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Infection control influence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: A hospital-based analysis

Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq1, Rana Abdrabalnabi2, Alla Taher2

  • 1Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.

American Journal of Infection Control
|December 4, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreaks significantly increased personal protective equipment use and hand hygiene compliance. However, this surge in infection control measures also substantially raised healthcare system costs.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Healthcare Management

Background:

  • Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreaks pose significant economic and infection control challenges.
  • Hospital-based analyses are crucial for understanding the impact of emerging infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the infection control influence of MERS-CoV cases within a hospital setting.
  • To assess the impact of MERS-CoV on the utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene practices.

Main Methods:

  • A hospital-based study analyzed 17 MERS-CoV positive and 82 negative cases.
  • Evaluated changes in the use of gloves, surgical masks, N95 respirators, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and soap.
  • Assessed hand hygiene compliance rates before and during MERS-CoV cases.

Main Results:

  • Utilization of surgical masks and N95 respirators increased dramatically (P<.0000001).
  • Significant increases observed in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer and soap (P<.0000001).
  • Hand hygiene compliance rose from 73% to 88% (P=.0001), with an added monthly cost of $16,400 for infection control items.

Conclusions:

  • MERS-CoV outbreaks led to a significant increase in the use of essential infection control supplies.
  • The heightened demand for PPE and hygiene products presents a substantial financial challenge for healthcare systems.
  • Effective infection control during outbreaks requires careful consideration of resource allocation and cost-effectiveness.
Keywords:
CostEconomic impactHealthcareMERSPersonal Protective Equipment

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