The research delves into the crux of infection routes and risk elements inherent in a standard Computed Tomography (CT) examination process. The study, with 30 qualified CT examination experts, explores the pertinent issue in the backdrop of preventative and control measures set up to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The study seeks to reduce the instances of cross-infection within hospital settings. The team evaluated potential failure modes through three primary parameters – severity, probability of occurrence, and detectability, alongside associated risk prevention methodologies. The risk prioritization was based on Risk Priority Number (RPN) and expert-level dissection.
Through an in-depth application of RPN and additional analysis, four key potential infection processes emerge. These include the ‘CT request form,’ ‘during the scan of CT patient,’ ‘CT room and objects disposal,’ and ‘medical waste disposal.’ Alongside these processes, the study also identified critical risk factors including non-standard mask usage by cleaning staff, improper vein selection by nurses resulting in peripheral vein extravasation for enhanced CT, patients’ inability to locate the CT room or understand the procedure after receiving a CT request form, patients’ health deterioration during the CT scan, insufficient knowledge of sterilization and disinfection standards among auxiliary staff or technicians, inadequate sterilization of the CT machine by the same, and lack of awareness about COVID-19 prevention and control among cleaning personnel.
The study suggests that hospitals should endeavor to communicate the necessary precautions relating to the CT examination through various forums to reduce CT examination failure incidences. Since hospital cleaning services are usually outsourced and the staff employed typically don’t possess high educational backgrounds, it’s essential to design a series of training curriculum that aligns with their understanding level. In conclusion, the model outlined in this study is a significant tool in identifying the key infection prevention process and critical risk factors, thereby enhancing the safety of medical staff and patients. This development has profound research implications for potential epidemics of major infectious diseases.
Source: https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-024-09136-z