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Infection Prevention and Control at Lira University Hospital, Uganda: More Needs to Be Done
Marc Sam Opollo1, Tom Charles Otim1, Walter Kizito2
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lira University, 1035 Lira, Uganda.
Insights
Infection prevention and control (IPC) compliance at Lira University hospital was critically low at 28.5%, highlighting significant gaps in essential IPC measures and resources. Urgent improvements are needed to prevent healthcare-associated infections and combat antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare-associated infections
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Globally, 5-15% of hospitalized patients acquire infections, often due to inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
- Antimicrobial-resistant microbes pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Effective IPC is crucial for patient safety and reducing healthcare costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the IPC compliance at Lira University hospital (LUH) using the WHO's Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) tool.
- To identify challenges encountered during the IPCAF tool completion process.
- To provide data for targeted IPC improvement strategies at LUH.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at Lira University hospital in November 2020.
- The World Health Organization's (WHO) 'Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework' (IPCAF) tool was administered by the IPC focal person.
- Responses were validated, scored, and interpreted according to WHO guidelines.
Main Results:
- Lira University hospital achieved an overall IPC compliance score of 225/800 (28.5%), indicating a basic level of compliance.
- Significant gaps were identified, including the absence of an IPC committee, team, budget, surveillance, and monitoring systems.
- While infrastructure like water and electricity was adequate, disposables and personal protective equipment were insufficient.
- Challenges in tool completion included detailed questions requiring stakeholder consultation and the time-intensive nature of the assessment.
Conclusions:
- IPC compliance at Lira University hospital is suboptimal and requires urgent attention.
- Addressing the identified gaps in IPC structures, resources, and practices is critical.
- Implementation of comprehensive IPC strategies is necessary to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare-associated infections.
Abstract:
Globally, 5-15% of hospitalized patients acquire infections (often caused by antimicrobial-resistant microbes) due to inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. We used the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework' (IPCAF) tool to assess the IPC compliance at Lira University hospital (LUH), a teaching hospital in Uganda. We also characterized challenges in completing the tool. This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study conducted in November 2020. The IPC focal person at LUH completed the WHO IPCAF tool. Responses were validated, scored, and interpreted per WHO guidelines. The overall IPC compliance score at LUH was 225/800 (28.5%), implying a basic IPC compliance level. There was no IPC committee, no IPC team, and no budgets. Training was rarely or never conducted. There was no surveillance system and no monitoring/audit of IPC activities. Bed capacity, water, electricity, and disposal of hospital waste were adequate. Disposables and personal protective equipment were not available in appropriate quantities. Major challenges in completing the IPCAF tool were related to the detailed questions requiring repeated consultation with other hospital stakeholders and the long time it took to complete the tool. IPC compliance at LUH was not optimal. The gaps identified need to be addressed urgently.