Infection control programs in twelve North Carolina extended care facilities

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Infection Control
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Extended care facilities are crucial for vulnerable populations.
• Effective infection control programs are vital to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• Assessing the current state of infection control practices in these settings is essential for improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the scope and effectiveness of infection control programs in North Carolina extended care facilities.
• To identify specific areas of strength and weakness in infection control practices.
• To determine the prevalence of nosocomial infections in these facilities.

Main Methods:

• A 1-day survey using a standardized questionnaire was administered in 12 extended care facilities.
• Data collection occurred over an 8-month period.
• Nosocomial infection surveillance was conducted among 336 residents in 9 facilities using modified CDC criteria.

Main Results:

• All facilities had a designated infection control practitioner (ICP), but none had formal training.
• Most facilities had an Infection Control Committee, with a majority meeting regularly.
• Employee health programs were common, but comprehensive resident health programs were absent.
• Infection surveillance was conducted, but accurate calculation of nosocomial infection rates was limited.
• The overall prevalence of nosocomial infections was 5.4%.

Conclusions:

• Extended care facilities require enhanced infection control education and resources.
• There is a need for standardized methods for calculating infection rates and comprehensive resident health programs.
• Improvements in infection control practices are necessary to reduce healthcare-associated infections in this setting.