Below is a summary of the diverse oral presentations delivered at the IPS Birmingham Conference 2024.
End user acceptability study of a non-alcohol-based hand rub: is the future Hypochlorous acid?
Holly Slyne (Associate Director of IPC), University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, Northampton General Hospital site.
Aim: Effective hand hygiene remains an integral practice to reduce transmission of infection in healthcare settings, yet current alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) are ineffective against Clostridioides difficile. The efficacy profile of a novel hand disinfectant product, Spectricept Care+, is superior to ABHRs in that it is effective against bacterial endospores including C.difficile. Spectricept Care+ meets the required regulatory standards (EN1500, EN 17126) for hand rubs but comprises hypochlorous acid as the active ingredient.
Methods: Spectricept Care+ hand rub was evaluated in 2 general medical wards for 3 months via wall-mounted and end-of-the-bed dispensers.
Results: Of 33 staff surveyed, 82% preferred using a hand rub effective against C.difficile and Norovirus, and 94% agreed to switch. Being alcohol-free had the added benefits of being a non-irritant, not a patient safety risk if ingested, non-flammable and Halal certified. Occupational referrals for dermatitis significantly reduced, as did C.difficile and Norovirus cases in the evaluation wards.
Conclusion: Hypochlorous acid is more sustainable than ABHRs, effective against a wider range of pathogens and supported by healthcare workers.
What is the point of IPC guidance? Developing guidance for the introduction of the special procedures mandatory licensing scheme
Amanda Daniel – Lead Nurse Specialist, IPC Primary and Community Care, Public Health Wales
Aim: New legislation around mandatory licencing for special procedures (SPs) which includes acupuncture, body piercing, electrolysis, tattooing and semi-permanent make-up is being introduced in Wales in November 2024.
Methods: IP&C guidance relevant to SP was developed to support practitioners and Local Authority enforcement officers. The content of the guidance was informed through i) a rapid review of physical health risks associated with SPs ii) engagement with practitioners and observations iii) a series of events held including webinars and events to discuss standards for practice.
Results: All SPs involve piercing the skin and therefore breach the integrity of the skin barrier and immune system, there is therefore a potential risk of infection and skin-related adverse reactions including allergy and inflammatory reactions.
The key themes that were identified included: frequency and type of cleaning products, hand hygiene and glove use, type of skin antisepsis prior to the procedure and decontamination of instruments. The framework for aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) was also introduced.
Conclusion: SPs are increasing in the UK, there is evidence of outbreaks associated with poor IPC practice.
The role and needs of teachers/schools in infection, prevention, and control post COVID-19
Rita Ochili – e-Bug Project Manager (Primary Care and Interventions Unit), UK Health Security Agency
It was a pleasure to highlight the importance of teachers/schools in infection prevention and control at the IPS Conference 2024 on behalf of the study group. Our study aimed to understand attitudes towards, and knowledge of IPC in schools post-Covid, and identify any support needed.
This research was commissioned by the UKHSA e-Bug school health education programme within the Primary Care and Interventions Unit (PCIU).
We surveyed 1000 primary and secondary school teachers across England and hosted two qualitative workshops with eight head teachers to gather more in-depth information. Respondents reported that IPC measures are now less frequently implemented during an infectious disease outbreak than during the pandemic. Teachers report now having more responsibility for pupil health and hygiene; 71% said their role has changed since the pandemic. 1/3 felt this change was permanent, and yet 84% have had no IPC training. Knowledge gaps were identified in the areas of IPC roles within schools, and IPC measures. Although 72% of teachers claim they feel better prepared to deal with a public health outbreak compared to pre-pandemic, 22% do not have an updated IPC policy; 35% had unmet needs.
Teachers and schools require more IPC training. Training and updated policies would support the educational workforce who feel their needs are not being met.
Authors and Affiliations
Rita Ochili1, Sarah Leaver1, Libby Eastwood2, Chloe Dyer1, Esther Taborn3, Colin S Brown4, Donna M Lecky1.
1 Primary Care and Interventions Unit, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
2 Behavioural Science Insights Unit, UKHSA
3 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Team, UKHSA
4 HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU, & Sepsis Division, UKHSA
‘One Health’ in IPC: Integrating environmental sustainability to enhance environmental AMR stewardship within the WHO’s Core Components of Infection, prevention and control
Jennifer Collins – PhD candidate (Safeguarding health through infection prevention research group) at Glasgow Caledonian University.
The oral presentation made a case for integrating environmental sustainability into the WHO’s core components of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) to strengthen efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a ‘One Health’ approach. Evidence shows that waste and pollution contribute to environmental AMR, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. The research, conducted through a rapid review and the development of a theoretical model, presented the rationale for why IPC programmes are well-positioned to support environmental sustainability initiatives. It highlighted key overlaps between IPC and sustainability goals, including reducing PPE misuse, minimizing waste, and considering the built environment, alongside surveillance, monitoring, and auditing efforts. The presentation also featured a visual image illustrating how sustainability could be integrated into IPC’s core components, such as incorporating sustainability champions or managers within IPC committees, shared education on One Health and promoting evidence-based principles that consider sustainability within IPC guideline development.
