Table 4 Details of the 12 selected ideas presented orally

1

The next generation of antiseptics (revised: The next generation of antiseptic Containers)

The main innovative idea of this team was to design an alcohol-based handrub container connected to a counter. This counter would not only show the number of times it is used by the HCWs, but it would also show an inspirational scientific fact about the importance of handrubs in hand-hygiene, hospital-acquired infections, and IPC practices. The main concept behind this idea was that increasing hand-hygiene adherence needs motivation and education.

2

An automatic hand hygiene monitoring system

This project was based on “monitoring and surveillance” as an integral part of IPC. The innovative aspect of this idea was designing an electronic badge for HCWs that is connected to the handrub dispenser and they suggested an integrated plan consisted of three parts:

1. All entrance doors should be connected to a handrub dispenser that will work as a key to the door, so the doors will open only if the handrub dispenser is used by the HCWs. Besides, the use of handrubs will be recorded by the electronic badge as a monitoring device.

2. An infection control area will be defined around patients’ beds and if HCWs enter this area without using the handrub dispenser, an alarming signal (beeping sound, alarming light, or a vibration) via their badge will notify them to wash their hands before approaching to the patient.

3. The data collected by the badges will be used to monitor the hand-hygiene adherence among HCWs and may be used as a reward-punishment system to enforce this behaviour.

3

Using the pocket chart to reduce antibiotic resistance

This project was focused on antibiotic stewardship. The main idea was to design a user-friendly chart, called “Pocket Chart”, including indications for starting antibiotics and antibiotic duration as well as a detailed report on antibiotic resistance patterns. Although the main idea of using guidelines for antibiotic prescription is not novel, local guidelines for different conditions are lacking in Iran. The team suggested that their Pocket Chart would be customized not only for each different hospital ward but also for different areas of the city for outpatients.

4

Post-operation patient care to prevent and control infections through the use of a mobile application

The main idea of this project was to design an app to monitor patients after surgery and develop a platform for easy communication between patients and doctors. The app would have 4 parts, i.e. patient’s profile, notification panel, messaging, and question and answer part. The app would be supported by an online server containing medical records of the patients. The application would also make possible for different patients to communicate with each other and share their experiences. The application would gather information on patients’ condition after surgery and notify their doctors in case any red flag signs occur.

5

Mobile handrub dispenser

This project focused on increasing the accessibility of the alcohol-based handrub solutions by designing a wearable handrub dispenser. The design included a wearable dispenser designed as a bracelet or armlet with a refillable container and a handrub container mounted on the walls that could be used to refill the bracelet/armlet.

6

Developing an integrated antibiotic monitoring and management governmental system to reduce resistance to antibiotics

This idea suggested an integrated monitoring and management system that oversees the antibiotic prescription and usage. This system includes three parts:

1. Developing a two-part visit strategy for doctors, in which all patients with an indication for antibiotic use will be prescribed with the appropriate antibiotic. After a few days, the patient’s condition and response to antibiotic therapy will be evaluated

2. Developing an electronic system to record the amount of antibiotics prescribed for each patient and monitor their antibiotic use

3. Making strict rules for selling over-the-counter antibiotics Although these strategies are common in many developed healthcare system, in Iran we do not have an integrated system for antibiotic prescription monitoring

7

Prevention of implant-associated infections by using electrospun nanofibers

In this project, the contestants aimed to develop a polymeric dressing with tunable drug release to be used in orthopaedic surgeries. The designed dressing would be made through electrospinning process and contain desired antibiotics. They suggested that their dressing would be applied on the implant site before closing the wound in the operation room.

8

Production and use of new yarn stitches based on silver nanoparticles

This team designed suture threads coated with silver nanoparticles to prevent surgical site infection.

9

Nanotechnology: the open way of infection control, prospects

This team designed a urinary catheter coated with silver nanoparticles to prevent urinary tract infections.

10

Bacteriotherapy for wound healing

This project was mainly focused on a wound dressing that contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus plantarum isolates and prevents infections related to diabetic foot.

11

How can we manage healthcare-associated infections in hospitals?

Designing an electronic device containing patients’ files and charts to replace conventional charts was the focus. The device would scan HCWs’ hands and give access only to those with low bacterial contamination.

12

Combination strategy (restriction-education) for antibiotic stewardship program

This team developed an executive plan for antibiotic stewardship in three steps: A. developing an electronic medical record software for monitoring antibiotic use, B. imposing strict rules with severe fines for over-the-counter antibiotic selling and C. mass education programs for general population.