bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in Hospital Onset Clostridioides difficile Infection Incidence, National Healthcare Safety Network, 2010–2018
Authors: Mu Yi , Dudeck Margaret , Jones Karen , Li Qunna , Soe Minn , Nkwata Allan , Edwards Jonathan 
Published: November 2020

Background:Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common laboratory-identified (LabID) healthcare-associated events reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). CDI prevention remains a national priority, and efforts to reduce infection burden and improve antibiotic stewardship continue to expand across the healthcare spectrum. Beginning in 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) required acute-care hospitals participating in CMS’ Inpatient Quality Reporting program to report CDI LabID data to NHSN and, in 2015, extended this reporting requirement to emergency departments (ED) and 24-hour observation units. To assess national progress, we evaluated changes in hospital onset CDI (HO-CDI) incidence during 2010–2018. Methods: Cases of HO-CDI were reported to NHSN by hospitals using the NHSN’s LabID criteria. Generalized linear mixed-effects modeling was used to assess trends of HO-CDI by treating the hospital as a random intercept to account for the correlation of the repeated responses over time. The data were summarized at the quarterly level, the main effect was time, and the covariates of interest were the following: CDI test type, inpatient community-onset (CO) infection rate, hospital type, average length of stay, medical school affiliation, number of beds, number of ICU beds, number of infection control professionals, presence of an ED or observation unit , and an indicator for 2015 to account for CDI protocol changes that required hospitals to conduct surveillance in both inpatient and ED or observation unit setting. Results: During 2010–2013, the number of hospitals reporting CDI increased and then stabilized after 2013 (Table 1). Crude HO-CDI rates decreased over time, except for an increase in 2015 and steeper reduction thereafter. (Table 2). During 2010–2014, the adjusted quarterly rate of change was −0.45% (95% CI, −0.57% to −0.33%; P < .0001). The rate of reduction was smaller in 2010–2014 compared to those of 2015–2018 (−2.82%; 95% CI, −3.10% to −2.54%; P < .0001). Compared to 2014, the adjusted rate in 2015 increased by 79.14% (95% CI, 72.42%–86.11%; P < .0001). Conclusions: The number of hospitals reporting CDI LabID data grew substantially in 2013 as a result of the CMS requirement for reporting. Adjusted HO-CDI rates decreased over time, with a rate hike in the year of 2015 and a rapid decrease thereafter. The increase in 2015 may be explained by changes in the NHSN CDI surveillance protocol and better test type classification in later years. Overall decreases in HO-CDI rates may be influenced by prevention strategies.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals a Novel Subclade of Pansusceptible Candida auris in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Hota Susy , Gade Lalitha , Forsberg Kaitlin , Susky Erica , Poutanen Susan , Katz Kevin , Leis Jerome , Nadarajah Jeya , Amirov Chingiz , Nankoosingh Vydia , Williams Victoria , Salt Natasha , Litvintseva Anastasia , Kus Julianne 
Published: November 2020

Background:Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that has recently disseminated globally and caused challenging outbreaks in healthcare facilities (HCFs), in part because it is commonly multidrug-resistant. Candida auris remains rare in Canada, with ~20 known cases to date. We describe the emergence of a novel subclade of C. auris in Ontario, Canada, using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Methods: In Ontario, many HCFs submit yeast isolates from sterile sites requiring species-level characterization and antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) to the provincial reference laboratory. Yeasts were identified using a combination of standard methods (morphology, API 20C, MALDI-ToF MS) including ITS2 sequencing. Sensititre YO9 panels were used for AFST. Genomic analysis of C. auris was performed using an Illumina HiSeq platform with at least 50× coverage; variants were called against the reference genome by using the previously published North Arizona SNP pipeline (NASP). Phylogenetic trees were produced by maximum parsimony method (MEGA7.0). Results: Between 2014 and 2018, yeast isolates from 5 different patients from 4 HCFs in the same region of Ontario were confirmed to be C. auris by ITS2 PCR and sequence analysis (Table 1). Based on interim CDC criteria for antifungal drug break points, all isolates were pansusceptible to common antifungals. WGS analysis demonstrated that the C. auris isolates were part of the South American clade (IV) and formed an isolated subclade that is well supported by bootstrap analysis, indicating clonal relationships among these isolates (Fig. 1). Conclusions: Although C. auris isolates are usually drug resistant, all 5 initial Ontario isolates were pansusceptible. WGS determined that these isolates clustered within clade IV and were clonal. This cluster of C. auris appears to represent a new subclade of the South American clade that has been transmitted among patients within a region of Ontario. C. auris may have been present in Ontario for some time, escaping earlier detection due to lack of screening programs in HCFs, historical challenges with microbiologic detection of C. auris, and the antifungal susceptibility of the circulating isolates. Investigations are underway to determine clinical features and epidemiologic relatedness among patients in this cluster.Funding: NoneDisclosures: Susy Hota, Contracted Research - Finch Therapeutics
Incidence Trends of Central-Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, NHSN, 2009–2018
Authors: Nkwata Allan , Soe Minn , Li Qunna , Godfrey-Johnson Dominque , Edwards Jonathan , Dudeck Margaret A. 
Published: November 2020

Background: Central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a major source of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients, and they are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. CLABSI surveillance has been a critical component for hospitals participating in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) for many years. CLABSI reporting grew substantially as a result of state reporting mandates first introduced in 2005 and federal reporting requirements for all intensive care units that began in 2011. However, no recent assessment of NHSN CLABSI incidence rate changes have been performed. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the overall trends in annual CLABSI incidence rates in NICUs from 2009 to 2018. Methods: We analyzed NHSN CLABSI data reported from NICUs during 2009–2018. CLABSIs further classified as mucosal barrier injury were included in this analysis. To evaluate the trends of CLABSI incidence (per 1,000 central-line days), and to account for the potential impact of definition changes introduced in 2015, we conducted an interrupted time-series analysis using mixed-effects negative binomial regression modeling. Birth weight category, patient care location type and hospital-level characteristics such as hospital type, medical affiliation, teaching status, bed size, and average length of inpatient stay) were assessed as potential covariates in regression analysis. Random intercept and slope models were evaluated with covariance tests and used to account for differential baseline incidence and trends among reporting NICUs. Results: The number of NICUs reporting to NHSN increased significantly following the federal mandate and has remained slightly >1,000 NICUs since 2013. The crude incidence of CLABSI dropped from 2.24 in 2009 to 0.98 infections per 1,000 central-line days in 2018, except for an increase in 2015 (Table 1). The CLABSI incidence, adjusted for birth weight category, decreased by an average of 11.6% per year from 2009 to 2018 except for a 35.8% increase in 2015 (Table 2). Conclusion: These findings suggest that hospitals have made significant strides in reducing the occurrence of CLABSIs in NICUs over the last 10 years. The increase in 2015 could be explained in part by the implementation and application of new definitional changes. Continued practices and policies that target, assess and prevent CLABSI in this setting may have been effective and remain vital to sustaining this decline nationally in subsequent years.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Determining Core Element Achievement in Long-Term Care Facilities Across Tennessee
Authors: Adre Cullen , Ouedraogo Youssoufou , Evans Christopher David , Keaton Amelia , Kainer Marion 
Published: November 2020

Background: In 2017, a new antimicrobial stewardship standard was established by the Joint Commission that requires long-term care facilities (LTCFs) to have an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) based on current scientific literature. The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) team sought to ascertain the current state of ASPs across Tennessee and to assist programs with implementation strategies. Utilizing a Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services’ Civil Monetary Penalties grant, the TDH purchased copies of the National Quality Partners Playbook for Antibiotic Stewardship in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care to provide to LTCFs as incentive to complete a survey that would evaluate their current adoption of core elements. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire on ASP practices was developed and distributed to LCTFs. This survey expanded upon questions from the NHSN 2018 LTCF annual survey. These questions pertained to actionable items facilities are taking to achieve core elements. Achievement of the CDC’s 7 core elements of ASPs was determined based upon a combination of 1 or more responses to the survey questions. The percentage of LTCFs achieving each ASP core element at the regional and statewide level was determined. We also calculated the percentage of LTCFs that achieved all 7 elements versus 5 or more core elements. The analyses and visualizations were performed using SAS 9.4 and Tableau software. Results: Currently, 88 of 316 licensed LTCF facilities in Tennessee have participated in the survey. All regions were represented by EMS region. Based on the results of our survey, 100% of participating facilities have achieved at least 5 core elements, and 78% of participating facilities have achieved all 7 core elements. The core element with the lowest achievement was Accountability at 89%, and reporting and action had the highest achievement (100%). Conclusions: Early results suggest that LTCFs across Tennessee have active ASPs with strong core element achievement. However, we received responses from only 27% of licensed LTCFs. Minimal data are available regarding the current state of LTCF ASPs in Tennessee, and data will continue to be collected and analyzed. Participation may be limited to those already actively engaged in public health efforts, including antimicrobial stewardship. LTCFs that have participated in the initial evaluation will be surveyed at 6 months and 12 months after receipt of playbooks to evaluate their ASP progression and NQP Playbook utilization.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
ASPChat: Participation and Reach of a Real-Time Twitter Chat on Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Langford Bradley , Gauthier Timothy 
Published: November 2020

Background: Healthcare professionals with roles in infectious disease and antimicrobial stewardship have a growing presence on social media. Twitter has evolved to become a popular venue for healthcare professional communication, with the potential to support improved quality of patient care. To harness this growth and provide an opportunity for learning and networking, we developed a monthly Twitter chat on a variety of antimicrobial stewardship topics. Our objective was to evaluate the reach of this online initiative. Methods: In November 2016, to coincide with World Antibiotic Awareness Week, we held the first ASP chat (#ASPChat). Twitter chats continue monthly for 1 hour each month. Topics range from rapid diagnostic testing to duration of antibiotic therapy, and 6 questions are posed for each event. Questions about common strategies, clinical pearls, helpful resources, and literature are commonly integrated into the discussion. The event is open to all Twitter users regardless of discipline or location of practice. Participants use the ASPChat hash tag to follow along with the conversation. To evaluate the monthly Twitter chats, analytics were obtained from Symplur Healthcare Hashtags including impressions, the number of potential views for each Tweet, number of Tweets, and number of participants. Results: To date, 33 ASPChat events have been held, with a total of 20,478,000 impressions. The average number of Tweets per month was 346 and the average number of participants was 86 (Fig. 1). Participants have included pharmacists, physicians, infection control practitioners, and nonclinicians. Countries represented have included the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The average monthly impressions stands at 620,559 and has increased each year from between 23% and 86%. Conclusions: A monthly Twitter Chat is a feasible and sustainable approach to connecting antimicrobial stewards across a wide geographical range. The broad reach of the ASPChat events presents an opportunity to influence and unite a diverse group of professionals aiming to improve antibiotic use. Further evaluation is recommended to understand the professional and clinical impact of this important communication tool.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Unnecessary Use of Multilumen PICCs
Authors: Kleinman-Sween Jennifer , Lowrie Angela , Kirmse Jane , Sampathkumar Priya 
Published: November 2020

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are an increasingly common vascular access device. At our institution, >4,000 devices are placed per year by a trained team of vascular access nurses. Although PICCs are generally safe and effective, they do carry the risk of infection and thrombosis, and this risk increases exponentially with increasing number of lumens. As part of a multidisciplinary quality improvement effort to address rising CLABSI rates, we designed interventions to improve PICC utilization. Methods: The project team used 6-σ methodology, specifically following the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, implement, control) framework to guide analysis and interventions. Process mapping, semistructured interviews with key stakeholders, electronic surveys, and audits were performed to identify gaps and inform interventions. The interventions consisted of 3 components: changes to the electronic ordering system, education (presentations to ordering providers and an online toolkit), and clinical decision support in the form of a team of vascular-access subject-matter experts who provided guidance on line selection. Results: In total, 4,655 PICCs and 434 midlines were inserted in the 12 months before the intervention, and 7,457 PICCs and 929 midlines were placed in the 24 months after the intervention. Following the implementation of the intervention, proportions of triple-lumen catheter utilization decreased from 31.9% to 22.3% (P < .0001). Concurrently, the proportion of single-lumen catheters has increased from 28.5% to 41.9% (P < .0001). Overall PICC utilization decreased in the postintervention period from an average of 387.9 PICCs placed per month to 310.7. The proportion of midline catheters increased from 8.5% of total lines inserted to 11.4% in the postintervention period (P < .001). Conclusions: Our intervention reduced overall PICC use and triple-lumen PICC use and increased relative utilization of single-lumen PICCs and midline catheters. Optimization of electronic orders, in conjunction with targeted education and decision support, can have a sustained impact on provider ordering behaviors and can shift the culture of utilization, even in a large academic medical center with frequent turnover of trainees.Funding: NoneDisclosures: Consulting fee- Merck (Priya Sampathkumar)
Adverse Events Associated With Midline Vascular Catheters
Authors: Hankins Richard , Lambert Nicholas , Rupp Mark , Micheels Terry , Lyden Elizabeth , Evans Luana , Cawcutt Kelly 
Published: November 2020

Background: Central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in increased patient morbidity. Guidelines recommend against peripheral venous catheters when access is required for longer than 6 days, often leading to central venous catheter (CVC) placement. To improve vascular access device choice and reduce the potential risk of CLABSI, we implemented a quality improvement initiative comprised of a vascular access algorithm and introduction of a midline vascular access device (MVAD). We report complications associated with MVAD use including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thrombophlebitis, and BSI. Methods: A prospective quality improvement assessment from October 2017 through March 2018. All MVADs were monitored for DVT, thrombophlebitis, and BSI. Insertion time and removal of MVAD were tracked, as well as presence of other vascular access devices. Results: From October 2017 through March 2018, 858 MVADs were inserted in 726 different patients, yielding 3,588 MVD days. In total, 6 primary BSIs occurred in patients with MVADs. In patients with only a MVAD, the rate was 0.72 BSI per 1,000 MVAD days, whereas patients with an MVAD as well as a CVC had a rate of 1.98 per 1,000 MVAD days. The overall CLABSI rate at the institution during this period of time was 1.24 per 1,000 CVC days. Also, 29 cases of thrombophlebitis occurred, for a rate of 3.84 per 1,000 catheter days in patients with only an MVAD compared to 4.63 per 1,000 catheter days in patients with an MVAD and a CVC. Also, 25 DVTs occurred during this time, resulting in a rate of 2.88 per 1,000 catheter days in patients with only an MVAD and 4.63 per 1,000 catheter days in patients with multiple vascular-access devices. A significant correlation was noted between MVAD indwell time and BSI (P = .0021) and thrombophlebitis (P = .0041). The median indwell time for patients experiencing BSI was 16.17 days ± 8.04 days, whereas the median indwell time for patients experiencing thrombophlebitis was 9.24 days ± 7.99 days. Conclusions: The implementation of a vascular-access algorithm including MVAD may effectively reduce CVC insertions and BSIs. The rate of BSI in MVAD was below that of CLABSI during the assessment period. Known complications associated with MVAD include DVTs and thrombophlebitis, which correlates with the duration of catheterization, and these risks appear to be further compounded in patients requiring multiple devices for vascular access. Further research into comparing the risk of vascular access of MVAD with CVC is warranted.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Analyzing Healthcare Workers’ Perspectives on Healthcare-Associated Infections and Infection Control Practices Using Video Reflexive Ethnography (VRE)
Authors: Paul Esther , Alzaydani Ibrahim , Hakami Ahmed , Chandramoorthy Harish C. 
Published: November 2020

Background: This study explores the perspectives of healthcare workers on the healthcare-associated infection (HAI) and infection control measures in a tertiary-care unit, through a self-administered questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and reflexive sessions based on video-recorded sterile procedures performed in respondents’ work contexts. Video reflexive ethnography (VRE) is a method that provides feedback to medical practitioners through reflection analysis, whereby practitioners identify problems and find solutions. Methods: Quantitative questionnaire data were used to assess the knowledge of HAI among 50 healthcare workers and their attitude toward practice of infection control measures. Semistructured interviews based on an interview guide were used to collect qualitative data from 25 doctors and nurses. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim immediately. Also, routine sterile procedures in the wards and intensive care unit were video recorded, and the footage was discussed by the infection control team and the personnel involved in the videos. This discussion was video recorded and transcribed. Both interview data and reflexive discussion of video-graph were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The quantitative data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The quantitative data revealed no difference in the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores used to evaluate the infection control practices among the healthcare workers. We identified 4 themes from the qualitative data: (1) knowledge of HAI and infection control, (2) infection control measures in practice, (3) the shortfall in infection control measures and HAI, and (4) required implementation. Although the qualitative data indicated that the participants had excellent compliance with hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) use, the VRE and reflective sessions indicated otherwise. Some astounding lapses were revealed, like failure to engage in boundary maintenance between sterile and nonsterile areas, failure to observe proper hand hygiene measures, and use of traditional hijab face covers (used in an unsterile environment as well) instead of surgical masks. These findings demonstrate the advantage of combining VRE with qualitative and quantitative methodology to deduct the lapses in the practice of infection control among healthcare workers. Conclusions: Introduction of training programs focused on HAI and infection control measures in the educational system will help better inform medical and nursing students. Live video demonstrations of appropriate infection control practices during sterile procedures would be highly beneficial to educate the healthcare workers on correct infection control practices. Lapses in the use of PPE can be a possible reason for the outbreak of MERS-CoV, an endemic disease, in this part of Saudi Arabia.Disclosures: NoneFunding: None