Related Experiment Videos
Nosocomial infections in long-term facilities
S Alvarez1, C G Shell, T W Woolley
1Section of Infectious Disease, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Johnson City, TN.
Abstract:
We studied the incidence and prevalence of hospital-acquired infections in our intermediate-care units and the Nursing Home Care Unit at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Johnson City, TN over a 4-year period (1980 through 1983). The global infection rate was 3.86 per 1,000 patient care days. The lower respiratory tract was the most common site of infection, followed by urinary tract infections, skin infections, bacteremia, wound infections, and infections at other sites. The prevalence study conducted by monthly visits over a 1-year period showed similar results. All of our patients were elderly males with multiple underlying diseases and poor performance status. The high incidence of nosocomial infections in chronic-care facilities relates to the poor functional assessment of the patients, which may increase the susceptibility of these patients to develop infections, mainly lower respiratory and cutaneous infections.
Insights
Hospital-acquired infections occurred at a rate of 3.86 per 1,000 patient days in a Veterans Affairs facility. Elderly male patients with underlying conditions were most susceptible to lower respiratory and skin infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Geriatric Medicine
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant challenge in healthcare settings.
- Chronic-care facilities house vulnerable populations, including elderly males with multiple comorbidities.
- Understanding infection patterns in these facilities is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and prevalence of HAIs in intermediate-care and Nursing Home Care Units.
- To identify the most common sites of infection within these units.
- To explore the relationship between patient characteristics and infection susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- A 4-year retrospective study (1980-1983) analyzing infection rates.
- A 1-year prospective prevalence study involving monthly patient visits.
- Data collection on infection sites, patient demographics, and underlying conditions.
Main Results:
- The overall global infection rate was 3.86 per 1,000 patient care days.
- Lower respiratory tract infections were most frequent, followed by urinary tract infections, skin infections, and bacteremia.
- Elderly males with poor functional status and multiple diseases showed higher susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- The high incidence of nosocomial infections in chronic-care facilities is linked to patient functional status.
- Poor functional assessment increases susceptibility to infections, particularly lower respiratory and cutaneous infections.
- Targeted interventions for high-risk elderly patients are warranted to reduce HAI burden.