Document Detail


Effectiveness of a comprehensive hand hygiene program for reduction of infection rates in a long-term care facility.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22750034     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Alcohol-based hand rubs play a key role in reducing the transmission of pathogens in acute care settings, especially as part of a comprehensive hand hygiene program. However, their use in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) has been virtually unstudied. METHODS: Infection data, including those meeting McGeer et al and the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority's surveillance definitions, for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs), as well as hospitalization data were collected in a 174-bed LTCF for 22 months (May 2009 to February 2011). In March 2010, a comprehensive hand hygiene program including increased product availability, education for health care personnel (HCP) and residents, and an observation tool to monitor compliance, was implemented. RESULTS: Infection rates for LRTIs were reduced from 0.97 to 0.53 infections per 1,000 resident-days (P = .01) following the intervention, a statistically significant decline. Infection rates for SSTIs were reduced from 0.30 to 0.25 infections per 1,000 resident-days (P = .65). A 54% compliance rate was observed among HCP. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the use of alcohol-based hand rubs, as part of a comprehensive hand hygiene program for HCP and residents, can decrease infection rates in LTCFs.
Authors:
Steven J Schweon; Sarah L Edmonds; Jane Kirk; Douglas Y Rowland; Carmen Acosta
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Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2012-6-30
Journal Detail:
Title:  American journal of infection control     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1527-3296     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2012 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2012-7-3     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8004854     Medline TA:  Am J Infect Control     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2012 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Pleasant Valley Manor Nursing Home, Stroudsburg, PA.
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