Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
3) The majority of smaller studies of specific outbreaks suggest that
the primary means of patient infection is nosocomial
transmission (transmission in the hospital environment). Two
primary types of transmission are described, Vertical
(transmission between two patients who have used the same
machine at different times) and Horizontal (transmission
between patients having treatment at the same time, but on
different machines). Horizontal transmission appears to be more
common. This would generally indicate a failure of infection
control practice, with the virus being transmitted either by the
staff of the unit, or by the environmental surfaces. (McLaughlin
et al 1997, Norder et al 1998, Sivapalasingam et al 2002, Arenas
et al 2005).
Conclusion
The literature suggests that poor infection control policy or practice
is the overriding cause of HCV transmission in haemodialysis units
internationally.
There is a dearth of research in this area in Ireland, and following
this review, the author is currently submitting a proposal for ethical
approval to undertake a study in the Irish context. The author plans
to examine Infection Control policy to prevent the transmission of
blood borne viruses in Irish Haemodialysis Units, with particular
emphasis on the following:
� Those practices identified in the literature as causing potential
risks for BBV transmission.
� The specific strategies for managing each BBV, e.g. establish if it
is the policy of units to isolate patients with HCV & HIV, and what
other protocols are in place for the management of such
diseases.
� The availability of infrastructures to support such policies, e.g.
suitable isolation facilities.
� How and where dialysis units deviate from the Irish
recommendations on BBV management (DoHC 2005), including
screening protocols, physical infrastructures, and practice
recommendations on BBV management.
This research should establish the current policies in Irish
haemodialysis units for managing BBV’s, identify areas of concern,
and establish the resource deficits in meeting the new Irish
Guidelines in this area.
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