ORCID Profile
0000-0003-3764-1277
Current Organisations
Indian Institute of Science Educaton and Research Kolkata
,
Griffith University - Gold Coast Campus
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Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 18-07-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AJIC.2012.05.007
Abstract: This study was conducted to review the status of the comprehensive infection prevention and control program (IPCP) established in the Republic of Kiribati in 2005, and to identify opportunities to continue and expand the integration of the IPCP into health service delivery. The review was conducted in 2010 using 2 empirical tools: a pilot IPCP evaluation (IPCPE) tool that evaluated the activities of the program and its implementation, and a previously validated self-administered survey that assessed health care worker (HCW) knowledge, application, and confidence in infection control principles and practice. The survey was given to all 186 clinicians at Tungaru Central Hospital the response rate was 59.7%. The Kiribati IPCP demonstrated a minimum level of compliance (75%) with the activity standards set out in the IPCPE tool. The mean scores on the HCW survey were 62% for knowledge, 63% for application, and 79% for confidence. Significant correlations were found among knowledge, application, and confidence. This evaluation of the Kiribati IPCP with our IPCPE tool provides valuable insight into the status of a recently adopted comprehensive program and how it has translated into the knowledge, application, and confidence of HCWs in their clinical practice. The HCW survey provides evidence that the IPCP has translated into confidence and ability in the application of infection prevention practices.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-06-2018
Abstract: Infectious illness in the workplace places a substantial cost burden on employers due to productivity losses from employee absenteeism and presenteeism. Given the clear impacts of infectious illness on workplaces, this review aimed to investigate the international literature on the effectiveness and cost-benefit of the strategies non-healthcare workplaces use to prevent and control infectious illnesses in these workplaces. MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus with Fulltext and Business Source Complete were searched concurrently using EBSCO Host 1995–2016. Infection prevention and control strategies to reduce workplace infectious illness and absenteeism evaluated in the literature include influenza vaccination programs, use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser and paid sick days. While the reported studies have various methodological flaws, there is good evidence of the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing workplace infectious illness and absences and moderate evidence to support hand hygiene programs. Some studies used more than one intervention concurrently, making it difficult to determine the relative benefit of each in idual strategy. Workplace strategies to prevent and control infectious illness transmission may reduce costs and productivity losses experienced by businesses and organisations related to infectious illness absenteeism and presenteeism.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Publisher: International Federation of Infection Control
Date: 26-01-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2011
DOI: 10.1071/HI11021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
DOI: 10.1016/J.AUEC.2022.08.006
Abstract: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are widely used within healthcare settings. There is substantial hospital-based research, particularly in Emergency Departments, supporting the need to reduce inappropriate PIVCs due to associated risks. However, there is limited research into pre-hospital practice. This review aims to determine the rates of pre-hospital PIVC insertions, how many remain unused, and to explore paramedic PIVC decision-making. A systematic search of research databases was undertaken using an integrative review methodology. Articles published between 2011 and April 2022 were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. Fifteen studies were included. Rates of PIVC insertions ranged from 21% to 58%. Up to 72% of PIVCs remained unused in the pre-hospital setting. Paramedic decision-making was not well reported, though erring of the side of caution and inserting a "just in case" PIVC was identified. There are limited articles on pre-hospital PIVC practice, particularly in Australian settings. Research is required to understand factors influencing practice and provide contemporary evidence to inform the development of guidance specific to the pre-hospital setting to reduce the numbers of inappropriate PIVCs.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.IDH.2022.09.001
Abstract: To describe and analyse the infection prevention and control (IPC) curricula within Public Health degrees across Australian and New Zealand Universities and identify foundational IPC knowledge deficits. A cross-sectional study of public health and related programs across tertiary education institutions within Australia and New Zealand was conducted to comprehensively illustrate the current inclusion of IPC core and elective courses and identify areas of IPC content deficit. Australian (n = 32) and New Zealand (n = 9) universities were audited, consisting of 217 public health ublic health related degrees within Australia and 45 within New Zealand. Within Australia 41% of public health degrees and 49% in New Zealand did not offer any IPC content as core or elective subjects. Public health tertiary education in Australia and New Zealand is lacking in equipping and imbedding IPC skills and knowledge in public health graduates. This highlights the need for a framework guiding mandatory IPC content within Australian and New Zealand public health programs.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1071/HI14036
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 15-07-2021
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X21000662
Abstract: Mass-gathering events (MGEs) occur regularly throughout the world. As people congregate at MGEs, there is an increased risk of transmission of communicable diseases. Novel respiratory viruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1), Influenza A Virus Subtype H1N1 Strain 2009 (H1N1pdm09), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), or Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), may require specific infection prevention and control strategies to minimize the risk of transmission when planning MGEs. This literature review aimed to identify and analyze papers relating to novel respiratory viruses with pandemic potential and to inform MGE planning. This paper used a systematic literature review method. Various health care databases were searched using keywords relating to MGEs and novel respiratory viruses. Information was extracted from identified papers into various tables for analysis. The analysis identified infection prevention and control strategies used at MGEs to inform planning before, during, and following events. In total, 27 papers met the criteria for inclusion. No papers were identified regarding SARS-CoV-1, while the remainder reported on H1N1pdm09 (n = 9), MERS-CoV (n = 15), and SARS-CoV-2 (n = 3). Various before, during, and after event mitigation strategies were identified that can be implemented for future events. This literature review provided an overview of the novel respiratory virus epidemiology at MGEs alongside related public health mitigation strategies that have been implemented at these events. This paper also discusses the health security of event participants and host communities in the context of cancelling, postponing, and modifying events due to a novel respiratory virus. In particular, ways to recommence events incorporating various mitigation strategies are outlined.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 19-02-2020
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X20000151
Abstract: Mass-gathering events (MGEs) are commonly associated with a higher than average rate of morbidity. Spectators, workers, and the substantial number of MGE attendees can increase the spread of communicable diseases. During an MGE, emergency departments (EDs) play an important role in offering health care services to both residents of the local community and event attendees. Syndromic indicators (SIs) are widely used in an ED surveillance system for early detection of communicable diseases. This literature review aimed to develop an understanding of the effect of MGEs on ED patient presentations with communicable diseases and their corresponding SIs. An integrative literature review methodology was used. Online databases were searched to retrieve relevant academic articles that focused on MGEs, EDs, and SIs. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to screen articles. The Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research (QualSyst) assessment tool was used to assess the quality of included papers. Eleven papers were included in this review all discussed the impact of an MGE on patient presentations with communicable diseases at EDs/hospitals. Most included studies used the raw number of patients who presented or were admitted to EDs/hospitals to determine impact. Further, the majority of studies focused on either respiratory infections (n = 4) or gastrointestinal infections (n = 2) two articles reported on both. Eight articles mentioned SIs however, such information was limited. The quality of evidence (using QualSyst) ranged from 50% to 90%. Limited research exists on the impact of MGEs on ED presentations with communicable diseases and related SIs. Recommendations for future MGE studies include assessing differences in ED presentations with communicable diseases regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes before, during, and after the event. This would benefit health care workers and researchers by offering more comprehensive knowledge for application into practice.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-12-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2001
DOI: 10.1071/HI01018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-11-2019
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 27-06-2018
Abstract: Sphygmomanometers and their cuffs are non-critical items that can act as a fomite for transmission of pathogens which may cause healthcare-associated infection (HAI), leading to an argument that disposable equipment improves patient safety. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that decontamination decreased in microbial contamination of non-disposable sphygmomanometer cuffs, providing evidence to negate the need to purchase, and dispose of, single-patient-use cuffs, reducing cost and environmental impact. A pre–post intervention study of available sphygmomanometer cuffs and associated bedside patient monitors was conducted using a series of microbiological s les in a rural emergency department. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test analysed the effect of the decontamination intervention. To further examine the effect of the decontamination intervention, Mann–Whitney U-tests were conducted for each aspect. Contamination was significantly higher before decontamination than afterwards (Z = −5.14, U = 55.0, P 0.001, η2 = 0.61 inner Z = −5.05, U = 53.5, P 0.001, η2 = 0.59 outer). Decontamination of non-disposable sphygmomanometer cuffs decreases microbial load and risk of HAI, providing evidence to negate arguments for disposable cuffs while being environmentally sensitive and supportive of a culture of patient safety and infection control.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-2011
Publisher: International Federation of Infection Control
Date: 2022
Abstract: As the COVID-19 pandemic affects more than one hundred million people, worldwide prevention measures, particularly hand hygiene (HH), are crucial to control and limit spread of disease. Yet access to clean water and soap or hand sanitiser may be scarce or unattainable in some situations. This integrative review, based on the framework of Whittemore and Knafl and the quality assessment performed in-line with the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool, aims to identify alternative HH agents and water sources that have demonstrated some efficacy in extreme resource limited situations. Four articles met inclusion criteria, with agents that create friction and repurposed water identified as alternatives to soap and water or hand sanitiser, resulting in reduced microbial load. Sand combined with repurposed cooking water, for ex le, can be used as an alternate HH measure in extreme resource limitations. Long term effects on skin integrity, compliance, and sustainability of these strategies must be considered.
Publisher: Stichting SciPost
Date: 21-08-2020
DOI: 10.21468/SCIPOSTPHYS.9.2.022
Abstract: We report on the status of efforts to improve the reinterpretation of searches and measurements at the LHC in terms of models for new physics, in the context of the LHC Reinterpretation Forum. We detail current experimental offerings in direct searches for new particles, measurements, technical implementations and Open Data, and provide a set of recommendations for further improving the presentation of LHC results in order to better enable reinterpretation in the future. We also provide a brief description of existing software reinterpretation frameworks and recent global analyses of new physics that make use of the current data.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 23-02-2021
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X21000248
Abstract: Infectious disease emergencies are increasingly becoming part of the health care delivery landscape, having implications to not only in iduals and the public, but also on those expected to respond to these emergencies. Health care workers (HCWs) are perhaps the most important asset in an infectious disease emergency, yet these in iduals have their own barriers and facilitators to them being willing or able to respond. The purpose of this review was to identify factors affecting HCW willingness to respond (WTR) to duty during infectious disease outbreaks and/or bioterrorist events. An integrative literature review methodology was utilized to conduct a structured search of the literature including CINAHL, Medline, Embase, and PubMed databases using key terms and phrases. PRISMA guidelines were used to report the search outcomes and all eligible literature was screened with those included in the final review collated and appraised using a quality assessment tool. A total of 149 papers were identified from the database search. Forty papers were relevant following screening, which highlighted facilitators of WTR to include: availability of personal protective equipment (PPE)/vaccine, level of training, professional ethics, family and personal safety, and worker support systems. A number of barriers were reported to prevent WTR for HCWs, such as: concern and perceived risk, interpersonal factors, job-level factors, and outbreak characteristics. By comprehensively identifying the facilitators and barriers to HCWs’ WTR during infectious disease outbreaks and/or bioterrorist events, strategies can be identified and implemented to improve WTR and thus improve HCW and public safety.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 27-07-2020
Abstract: Uptake of influenza vaccination reduces staff absenteeism as well as mortality of patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) however, adherence of HCWs to annual influenza vaccination is poor and some healthcare facilities are now considering mandatory influenza vaccination policies. The purpose of this study was to identify the perceived and reported barriers to the implementation of a mandatory influenza vaccination policy for HCWs. An integrative review of the literature was conducted. Databases including CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline and PubMed were searched using key terms. The quality of papers was assessed utilising the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research papers for a Variety of Fields which consisted of 10 questions with a possible total score of 20. PRISMA guidelines were used to report the search outcomes. A total of 68 papers were identified from the database search. Seven papers were relevant, following screening. The quality scores of these were in the range of 15–20. A number of barriers are reported to prevent the effective implementation of mandatory influenza vaccination policies including ethical and legal considerations, logistics, healthcare burden, leadership and management, and human factors such as HCWs’ perspectives. By comprehensively identifying these, barriers can be addressed to allow effective implementation of such policies in healthcare facilities to ensure improved outcomes. The results of the review indicated the need for further research to ensure that barriers are addressed cohesively.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.AJIC.2007.07.003
Abstract: High-income countries with established infection control programs have demonstrated effective control of infection transmission in health care settings. The guidelines and advice underlying these effective control programs have been produced by high-income countries for their own social, economic, and health environments. These have also been adopted by low- and middle-income (LMI) countries, but these countries appear to have a limited ability to apply these principles using the same methods. A systematic search for literature published in English was conducted exploring the relationship between the available infection prevention and control advice and the capacity of LMI countries to apply this guidance in their health care settings. Articles relevant to this exploration were identified and subsequently informed further search terms and identified other significant documents. Infection control guidelines designed for high-income countries are being utilized by LMI countries, with varying degrees of success mainly because of physical, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. There is a lack of published studies exploring the implementation of comprehensive infection control advice and programs, including the minimal advice, which is designed specifically for resource-limited settings. What is evident from the literature is that there is a need for the development of infection control and prevention guidelines based on evidence but adapted to the specific needs of health care workers in LMI countries. This must be done in collaboration with those same LMI countries' health care workers. Equally, because of finance and health priorities, health care facilities should choose those interventions most relevant to the needs of their population and workers to prevent infection transmission. Opportunities for further research into application of available infection control advice in LMI countries are identified. Through such research, more appropriate advice may be devised to assist with the development of infection control programs in these settings.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 03-03-2023
DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.03.530948
Abstract: Since their discovery, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have changed our view on how organisms interact with their extracellular world. EVs are able to traffic a erse array of molecules across different species and even domains, facilitating numerous functions. In this study, we investigate EV production in Haloferax volcanii , as representative for Euryarchaeida. We uncover that EVs enclose RNA, with specific transcripts preferentially enriched, including those with regulatory potential, and conclude that EVs can act as an RNA communication system between haloarchaea. We demonstrate the key role of an EV-associated Ras superfamily GTPase for EV formation in H. volcanii that is also present across other erse evolutionary branches of Archaea. Ras superfamily GTPases are key players in eukaryotic intracellular vesicle formation and trafficking mechanisms that have been crucial for the emergence of Eukaryotes. Therefore, we propose that archaeal EV formation could reveal insights into the origin of the compartmentalized eukaryotic cell.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13643-020-01426-2
Abstract: Psychological stress is a prevalent factor in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with detrimental effects on patients’ quality of life and possibly disease course. Although the aetiology of symptom exacerbation in IBD has been explored, determining any causation between psychological stress and symptom worsening remains challenging and requires a methodologically rigorous approach. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to determine a causal relationship between psychological stress and symptom exacerbation in IBD, subsequently utilising Bradford Hill’s criteria (approach never used in this topic area before) to evaluate the likelihood of causal associations. Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycInfo were searched for relevant studies up to July 20, 2019. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed by two independent reviewers. Results of all retained papers were presented as a narrative synthesis. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted on studies meeting the criteria for meta-analysis. Bradford Hill criteria were applied to assess the causality of the relationship between all psychological factors and symptom exacerbation. The searches yielded 2472 potential articles. Nineteen clinical prospective cohort studies were eligible for the narrative review with five suitable for the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed depression, anxiety and perceived stress did not have a statistically significant association with an increased risk of symptom exacerbation. Four of the Bradford Hill criteria were met which indicates that there is weak to moderate evidence of a causal association between all the psychological factors and disease activity. Inconsistent results and a dearth of studies using the same tools for measuring psychological factors suggest the need for more research to be done to facilitate more conclusive findings. This original review utilising Bradford Hill criteria in addition to meta-analysis to evaluate the causality of relationship between psychological factors and symptom exacerbation in IBD provides evidence that psychological factors have a weak to moderate causal involvement in IBD symptom exacerbation. However, when combining this finding with the outcomes of the meta-analysis, we can say that the results were inconclusive . Interventions to reduce the associated psychological impact should be part of the treatment plan for patients with IBD. PROSPERO CRD42012003143
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Location: India
No related grants have been discovered for Peta-Anne Zimmerman.