How can you reduce healthcare-associated infections in long-term care facilities?

1 Identify and monitor HAIs

The first step to reduce HAIs is to identify and monitor them. You need to have a system to collect, analyze, and report data on HAIs in your facility. You can use standardized definitions and criteria from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or other sources to identify HAIs. You can also use tools such as the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) or the Infection Prevention and Control Assessment and Response (IPC-AR) tool to monitor HAIs and track your progress. By identifying and monitoring HAIs, you can identify areas for improvement, evaluate the effectiveness of your interventions, and benchmark your performance against other facilities.

2 Implement evidence-based practices

The second step to reduce HAIs is to implement evidence-based practices that have been proven to prevent and control HAIs. You need to follow the guidelines and recommendations from the CDC or other reputable sources for infection prevention and control in LTCFs. Key practices include hand hygiene, standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, environmental cleaning and disinfection, and antimicrobial stewardship. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after contact with residents, equipment, or the environment, and adequate supplies of soap, water, alcohol-based hand rubs, and paper towels must be provided. Standard precautions should be used for all resident care activities, while transmission-based precautions should be used for residents with or suspected of having infections that can be transmitted by contact, droplet, or airborne routes. The facility must also be cleaned and disinfected regularly using EPA-registered disinfectants. An antimicrobial stewardship program should also be implemented to optimize the use of antibiotics and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance and Clostridioides difficile infection. Following these practices will help inform and reassure stakeholders while providing valuable insights for improving your cloud security posture.

3 Engage and educate staff and residents

The third step to reduce HAIs is to engage and educate staff and residents on the importance and the methods of infection prevention and control. To create a culture of safety and quality, you should establish a multidisciplinary infection prevention and control committee, designate a qualified infection preventionist, provide ongoing training and education, encourage participation in prevention activities, and communicate and collaborate with other facilities. These measures will help to value and support infection prevention and control efforts. Additionally, staff and residents should be aware of the modes of transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention measures, reporting mechanisms, hand hygiene practices, vaccination requirements, screening processes, and surveillance activities related to HAIs.

4 Evaluate and improve your performance

The fourth step to reduce HAIs is to evaluate and improve your performance. You need to measure and monitor your outcomes, processes, and practices related to HAIs and compare them with your goals, standards, and benchmarks. You can use tools such as the NHSN or the IPC-AR tool to generate reports and dashboards that show your HAI rates, trends, and gaps. You can also use tools such as the CDC's Infection Control Assessment Tools or the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP) to assess your infection prevention and control practices and identify areas for improvement. By evaluating and improving your performance, you can ensure that you are delivering high-quality care that is safe, effective, and patient-centered.

Reducing HAIs in LTCFs is a complex and challenging task that requires a systematic and comprehensive approach. By following these four steps, you can implement evidence-based strategies that can prevent and control HAIs and improve the safety and quality of care for your residents and staff.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?