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Thank you to all who replied to my query.
The responses received tell me that some of you are as confused about the
application of droplet and airborne precautions simultaneously and how to
educate HCWs to be consistent and stay safe whilst using appropriate PPE.
Some have addressed the potential confusion by creating new terms for
precautions e.g. ‘respiratory precautions’ to try to clarify requirements
for HCWs where it does not fit with conventional transmission-based
precautions.
I also note there appears to be little consistency across the country at a
facility or jurisdiction level. This must make it difficult for those HCWs
who work in multiple facilities.
The lack of consistent advice between the Australian Guidelines for the
Prevention and Control of Infection in Health care on how to apply standard
plus droplet and airborne precautions and the CDNA SoNG and then how this
is applied by clinicians. Only tonight on the news, I noted several HCWs at
NSW COVID screening/testing centres wearing multiple masks simultaneously.
Where does it say that in the evidence!!
Many of the research evidence including the Lancet review by Chu et al
discusses the benefit of protective eyewear in conjunction with the use of
masks and respirators to protect the eyes, this is not new, it is part of
standard precautions but hasn’t been well applied by HCWs prior to
COVID-19. The research does not seem to clarify why droplet and airborne
precautions are applied together or to what benefit. It makes me wonder if
it is a ‘more must be better’ recommendation.
I guess we continue to problem solve the confusion and go back to first
principles for providing consistent evidence-based advice to health care
workers and try to minimise confusion.
On that note, stay safe and thank you again for your feedback.
Kind regards,
Sue
.
Sue Greig RN CICP-E
National Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator
Ramsay Health Care
0407 312 600
On Thu, 9 Jul 2020 at 16:39, John Ferguson (Hunter New England LHD) wrote:
> Hi Sue
>
>
>
> Technically, airborne precautions do not include eye protection whereas
> droplet do
>
> And so the need to require all three contact+droplet+airborne for COVID as
> we believe that eye exposure is a significant risk (recent Lancet review by
> Chu et al)
>
> Obviously a p2/n95 respirator or equivalent is required rather than a
> surgical mask when airborne required
>
> A risk managed approach is recommended to decide on whether a gown or
> apron is required
>
>
>
>
>
> Kind regards
>
> John
>
>
>
> *Dr John Ferguson **MBBS DTM&H FRACP FRCPA*
>
> Director, Infection Prevention Service | *Hunter New England Local Health
> District*
>
> John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1, Newcastle Mail Centre, NSW 2310,
> Australia
> T: 61 2 49223725 | M: +61(0)428 885573 (Speed
> Dial 67607) | Tw @mdjkf
>
>
> https://aimed.net.au/2020/03/28/why-are-standard-infection-control-precautions-the-best-bulwark-against-spread-of-covid-19-in-healthcare/
>
> [image: cid:image010.jpg@01D6051B.57135930]
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* ACIPC Infexion Connexion [mailto:ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU] *On
> Behalf Of *sue greig
> *Sent:* Wednesday, 8 July 2020 8:49 PM
> *To:* ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU
> *Subject:* [ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion] Precautions for COVID-19 cases
>
>
>
> Dear brains trust,
>
> I am interested in the how ICPs and educators are explaining to HCWs the
> application of standard plus contact plus droplet plus airborne precautions
> as required by CDNA latest SoNG, resources provided by the ACSQHC, and NSW
> Health COVID-19 Policy,
>
> The areas I am interested in particularly are:
>
> 1. The practical application of droplet and airborne precautions
> simultaneously.
> 2. The PPE you are using fo this level of precautions and why
> 3. The environmental and patient placement considerations applied when
> droplet and airborne precautions are applied simultaneously.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
>
>
> Kind regards,
> Sue
>
>
>
> Sue Greig RN CICP-E
>
> National Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator
>
> Ramsay Health Care
>
> 0407 312 600
>
>
>
>
> —
>
>
>
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—
Sue Greig
I try to maintain a sensible work-life balance. Please note this is a
personal email and I check messages and respond accordingly.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
The information in this transmission may be confidential and/or protected
by legal professional privilege, and is intended only for the person or
persons to whom it is addressed. If you are not such a person, you are
warned that any disclosure, copying or dissemination of the information is
unauthorised. If you have received the transmission in error, please
immediately delete it. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of
the information contained in this transmission.
MESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.
The use of trade/product/commercial brand names through the list is discouraged by ACIPC. If you wish to discuss specific reference to products or services by brand or commercial names, please do this outside the list.
Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives – registration and login required.
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