Title : Infection control during living donor kidney transplants
Abstract:
The incidence of living donor kidney transplants is increasing globally due to advances in structural set ups, improved techniques in detections of tissue compatibilities, expertise in the procedures and availability of necessary resources. However, considering the immunosuppression that the patients are subjected to, makes them undeniably susceptible to infections from innocuous microorganisms to multidrug resistant bugs. These could be healthcare associated, opportunistic or community acquired infections. Infectious complications after transplant can be a cause of morbidity and mortality. It is a constant challenge to ensure the success of this program under the umbrella of Infection control. Material & methods-In view of protecting kidney transplant recipients from infections, we prepared an Infection control checklist which covered various aspects from engineering controls to carrier status of the donor, recipient and staff, from food and linen to cleaning protocols .The check list incorporates infection prevention practices such as Standard Precautions, Hand hygiene and Isolation practices besides other measures. This simple, yet comprehensive checklist is useful while working in resource constrained conditions. I shall be sharing this check list with the audience which we have implemented in our institute. Some of the components of this checklist include
• Engineering parameters – AC filters, HEPA filters, air changes, positive pressure, temperature and humidity controls.
• Dust control measures – cessation of construction/ renovation activities in the vicinity, use of air tight barriers • Prior screening of patients for CMV, EBV, MRSA.
• Dedicated staff with training and reinforced training on infection control measures; screening of staff for latent infections or MRSA carriage.
• Cleaning protocols for the environment.
• Policies for food and linen.
• Educating the recipient, family and visitors with regards to infection preventive measures. • Policy with regards to outsourced healthcare workers.
Audience take away:
1. Explain how the audience will be able to use what they learn? The audience would learn the followingo Factors leading to increased susceptibility to infections in kidney transplant recipients. o The various microorganisms which can cause infections in kidney transplant recipients. o Simple measures to adopt in resource restricted conditions to ensure that the recipients are free from infections.
2. How will this help the audience in their job? o This will help the audience to be aware of the risks entailed to a Kidney transplant recipient o It will help the audience to adopt these measures in their healthcare setups where plans for kidney transplant programs are underway or where there are already active programs in place.
3. Is this research that other faculty could use to expand their research or teaching? o Yes. As the incidence of transplants of various organs increase, similar checklists specific to different transplants could be designed and implemented.
4. Does this provide a practical solution to a problem that could simplify or make a designer’s job more efficient? o Simple measures have been listed to provide practical solutions for the success of the infection free kidney transplant program
