environments are reservoirs for healthcare pathogens and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms (ARO). We investigated the distribution of HCP and ARO within and among handwashing sinks in healthcare settings. To do this, we determined the differences in the number of ARO between samples within a sink (biofilm vs planktonic samples), between sink types (healthcare worker [HCW] vs patient room sinks), and between hospitals in the same city. Methods: Tap water, sink surface, drain cover, tail pipe, p-trap water and p-trap samples were collected from 2 patient room sinks and 2 HCW sinks over 11 months in 2 acute-care hospitals. Suspected pathogens were isolated from selective media (Pseudosel, Chromagar KPC, and MacConkey with 2 mg/L cefotaxime) and identified via MALDI-ToF. Isolates confirmed to be healthcare pathogens were characterized via disk diffusion to determine their antibiotic susceptibility according to CLSI guidelines. Isolates not susceptible to carbapenems (meropenem or ertapenem) were tested further via the modified carbapenem inactivation method to detect carbapenemase production. Results:Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae (Enterobacter spp, Klebsiella spp, and Citrobacter spp) were the most frequently isolated pathogens. Among these isolates (195 P. aeruginosa and 42 Enterobacteriaceae isolates), 28.5% of P. aeruginosa and 85.7% of Enterobacteriaceae were nonsusceptible to 1 or more of the antibiotics tested. Of the isolates that were nonsusceptible to a carbapenem (46 of 237; 19%), none displayed phenotypic carbapenemase production. Other mechanisms of resistance have not been confirmed. There was no significant difference in the percentage of nonsusceptible HCP isolated from biofilm samples (from p-trap and tail pipe) compared to planktonic (p-trap water) samples (P > .05 for P. aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae). A greater percentage of resistant or intermediate isolates was recovered from patient room sinks than from HCW sinks (P < .05) for both P. aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae isolates (76.4 vs 32.9% for Enterobacteriaceae, 25.6 vs 0.3% for P. aeruginosa). We detected no significant difference in percentage of nonsusceptible isolates between the 2 hospitals sampled (P > .05). Conclusions: This survey of healthcare sinks supports previous work citing that they are reservoirs for HCP and ARO. This work further examines the distribution of HCP and ARO within and among sinks in these environments. Our findings thus far in the 2 hospitals studied reveal a higher percentage of ARO in patient sinks than in HCW sinks. This finding may suggest a higher input of ARO from patient use or greater selective pressure in patient room sinks.

Disclosures: None

Funding: Lauren Franco, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Analysis of National Healthcare Safety Network Clostridioides difficile Infection Standardized Infection Ratio by Test Type
Authors: Li Qunna , Benin Andrea , Guh Alice , Dudeck Margaret A. , Allen-Bridson Katherine , Leaptrot Denise , McDonald Lawrence , Pollock Daniel , Edwards Jonathan
Published: November 2020

Background: The NHSN has used positive laboratory tests for surveillance of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) LabID events since 2009. Typically, CDIs are detected using enzyme immunoassays (EIAs), nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), or various test combinations. The NHSN uses a risk-adjusted, standardized infection ratio (SIR) to assess healthcare facility-onset (HO) CDI. Despite including test type in the risk adjustment, some hospital personnel and other stakeholders are concerned that NAAT use is associated with higher SIRs than are EIAs. To investigate this issue, we analyzed NHSN data from acute-care hospitals for July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. Methods: Calendar quarters for which CDI test type was reported as NAAT (includes NAAT, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH)+NAAT and GDH+EIA followed by NAAT if discrepant) or EIA (includes EIA and GDH+EIA) were selected. HO CDI SIRs were calculated for facility-wide inpatient locations. We conducted the following analyses: (1) Among hospitals that did not switch their test type, we compared the distribution of HO incident rates and SIRs by those reporting NAAT vs EIA. (2) Among hospitals that switched their test type, we selected quarters with a stable switch pattern of 2 consecutive quarters of each of EIA and NAAT (categorized as pattern EIA-to-NAAT or NAAT-to-EIA). Pooled semiannual SIRs for EIA and NAAT were calculated, and a paired t test was used to evaluate the difference of SIRs by switch pattern. Results: Most hospitals did not switch test types (3,242, 89%), and 2,872 (89%) reported sufficient data to calculate SIRs, with 2,444 (85%) using NAAT. The crude pooled HO CDI incidence rates for hospitals using EIA clustered at the lower end of the histogram versus rates for NAAT (Fig. 1). The SIR distributions of both NAAT and EIA overlapped substantially and covered a similar range of SIR values (Fig. 1). Among hospitals with a switch pattern, hospitals were equally likely to have an increase or decrease in their SIR (Fig. 2). The mean SIR difference for the 42 hospitals switching from EIA to NAAT was 0.048 (95% CI, −0.189 to 0.284; P = .688). The mean SIR difference for the 26 hospitals switching from NAAT to EIA was 0.162 (95% CI, −0.048 to 0.371; P = .124). Conclusions: The pattern of SIR distributions of both NAAT and EIA substantiate the soundness of NHSN risk adjustment for CDI test types. Switching test type did not produce a consistent directional pattern in SIR that was statistically significant.

Disclosures: None

Funding: None
Association of Receipt of Antibiotics with Patient Satisfaction for Caregivers of Children Presenting to Urgent-Care Settings
Authors: Liu Diane , FINO NORA , Haaland Benjamin , Hersh Adam , Thorell Emily , Samore Matthew , Madaras-Kelly Karl , Fleming-Dutra Katherine
Published: November 2020

Background: The Press Ganey (PG) Medical Practice Survey is a commonly used questionnaire for measuring patient experience in healthcare. Our objective was to evaluate the PG surveys completed by caregivers of children presenting for urgent care evaluation of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) to determine any correlation with receipt of antibiotics during their visit. Methods: We evaluated responses to the PG urgent-care surveys for encounters of children <18 years presenting with ARIs (ie, sinusitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory infection, acute otitis media, or serous otitis media with effusion) within 9 University of Utah urgent-care centers. Scores could range from 0 to 100. Because the distributions of scores followed right- skewed distribution with a high ceiling effect, we defined scores as dissatisfied with their care (≤25th percentile) and satisfied with their care (scores >25th percentile). Univariate and multivariable generalized mixed-effects logistic regression was used to assess correlates of patient dissatisfaction. Random intercepts were included for each provider to account for correlation within the same provider. Separate models were used for each PG component score. Multivariable models adjusted for receipt of antibiotics, age, gender, race, ethnicity, and provider type. Results: Overall, 388 of 520 responses (74.6%) indicated satisfaction and 132 responses (25.4%) indicated dissatisfaction. Among patients who did not receive antibiotics, 87 of 284 responses (30.6%) indicated dissatisfaction versus 45 of 236 (19.1%) who did receive antibiotics. Among patients who were dissatisfied with their clinician, raw clinician PG scores were higher among patients who received antibiotics (mean, 64.5; standard deviation [SD], 16.9) versus those who did not receive antibiotics (mean, 54.7; SD, 24.4; P = .015) (Table 1). In a multivariable analysis, receipt of antibiotics was associated with a reduction in patient dissatisfaction overall (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36–0.85). Conclusions: Overall, most responses for patients seen for ARIs in pediatric urgent care were satisfied. However, a significantly higher proportion of responses for patients who did not receive antibiotics were dissatisfied than for those patients who received antibiotics. Antibiotic stewardship strategies to communicate appropriate prescribing while preserving patient satisfaction are needed in pediatric urgent-care settings.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) Reduction: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Jain Hanish , Hartigan Elizabeth , Tschopp Joseph , Suits Paul , Paolino Kristopher
Published: November 2020

Background: CAUTIs remain one of the most common hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) accounting for prolonged hospital stay and increased healthcare costs. According to the NHSN, the standardized infection ratio (SIR) at our institution was 1.6 compared to national average of 0.84 in 2018. We highlight the interventions implemented in our institution to prevent CAUTIs. These interventions have shown a reduction in the rate of CAUTIs, the SIR, Foley catheter days, and institutional cost. Methods: In addition to standard CAUTI prevention practices, we hypothesized that we could decrease CAUTIs through the daily implementation of specific practices. We developed a comprehensive interdisciplinary team which included the staff or charge registered nurse (RN), the unit manager, an infection preventionist, an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), a pharmacist with an antimicrobial focus, and a physician from the infectious disease department who would conduct daily rounds on different units in the institution for education and assessment of catheter indications. A detailed review and analysis of the urine culture orders for patients with a Foley catheter was performed. A nurse-driven Foley catheter removal protocol before urine culture collection was initiated. We implemented a Foley catheter bundle that has guidelines for Foley insertion, best practice competency, and urinary catheter best practice algorithm and advocated alternative use of male or female external catheter. We educated physicians about ordering a reflexive urine analysis test followed by urine culture instead of testing either individually after removal of a Foley catheter. Lastly, we performed a root-cause analysis on all reported CAUTIs. These policies were implemented in a 435-bed tertiary-care center in November 2018, and we present data from 1-year before and after the interventions. Results: At our institution, we had 71 CAUTIs, with an SIR of 1.6, a standardized utilization ratio (SUR) of 0.92, 27,621 Foley days, and institutional cost of $979,303 compared to 40 CAUTIs with an SIR of 1, an SUR of 0.88, 24,193 Foley days, and institutional cost $537,927 after implementing our interventions. Conclusions: CAUTIs can be reduced by implementing specific measures that include infection control team rounds, nurse-driven protocol, and the use of Foley catheter bundles. Measures should be undertaken to prioritize these practices as part of a protocol. We advocate further studies to evaluate these measures. Education programs for healthcare professionals concerning CAUTIs and its complications can be implemented to carry out the prevention methods efficiently.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
CAUTI: A Journey of Micturition at MICU Since 2014
Authors: Dahlin Arielle , Kone Vyshnavi , Skandhan Amith
Published: November 2020

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) have gained popularity in recent years for increasing morbidity and mortality in multiple healthcare settings. In fact, they are the most common type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in US hospitals, and they account for ~35% of HAIs. Objectives: At our institution, CAUTI rates were higher than the national average; therefore, various preventative protocols were implemented. Southeast Health’s Medical ICU (MICU) has taken many measures to decrease the CAUTI incidence. Methods: We conducted an observational study with a retrospective analysis of the data beginning in 2014 after a poor performance at prevention of CAUTIs as noted in the Leapfrog Hospital Survey. As part of improving prevention measures in MICU, we started a lean project in 2015 that primarily focused on systems-based practices and improvements in the existing nurse protocols. Results: We were successful in this endeavor and in August 2018 the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reported that we still lower than the national average in prevention of CAUTIs. This finding led us to tighten the protocols and to appoint 2 infection preventionists in the MICU. With the assistance of the infection preventionists, we were able to actively decrease indwelling catheter and device days with daily multidisciplinary rounds to access the necessity for catheter use. We also set monthly attainable targets and reinforced nurse driven protocols with educational in-service programs. One of the most significant additions was the introduction of female external catheters (Purewick) in December 2019 and male external catheters (Liberty) in May, 2019. Our results showed a significant reduction in the number of CAUTIs divided by number of Foley catheter days in the MICU from 32 of 7,435 in 2014 to 1 of 5,934 in 2019. We are excited to see reduction in the CAUTIs with our above measures. We will continue our measures to reach our target of 0 CAUTIs, and we plan to remain above the national average.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt-Associated Surgical Site Infection With Three- Versus Twelve-Month Follow-Up in Canadian Hospitals
Authors: Choi Kelly Baekyung , Conly John , Chow Blanda , Embree Joanne , Lee Bonita , Lefebvre Marie-Astrid , Mitchell Robyn , Pelude Linda , Shephard Allyson ,   CNISP PHAC, Comeau Jeannette
Published: November 2020

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) after cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) shunt surgery is thought to be acquired intraoperatively. Biomaterial-associated infection can present up to 1 year after surgery, but many national systems have shortened follow-up to 90 days. We compared 3- versus 12-month follow-up periods to determine the nature of case ascertainment in the 2 periods. Methods: Participants of any age with placement of an internal CSF shunt or revision surgical manipulation of an existing internal shunt identified in the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP) participating hospitals between 2006 and 2018 were eligible. We excluded patients with external shunting devices or culture-positive CSF at the time of surgery. Patients were followed for 12 months after surgery for the primary outcome of a CSF infection with a positive CSF culture by review of laboratory and health records. Patients were categorized as adult (aged ≥18 years) or pediatric (aged < 18 years). The infection rate was expressed as the number of CSF shunt-associated infections divided by the number of shunt surgeries per 100 procedures. Results: In total, 325 patients (53% female) met inclusion criteria in 14 hospitals from 7 provinces were identified. Overall, 46.1% of surgeries were shunt revisions and 90.3% of shunts were ventriculoperitoneal. For pediatric patients, the median age was 0.7 years (IQR, 0.2–7.0). For adult patients, the median age was 47.9 years (IQR, 29.6–64.6). The SSI rates per 100 procedures were 3.69 for adults and 3.65 for pediatrics. The overall SSI rates per 100 procedures at 3 and 12 months were 2.74 (n = 265) and 3.48 (n = 323), respectively. By 3 months (90 days), 82% of infection cases were identified (Fig. 1). The median time from procedure to SSI detection was 30 days (IQR, 10–65). No difference was found in the microbiology of the shunt infections at 3- and 12-month follow-ups. The most common pathogens were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (43.6 %), followed by S. aureus (24.8 %) and Propionibacterium spp (6.5 %). No differences in age distribution, gender, surgery type (new or revision), shunt type, or infecting organisms were observed when 3- and 12-month periods were compared. Conclusions: CSF-SSI surveillance for 3 versus 12 months would capture 82.0% (95% CI, 77.5–86.0) of cases, with no significant differences in the patient characteristics, surgery types, or pathogens. A 3-month follow-up can reduce resources and allow for more timely reporting of infection rates.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Clinical Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Candida auris Bloodstream Infection in Trauma Patients
Authors: Katoch Omika , Bajpai Vijeta , Khurana Surbhi , Katyal Sonal , Mathur Purva
Published: November 2020

Background: Candidiasis caused by Candida auris is one of the most serious hospital-acquired infection. Initially, Candida auris was reported to cause local infections; later, invasive candidasis was also reported in which the bloodstream, the central nervous system, kidneys, liver eyes, etc, are invaded. In this study, we evaluated the clinical epidemiology and risk factors in patients hospitalized to trauma center. Methods: This study was conducted at JPN Apex Trauma Centre of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, which is a 169-bed hospital. All patients who were identiﬁed to have candidemia due to C. auris over a period of 5 years from January 2012 to December 2016 were included. Blood samples were collected in BAC-T-Alert bottles (Bio Merieux, Durham, NC) and isolates were identiﬁed up to the species level by the VITEK 2 (version 8.01, BioMerieux). Conventional identiﬁcation was performed by observing color development on CHROMagar (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ). The demographic and clinical data of patients were collected from the hospital information system. Results: Over a period of 5 years, 20 patients admitted to our trauma hospital developed candidemia due to Candida auris. Among them, men were predominant (95%), and the mean (SD) age of the patients was 33 (+15) years. Among these patients, 80% were in hospitalized and 20% were follow-up patients. The median of the total length of stay in the hospital was 34 days (range, 7–122). All of the patients were on mechanical ventilation; 65% patients were catheterized and 75% patients had central line placed. Head injury was the major cause of trauma followed by abdomen, chest, and spine. The overall mortality rate was 40%. Most of the patients (65%) who developed Candida auris infection were immunocompromised. The different comorbidities present were hypertension (35%), diabetes (15%), renal disease (10%), and hepatitis C (5%). Broad-spectrum antibiotics were given: amoxicillin-clavulanate was given to 65% of patients; cefoperazone sulbactam was given to 30% of patients; chloroamphenicol, amicillin-sulbactam, or clindamycin was given to 10% of patients. Antifungal agents like fluconazole or caspofungin were given to 5% of patients. Major surgeries like cranioplasty were performed in 58% of patients. Pancreatectomy, laparotomy, and endoscopic necrosectomy were performed in 42% of patients. Conclusions:Candida auris is one of the dreaded and most commonly spread hospital-acquired fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Broad-spectrum antibiotics use, major surgery, and invasive devices were the most common risk factors for acquiring Candida auris infection.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Clostridioides difficile: Best Practice Alerts & Education to Reduce Unnecessary Testing
Authors: Murillo Cynthia , Marrs Rachel , Bartlett Allison , Landon Emily , Ridgway Jessica
Published: November 2020

Background: Unnecessary testing for Clostridioides difficile can lead facilities to overreport laboratory-identified (LabID) events. Because false-positive LabID tests could dilute infection control resources, we developed best practice alerts (BPAs) in the electronic health record, educational materials as well as a follow-up system to help reduce unnecessary testing and, therefore, reduce false-positive results. Methods: Three BPAs were initiated in late August, 2018. Alerts fired when clinicians tried to order repeat C. difficile testing after a positive result, testing within 24 hours of laxative administration and to order a multiplex PCR panel for GI pathogens >48 hours after admission. The GI multiplex PCR test consists of 21 targets, including C. difficile, but it allows for testing solid stool. All alerts gave suggestions for how to proceed (ie, not test for cure from previous positive, wait until laxatives wear off, or call for approval before GI panel) but could be bypassed by clinicians. Educational emails and signage were distributed to all house staff and clinicians in all clinical areas at the start of the program. For each bypassed BPA, infection control physicians contacted the ordering clinician by email or phone to explain why testing was not advised. Results: Between September 5, 2018, and April 23, 2019, 1,217 BPAs were issued: 634 in first half and 583 in the second half. Of these, 268 (22%) were bypassed by clinicians (Fig. 1). There was no significant decrease in bypassing BPAs. In the first half of the intervention, 22% of BPAs were bypassed (141 of 634). In the second 4 months, 22% of BPAS were still bypassed (127 of 583; P = .85). Of the 40 ordering services, 8 had no bypassed BPAs in the first half and 9 had no bypassed BPAs in the second half. Conclusions: Educating providers and following up after bypassed BPAs did not decrease the number of bypassed BPAs. Although fewer BPAs were issued in the second half of the intervention, more analysis is needed to understand whether this decrease is significant. In this study, 268 unnecessary C. difficile tests were ordered over 8 months.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Comparison of Two Novel Methods for Sink Drain Disinfection
Authors: Haq Muhammed Fawwaz , Jones Lucas , Herrera Natalia Pinto , Cadnum Jennifer , Carling Philip , Donskey Curtis
Published: November 2020

Background: Sink drainage systems are a potential reservoir for the dissemination of gram-negative bacilli but are not amenable to standard methods of cleaning and disinfection. Pouring liquid disinfectants down drains has only a limited and transient effect on drain colonization, presumably due to inadequate disinfectant contact time and suboptimal penetration into areas harboring biofilm-associated organisms. Methods: We compared the antimicrobial efficacy of 2 novel sink disinfection methods intended to enhance disinfectant contact time and penetration. Healthcare facility sinks were randomly assigned to disinfection with 300 mL hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant applied either as a foam (N = 13 sinks) or instilled for 30 minutes behind a temporary obstruction created by an inflated urinary catheter balloon (N = 12 sinks). Swabs were used to collect quantitative cultures from the proximal sink drain to depth of 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the strainer before treatment and at 15 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days after treatment. Repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to compare the efficacy of the 2 treatments. Results: As shown in Fig. 1, both methods yielded an initial reduction of >3 log10 CFU of gram-negative bacilli. Over the 7-day follow-up period, disinfectant instillation resulted in significantly greater reduction than the foam application (P < .01). Recovery of sink colonization to >2 log per swab occurred at day 3 for both treatments, whereas recovery to >3 log per swab occurred on day 3 for the foam treatment versus day 7 for disinfectant instillation. Conclusions: Two novel disinfection methods were effective in reducing sink drain colonization for several days. The instillation method was more effective than the foam method in maintaining reductions over 7 days.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None

Disclosures: None

Funding: None
Development of a New High-Throughput Multilocus Sequence Typing Method to Monitor Causative Agents of Nosocomial Infections
Authors: Bourdin Thibault , Bedard Emilie , Benoit Marie-Ève , Prévost Michèle , Robert Etienne , Quach Caroline , Déziel Eric , Constant Philippe
Published: November 2020

Background: Nosocomial infections cause 4%–56% mortality in newborns. Several epidemiological studies have shown that transmission of opportunistic pathogens from the sink to the patient, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Serratia marcescens are associated with nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). In this project, we aimed to develop fast, accurate, and high-throughput multilocus sequence typing assays (HiMLST-Illumina) to detect opportunistic pathogens to assess their distribution in the sink environment of NICUs and their transfer to patients. Methods: Genome sequences of P. aeruginosa (n = 45), S. maltophilia (n = 23) and S. marcescens (n = 34) strains were retrieved from public genome databases to build their pangenomes, using the open-source PGAdb-builder server. The core genome was identified for each opportunistic pathogen and was searched for genes displaying the highest polymorphism. The minimal number of loci to include in a HiMLST-Illumina assay was determined by comparing topology of phylogenetic trees of concatenated loci based on genome similarity, computed as the average nucleotide identity (ANI) score. The primers used for HiMLST-Illumina schemes were designed in silico on a conserved domain and were tested on reference strains of each species. Results: Bioinformatics analyses showed that 3–4 loci (<300 base pairs per locus) distinguished strains with the same performances than ANI scores. The assays were tested using opportunistic pathogen isolates and environmental DNA originating from NICU sinks. The HiMLST-Illumina analysis of environmental DNA revealed the presence of at least 1 of the 3 studied opportunistic pathogens in 50% of sampled drains (n = 20). In a previous sampling, P. aeruginosa was isolated on selective culture media before and 48 hours after disinfection of a sink drain with chlorine. S. marcescens was also isolated from another sink 2 weeks after disinfection. Identification of the isolates was confirmed by HiMLST-Illumina analyses and will be typed to compare with clinical isolates. Conclusions: Initial in silico tests predict a high discriminating power of the HiMLST-Illumina method, suggesting that it would be possible to quickly identify strains of interest in a large number of samples. The power of this method is also in the possibility for molecular typing without a need for cultivation. Preliminary results suggest that sinks are readily colonized by opportunistic pathogens. This HiMLST-Illumina scheme will be applied in a 2-year intensive survey of NICUs in 3 hospitals in Montreal to evaluate the performance of new sink designs in limiting bioaerosol production and transmission of opportunistic pathogens to patients.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Diagonal Interventions in Infection Prevention: Successful Collaboratives to Decrease CLABSI at a VA Health Care System
Authors: Steele Amy S. , Carlson Abigail , Drummond Shay L.
Published: November 2020

Background: Vertical interventions in public health are disease focused, whereas horizontal interventions are systems based. The new concept of “diagonal interventions” merging these 2 approaches is also applicable to infection prevention (IP). During fiscal year (FY) 2016, our facility identified 14 central-line–associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs), resulting in a rate of 1.44 cases per 1,000 catheter days, twice that of FY2015 (0.75 cases per 1,000 catheter days). Methods: Focusing on a horizontal “systems building” approach, the IP team used previously developed informal relationships to mobilize a formal multidisciplinary team comprised of IP, nursing educators, the intravenous therapy team, and frontline staff. Initially charged with implementation of disinfecting caps for needleless connectors, the IP team capitalized on this multidisciplinary resource to launch a multifaceted communication and education campaign supporting CLABSI-specific interventions. For vertical interventions, an IP risk assessment revealed variations in care and maintenance of central lines and the need for staff education. A literature search was conducted to identify evidence-based strategies for reducing CLABSIs, leading to the development of a nursing-led bundle of the following elements: (1) education on CDC hand hygiene guidelines, (2) central-line competency validation and assessment for nurses on hire and annually, (3) standardized processes across all wards for central-line dressing changes (“timed on Tuesdays”), and (4) a pilot program for disinfecting caps on 3 inpatient wards. The IP team identified CLABSIs using standard NHSN definitions. Catheter days were obtained on each inpatient ward. Unit-specific rates were calculated per 1,000 catheter days. Mann-Kendall Test was used to assess rate trends over time, whereas the Fisher exact test was used for rate comparisons. A P < .05 was considered significant. Results: CLABSI rates decreased from 1.44 in FY2016 to 0.12 in FY2019 (Kendall τ = −0.5; P < .001) (Fig. 1). During the 3-month pilot phase of disinfecting caps, no CLABSIs were identified on 3 intervention wards versus 3 CLABSIs on control wards (rate, 0 vs 2.57; P = .27) and 1 CLABSI in the 3-month baseline period prior to the intervention (0 vs 0.40; P > .99). Disinfecting caps were expanded house-wide beginning in FY2018. The multidisciplinary team evolved into a sustained collaborative (“Scrub Club”) meeting biweekly. They have now broadened their focus to quality improvement initiatives for multiple healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Conclusions: The IP team has traditionally utilized vertical models of intervention. The use of “diagonal” models that incorporate horizontal health systems strengthening can transform multidisciplinary partnerships into long-term collaboratives essential for sustained reduction of HAIs.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None