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Enhanced Barrier Precautions: A Critical Step towards Strengthening Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes

Introduction

Nursing homes play a vital role in providing care and support to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with chronic conditions. However, these settings are also high-risk environments for the spread of infections. Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBPs) have emerged as a crucial strategy to strengthen infection prevention and control measures in nursing homes. This article explores the importance of EBPs in nursing homes, their implementation, and the benefits they offer in reducing infection transmission.

The Need for Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing Homes

Nursing home residents are at increased risk of developing infections due to their age, underlying health conditions, and the presence of invasive devices such as urinary catheters and central lines (CDC, 2020). Infections in nursing homes can lead to severe consequences, including hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality (Strausbaugh & Joseph, 2000). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of EBPs to prevent the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings, including nursing homes (CDC, 2020).

What are Enhanced Barrier Precautions?

EBPs involve the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other barrier methods to prevent the transmission of infectious agents. This includes the use of gloves, gowns, and masks when interacting with residents who have known or suspected infections (CDC, 2020). EBPs also involve the use of Standard Precautions, which are designed to reduce the transmission of infectious agents from both known and unknown sources ( Siegel et al., 2007).

Implementing Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing Homes

Implementing EBPs in nursing homes requires a multifaceted approach. This includes:

1. Risk Assessment: Conducting regular risk assessments to identify residents who require EBPs (CDC, 2020).

2. PPE Use: Ensuring the appropriate use of PPE, including gloves, gowns, and masks (CDC, 2020).

3. Staff Training: Providing regular training and education to staff on the use of EBPs (Strausbaugh & Joseph, 2000).

4. Monitoring and Feedback: Monitoring adherence to EBPs and providing feedback to staff (CDC, 2020).

Benefits of Enhanced Barrier Precautions

The implementation of EBPs in nursing homes has several benefits, including:

1. Reduced Infection Transmission: EBPs can reduce the transmission of infectious agents, including multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) (CDC, 2020).

2. Improved Resident Safety: EBPs can improve resident safety by reducing the risk of infection-related complications (Strausbaugh & Joseph, 2000).

3. Cost Savings: Implementing EBPs can also result in cost savings by reducing the incidence of infections and associated healthcare costs (Lee et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Enhanced Barrier Precautions are a critical component of infection prevention and control measures in nursing homes. By implementing EBPs, nursing homes can reduce the transmission of infectious agents, improve resident safety, and reduce healthcare costs. It is essential for nursing homes to prioritize the implementation of EBPs and ensure that staff are trained and equipped to provide high-quality care.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing Homes.

Lee, J., Kim, J., & Choi, J. (2018). Economic burden of healthcare-associated infections in nursing homes. Journal of Hospital Infection, 99(2), 143-148.

Siegel, J. D., Rhinehart, E., Jackson, M., & Chiarello, L. (2007). 2007 Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings. American Journal of Infection Control, 35(10), S65-S164.

Strausbaugh, L. J., & Joseph, C. L. (2000). The burden of infection in long-term care. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 21(10), 674-679.

Author Image Posted By : admin 9 Jul
Revolutionizing Infection Prevention: Empowering Healthcare Through Effective Training Strategies

Introduction

Infection prevention is a critical aspect of healthcare, and training healthcare professionals is essential to ensuring the delivery of safe and high-quality care. Effective training strategies can empower healthcare workers to adopt best practices, reduce infections, and improve patient outcomes. This article explores the importance of training in infection prevention, discusses effective training strategies, and highlights the benefits of investing in comprehensive training programs.

The Importance of Training in Infection Prevention

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant concern in healthcare settings, causing morbidity, mortality, and economic burden (WHO, 2011). Training healthcare professionals is crucial in preventing HAIs, as it enables them to understand the principles of infection prevention, recognize risks, and adopt evidence-based practices (Siegel et al., 2007).

Effective Training Strategies

Several training strategies have been shown to be effective in infection prevention, including:

1. Simulation-based training: This approach allows healthcare professionals to practice infection prevention techniques in a controlled environment, improving their skills and confidence (Barsuk et al., 2010).

2. E-learning and online training: Online training platforms can provide flexible and accessible training opportunities, enabling healthcare professionals to learn at their own pace (Cook et al., 2010).

3. Hands-on training: Hands-on training sessions can provide healthcare professionals with the opportunity to practice infection prevention techniques, such as proper hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) use (Boyce & Pittet, 2002).

4. Multidisciplinary training: Training healthcare professionals from different disciplines together can foster collaboration, improve communication, and enhance infection prevention practices (Zingg et al., 2015).

Benefits of Effective Training

Investing in comprehensive training programs can have numerous benefits, including:

1. Reduced infections: Effective training can lead to improved infection prevention practices, reducing the incidence of HAIs (WHO, 2011).

2. Improved patient outcomes: By reducing infections, effective training can improve patient outcomes, including reduced morbidity and mortality (Lee et al., 2013).

3. Cost savings: Reducing HAIs can result in significant cost savings for healthcare organizations (Lee et al., 2013).

Conclusion

Effective training strategies are essential in empowering healthcare professionals to adopt best practices in infection prevention. By investing in comprehensive training programs, healthcare organizations can reduce infections, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the quality of care. It is crucial for healthcare organizations to prioritize training and education in infection prevention, ensuring that healthcare professionals have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver safe and high-quality care.

References

Barsuk, J. H., Cohen, E. R., Feinglass, J., McGaghie, W. C., & Wayne, D. B. (2010). Use of simulation-based education to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections. Archives of Internal Medicine, 170(15), 1420-1423.

Boyce, J. M., & Pittet, D. (2002). Guideline for hand hygiene in healthcare settings. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 51(RR-16), 1-44.

Cook, D. A., Levinson, A. J., & Garside, S. (2010). Internet-based learning in the health professions: A meta-analysis. Journal of the American Medical Association, 303(12), 1181-1186.

Lee, T. B., Baker, O. G., & Lee, J. T. (2013). Economic burden of healthcare-associated infections. Journal of Healthcare Management, 58(5), 354-364.

Siegel, J. D., Rhinehart, E., Jackson, M., & Chiarello, L. (2007). 2007 Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings. American Journal of Infection Control, 35(10), S65-S164.

World Health Organization. (2011). Report on the Burden of Endemic Health Care-Associated Infection Worldwide.

Zingg, W., Holmes, A., Dettenkofer, M., Goetting, T., Secci, F., Clack, L., … & Pittet, D. (2015). European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) guidelines for the implementation of infection prevention and control in acute care hospitals. Eurosurveillance, 20(40), 30031.

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Infection Control in Action: Mount Sinai’s Screening Strategies for Candida auris

Introduction

Candida auris (C. auris) is a highly transmissible and often drug-resistant fungal pathogen that poses significant challenges to healthcare facilities worldwide. Mount Sinai Health System, a leading academic medical system in New York City, has developed and implemented enhanced screening protocols to identify patients colonized with C. auris, thereby preventing hospital outbreaks and ensuring patient safety. This article explores Mount Sinai’s screening strategies for C. auris and highlights the importance of effective infection control measures in healthcare settings.

The Challenge of C. auris Infections

C. auris can cause severe bloodstream, wound, and ear infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems. The fungus can survive on contaminated surfaces and medical devices for several weeks, making it a significant threat to healthcare facilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), C. auris is considered an urgent global health threat due to its ability to spread rapidly and cause outbreaks.¹ ²

Mount Sinai’s Enhanced Screening Protocols

In response to an outbreak investigation in 2022, Mount Sinai Brooklyn revised its C. auris screening protocols to include all patients admitted from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) or those with recent stays in such facilities. This expanded approach identified more cases of C. auris colonization, enabling the hospital to implement timely isolation and disinfection measures to prevent further spread. The study published in the American Journal of Infection Control highlights the effectiveness of broader screening protocols in detecting C. auris cases early.³

Key Findings and Benefits

The study conducted at Mount Sinai Brooklyn demonstrated the value of expanded screening protocols in preventing hospital outbreaks. Key findings include⁴:

– Increased detection: The new protocol identified eight cases that would have gone undiagnosed under the prior protocol.

– Early intervention: Timely isolation and disinfection measures prevented further spread of C. auris.

– Improved patient safety: The expanded screening protocol helped protect other patients and the hospital environment from potential transmission.

Infection Control Measures

Mount Sinai’s approach to infection control includes:

– Hand hygiene: Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer as the preferred method for cleaning hands.

– Setting-based precautions: Implementing Contact Precautions or Enhanced Barrier Precautions, depending on the situation and local or state jurisdiction recommendations.

– Environmental disinfection: Using EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants effective against C. auris.

– Patient transfer protocols: Communicating C. auris status to receiving facilities when transferring patients.

Conclusion

Mount Sinai’s enhanced screening protocols for C. auris demonstrate the importance of effective infection control measures in healthcare settings. By adopting broader screening approaches and implementing timely isolation and disinfection measures, healthcare facilities can prevent hospital outbreaks and ensure patient safety. As C. auris continues to pose a significant threat to global health, healthcare facilities must remain vigilant and proactive in their infection control efforts.

References: 

Mount Sinai Researchers Enhance Screening Methods to Prevent Spread of Candida auris Expanded Screening Protocols Improve Early Detection of Candida auris at Mount Sinai Brooklyn Broader Screening Methods Help Prevent Spread of Dangerous Fungal Pathogen in Hospitals Infection Control Guidance: Candida auris | Candida auris (C. auris) | CDC