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Infection control in home care agencies
1Department of Mental Health, Community, and Administrative Nursing, University of California, San Francisco.
American Journal of Infection Control
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Home care agencies provide high-risk infection care and mostly have infection control policies. However, some agencies lack education on handling contaminated equipment, highlighting a need for improved infection control in home healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Infection Control
- Home Healthcare
Background:
- Home care agencies are crucial for patient care outside traditional hospital settings.
- Understanding infection control practices in home care is vital for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize home care agencies.
- To assess the nature of care provided, focusing on infection risk.
- To evaluate the presence and scope of infection control standards and education.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, descriptive study design was employed.
- A survey was administered to directors of home health agencies in northern California.
- The survey collected data on agency type, care delivery, and infection control policies and education.
Main Results:
- A 33.5% response rate was achieved.
- Over 90% of agencies managed high-infection-risk procedures like urinary drainage and IV management.
- While most agencies had policies for high-risk procedures and universal precautions, 24.6% lacked education on handling contaminated equipment.
Conclusions:
- Home care agencies deliver high-risk infection care and generally have infection control policies.
- A gap exists in educational programs regarding the handling of contaminated equipment.
- Further research is required to refine infection control strategies in home healthcare settings, adapting hospital knowledge to the home environment.