Skip to main content

Table 1 The definition for variables of implementation of infection control (line 126 in page 6)

From: Prevalence of and risk factors for tuberculosis among healthcare workers in Chinese tuberculosis facilities

Number

Variables

Definition

a

with in-patient wards

whether the facility included in-patient wards for TB patients

b

screening for patients

whether patients were screened for TB

c

department and staff setting

department and staff composition: whether there was a dedicated department for TB infection prevention and control;

specialist and sufficient staff

d

infection control policies and budgets

infection control policies and budgets: whether a program for TB infection control existed;

existing an established referral system;

existing appropriate and dedicated funding

e

staff training Implementation

whether there was pre-employment training program in TB infection prevention and control, provision of continuous education;

provision of review courses and activities

f

infection control evaluation implementation

details of incorporation of TB infection control practices to performance indicator systems and evaluation of the environmental implementation for TB infection control

g

administrative implementation

whether dedicated area for coughing patients are provided during appointments;

appropriately designed sputum collection area according to building standards;

provision of facial tissues or medical masks for patients;

measurement of time spent by patients at health care facilities (with an aim to shorten length of stay);

firstly receiving samples of suspected infectious TB cases in laboratories;

firstly treating suspected infectious TB cases in in-patient wards;

with details of any isolation system;

separating patients with and without a cough;

separating TB cases (infectious or multi-drug resistant disease) from non-TB patients in in-patient wards or out-patient departments

h

promotion and education implementation

whether promotional materials about TB infection control is offered in out-patient departments and wards, including cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene in out-patient departments and wards, ensuring patients keep good cough etiquette and wear surgical masks in wards;

i

individual protection

carrying out TB infection control education, conducting health check-up examinations on an yearly basis for HCW;

wearing N95 medical masks when collecting smear;

wearing N95 medical masks among HCWs in out-patient wards or laboratories;

conducting fitting tests of N95 medical masks regularly;

j

floor plan design

the designation rationality in the waiting area, or in out-patient departments, or in laboratories, or in-patient wards;

k

ventilation

good ventilation in out-patient departments;

HCWs in out-patient departments sitting upwind of patients; installation of ventilation equipment in out-patient departments or wards;

l

ultraviolet germicidal lamps installation and maintenance

installing ultraviolet germicidal lamps in out-patient departments, or wards or laboratories;

having a good maintenance plan in out-patient departments, or wards or laboratories.