Healthcare workers' experiences of caring for patients colonized with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) in an acute hospital setting- a review

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) is an increasing public health concern; these bacteria are highly transmissible in hospital environments and the number of patients with these multidrug-resistant bacteria is rising. Healthcare workers caring for patients colonized with CPE offer insight into care delivery and processes in the hospital setting. The aim of this review was to explore healthcare workers' experiences of caring for patients colonized with CPE. A scoping review method was employed and seven electronic databases (CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus) and four grey literature databases (Open Grey, Grey Literature Report, Clinical trials. gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were searched using specific search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria. A PRISMA flow diagram was used to illustrate the process of article selection and thematic analysis used to form themes. Three studies met the criteria to be included in this review. Two main themes were identified from analysing the articles: 'Safeguarding' and 'Power of Knowledge'. The desire to protect themselves, their families and patients was evident from the studies. Healthcare workers were aware of the importance on infection prevention and control measures such as hand hygiene, in preventing the transmission of CPE, however barriers to these were identified, such as time constraints. In conclusion, healthcare workers have negative associations when it comes to caring for patients with CPE. Very little research has been conducted in the area and there is an opportunity to further explore the experience of healthcare workers caring for patients with CPE to identify opportunities for improvement and support of staff.& COPY; 2022 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) is a growing concern in public health, with highly transmissible bacteria in hospital environments and an increasing number of patients with multidrug-resistant bacteria. This review aims to explore healthcare workers' experiences of caring for patients colonized with CPE. Through a scoping review method, three studies were included, identifying the themes of 'Safeguarding' and 'Power of Knowledge'. Healthcare workers showed a desire to protect themselves, their families, and patients, while also recognizing the importance of infection prevention and control measures. However, barriers such as time constraints were identified. Further research is needed to better understand and support healthcare workers in caring for patients with CPE.