How Maryland increased infection prevention and control activity in long-term care facilities, 2003-2008

Impact of hand hygiene on the infectious risk in nursing home residents: A systematic review

“…Among the 46 remaining studies, 33 investigated multifaceted interventions which covered other aspects of infection control besides HH, 39,43,46,50,52,53,56,59,61,63,65 whereas 13 described interventions based on HH only. 10,45,[47][48][49]51,54,55,57,58,60,62,64 The interventions on HH were diverse and included educational programs for the staff and the residents (in 57% of the 46 studies describing interventions), 10,14,20,21,23,27,29,39,43,45,47,48,50,51,53,55-65 implementation of new guidelines (28% of studies), [10][11][12][13]15,17,19,20,22,26,…”

Understanding infection prevention and control in nursing homes: A qualitative study

“…26 The state partnered with the LTC industry trade associations and spearheaded regulatory, educational, and financial initiatives to improve this situation and achieved a fivefold increase in facilities employing a trained IP and quicker identification of outbreaks resulting in less disease. 9 However, implementation of such programs uses resources and needs leadership. Furthermore, after the intervention in Maryland, only 44% of IPs managing IPC programs in LTC had training, indicating much work is still needed.…”

“…38 The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, representing IPs, also offers credentialing and educational resources. 8, 9, 18, 39 However, some of these resources may be expensive in both time and money for the IPs working in NHs, especially with their other multiple responsibilities. Furthermore, the current available IP credentialing is not specific to geriatrics and/or NHs.…”

“…In Maryland in 2003, 8.1% of NHs reported employing an IP, which increased to 44% in 2008. 9 In a survey of Michigan NHs, it was found that 50% had a fulltime IP. 10 Even when an IP is not present in a NH, a staff member is assigned responsibility for the IPC program.…”

The 24-hour report as an effective monitoring and communication tool in infection prevention and control in nursing homes

“…1 Infection preventionists (IPs) manage these programs and are an essential part of an effective program, 2 although an interdisciplinary collaborative approach is also critical for the program to be successful. This includes regular communication between frontline healthcare personnel, administration, and physician/medical directors on issues such as antibiotic usage, indwelling devices and transmission-based precautions, in addition to other general resident care information.…”