Browsing by Author "Hoffmann, Rena"

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    Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonisation in adult inpatients : a point prevalence study
    (AOSIS, 2019) Nel, Pieter; Paterson, Lauren A.; Hoffmann, Rena
    Background: Infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) have been increasing worldwide in recent years, but data regarding the prevalence and clinical significance of CPE colonisation in South Africa is not well documented. Local private hospital groups have implemented routine screening programmes for selected high-risk patients as endorsed by the South African Society for Clinical Microbiology. This practice is not routinely performed in the public sector. Methods: A point prevalence study was performed at Tygerberg Hospital (TBH) by screening patients of all the adult inpatient wards to investigate the current prevalence of CPE colonisation. Common risk factors associated with CPE colonisation were also investigated. Results: From a total of 439 patient samples collected, only one patient was colonised with a Klebsiella pneumoniae organism harbouring blaNDM-1. The identified patient had none of the common risk factors associated with CPE colonisation. Conclusion: Based on these findings, screening for CPE colonisation in adults on admission to TBH is currently not recommended.
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    Ready of not? Perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of newly qualified medical microbiologists entering practise in South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Hoffmann, Rena; Wasserman, E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Health Professions Education.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Purpose of the Research: To obtain more comprehensive data on the perceptions of strengths and weaknesses in Medical Microbiological Pathology training against the background of rapidly changing pathology services. Methods: On-line surveys were conducted of potential employers and recent graduates of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Pathology. Results: There were 15 employer respondents and 19 newly trained pathologist respondents out of the 88 pathologists that were identified to participate in the study. From the employers’ standpoint, the majority expressed overall satisfaction with newly trained pathologists. Specific areas of deficiency were Administration, Management and Research. In addition, almost a half of employers agreed that the same amount of guidance and support for newly trained pathologists is needed now than was required a decade ago. Newly trained pathologists did not appear to be inappropriately overconfident in their abilities. In selecting new pathologists, employers perceived ability to work in a team, academic knowledge and interpersonal skills as the most important applicant characteristics. When newly trained pathologists were asked why they thought they were offered their position, the responses were very varied, ranging from academic background to contractual obligations. Conclusion: We believe that with this study some insights were obtained into the perceived strengths and weaknesses of newly trained pathologists entering Microbiology Pathology Services and that the results of the study can be used as input for further discussions and training of pathology registrars.