Infections in Nursing Homes: Epidemiology and Prevention Programs

Ana Montoya; Marco Cassone; Lona Mody

doi:10.1016/j.cger.2016.02.004

Infections in Nursing Homes: Epidemiology and Prevention Programs

Clin Geriatr Med. 2016 Aug;32(3):585-607. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2016.02.004.

Authors

Ana Montoya¹, Marco Cassone¹, Lona Mody²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 300 North Ingalls Street, Room 905, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
² Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 300 North Ingalls Street, Room 905, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Drive, 11G GRECC, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA. Electronic address: lonamody@umich.edu.

PMID: 27394025
DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2016.02.004

Abstract

This review summarizes current literature pertaining to infection prevention in nursing home population including post-acute care patients and long-term care residents. Approximately 2 million infections occur each year and more than one-third of older adults harbor multidrug-resistant organisms in this setting. Surveillance, hand hygiene, isolation precautions, resident and employee health programs, education, and antibiotic stewardship are essential elements of infection prevention and control programs in nursing homes. This article discusses emerging evidence suggesting the usefulness of interactive multimodal bundles in reducing infections and antimicrobial resistance, thereby enhancing safety and quality of care for older adults in nursing homes.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Hand hygiene; Infection control; Infection prevention; Multidrug-resistant organisms; Nursing home.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Cross Infection / epidemiology*
Cross Infection / prevention & control*
Global Health
Humans
Incidence
Infection Control / methods*
Nursing Homes*