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How Maryland increased infection prevention and control activity in long-term care facilities, 2003-2008
Brenda J Roup1, Joseph M Scaletta
1Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. broup@dhmh.state.md.us
Background:
In January 2003, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) assessed the state of infection prevention and control (IPC) resources and practices in all long-term care facilities (LTC) in the state. Only 8.1% of facilities that responded employed a trained IPC professional (IP) who managed the facility IPC program.
Methods:
Between 2003 and 2008, the DHMH partnered with long-term care industry trade associations and spearheaded regulatory, educational, and financial initiatives to improve this situation. In January 2008, all LTC facilities in the state were resurveyed to determine the impact of these initiatives on IPC activities.
Results:
The 2008 survey indicated that 44% of LTC facilities used a trained IP who managed the IPC program, a 5-fold increase from 2003. Unpublished DHMH outbreak data indicated that LTC facilities with a trained IP recognized and reported outbreaks to the local health department 2 days sooner than facilities without a trained IP, resulting in fewer cases of disease.
Conclusions:
Multiple initiatives with concerned stakeholders and LTC partners over the course of 5 years resulted in increased numbers of LTC facilities with trained IPs who recognized and responded to outbreaks sooner than facilities without trained IPs.
Insights
Implementing infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals in long-term care facilities significantly improved outbreak detection and response times. This led to fewer disease cases, enhancing patient safety and care quality.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
- Infection Control
Background:
- In 2003, Maryland long-term care facilities (LTC) had limited infection prevention and control (IPC) resources, with only 8.1% employing a trained IPC professional (IP).
- This assessment highlighted a critical gap in dedicated IPC expertise within these facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of targeted initiatives on improving IPC practices in Maryland LTC facilities.
- To determine the increase in the employment of trained IPC professionals and their effect on outbreak management.
Main Methods:
- The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) collaborated with LTC industry trade associations from 2003 to 2008.
- Initiatives included regulatory, educational, and financial strategies, followed by a statewide resurvey of LTC facilities in January 2008.
Main Results:
- By 2008, 44% of LTC facilities employed a trained IP, a fivefold increase from 2003.
- Facilities with trained IPs identified and reported outbreaks two days earlier than those without, leading to reduced disease transmission.
Conclusions:
- A multi-faceted, 5-year initiative successfully increased the number of LTC facilities with trained IPC professionals.
- The presence of trained IPs demonstrably improved the speed of outbreak recognition and response, minimizing disease spread.
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