33 research outputs found
Comparing disease control policies for interacting wild populations
We consider interacting population systems of predator-prey type, presenting
four models of control strategies for epidemics among the prey. In particular
to contain the transmissible disease, safety niches are considered, assuming
they lessen the disease spread, but do not protect prey from predators. This
represents a novelty with respect to standard ecosystems where the refuge
prevents predators' attacks. The niche is assumed either to protect the healthy
individuals, or to hinder the infected ones to get in contact with the
susceptibles, or finally to reduce altogether contacts that might lead to new
cases of the infection. In addition a standard culling procedure is also
analysed. The effectiveness of the different strategies are compared. Probably
the environments providing a place where disease carriers cannot come in
contact with the healthy individuals, or where their contact rates are lowered,
seem to preferable for disease containment
Analysis of Italian requests for compensation in cases of responsibility for healthcare-related infections: A retrospective study
IntroductionThe aim of this study was to examine the type of compensation claims for alleged medical malpractice in the field of healthcare-related infections in Italy.MethodsIt was analyzed which was the most frequent clinical context, the characteristics of the disputes established, which were the alleged damages most often complained of, which were the possibly censurable behaviors of the health professionals, and which were the reasons for acceptance or rejection of the request for compensation.ResultsIn 90.2%, the issue questioned regarded surgical site infections. The most common pathogens involved were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (34.1%) and Staphylococcus aureus (24.4%). The lack or non-adherence to protocols of prophylaxis and/or prevention of healthcare-related infections was the most reported cause of acceptance of the request of compensation.DiscussionAccording to our data, a stronger effort should be made in terms of risk management perspective in order to ensure the develop and application of protocols for prevention of Gram-positive healthcare-related infections and strengthen infection control and antimicrobial stewardship programs