Infection Prevention and Control for ICU during COVID-19 Pandemic: Position Paper of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine

Abstract

A bstract Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has very high rates of hospital-related transmission among healthcare workers (HCWs), mandating the need for careful intensive care unit (ICU) designing, optimization of staff resources, implementation of vigorous infection control practices, environmental disinfection, meticulous sample collection, and criteria for staff quarantine. Most of the ICUs are not designed to deal with airborne viral infections and require redesigning for the safety of HCWs and patients. Infection control practices related to the prevention of spread of COVD-19 are unique and are well described. The training of staff on infection control practices reduces the infection rate among HCWs significantly. Adequate staffing not only helps in infection control but also prevents burnout of the staff. In case of infection to HCW, the staff must be assessed systematically, and institute's infection control committee should guide for isolation period as well as return to work based upon standard recommendations. This article focuses on infection control and prevention measures required in ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic. How to cite this article: Sharma J, Nasa P, Reddy KS, Kuragayala SD, Sahi S, Gopal P, et al . Infection Prevention and Control for ICU during COVID-19 Pandemic: Position Paper of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 5):S280–S289.

A Serendipitous Outcome of COVID-19: Modifications to ICU Management

“…Using disposable equipment was encouraged wherever possible. Regarding non-disposable equipment, such as stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, thermometers and oximeters, cleansing with 70% ethyl alcohol or quaternary ammonium compounds was recommended ( 13 ). Surface disinfection is also an integral part of infection control ( 13 ).…”

“…Regarding non-disposable equipment, such as stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, thermometers and oximeters, cleansing with 70% ethyl alcohol or quaternary ammonium compounds was recommended ( 13 ). Surface disinfection is also an integral part of infection control ( 13 ). Thus, surfaces are categorised into two types: i) high-touch and ii) low touch surfaces ( 13 ).…”

“…Surface disinfection is also an integral part of infection control ( 13 ). Thus, surfaces are categorised into two types: i) high-touch and ii) low touch surfaces ( 13 ). Doorknobs, bed rails, light switches, toilet walls and privacy curtain edges are all high-touch surfaces that should be frequently disinfected ( 13 ).…”

“…Thus, surfaces are categorised into two types: i) high-touch and ii) low touch surfaces ( 13 ). Doorknobs, bed rails, light switches, toilet walls and privacy curtain edges are all high-touch surfaces that should be frequently disinfected ( 13 ). Floors, ceilings, walls, curtains and blinds are low-touch surfaces that require less frequent cleaning; usually twice a day and a damp mop is preferred over dry cleaning ( 13 ).…”

Fit Factor Change on Quantitative Fit Testing of Duckbill N95 Respirators with the Use of Safety Goggles

“… 22 Any intervention that enhances the safety of the HCW should be thoroughly evaluated and implemented if found useful. 5 , 14 …”