Surveillance in Long-term Care
Posted By Chris on October 24, 2010
In the past, the term Nosocomial Infection was used to describe facility acquired infections; more recently, the term Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI) is in use. The prevention and control of HAI’s is dependent on a strong surveillance program, which is a means of collecting and analyzing patient data that pertains to infection prevention and control. Infection control surveillance includes:
- Conducting patient rounds
- Collecting pertinent information regarding newly diagnosed infections
- Evaluating and assessing clinical signs and symptoms
- Reviewing culture and sensitivity reports
- Tracking antibiotic resistance
- Tracking and trending clusters of infection
- Outbreak prevention
- Effectively reporting specific clinical findings to physicians and staff
- Documenting findings in the patient chart and on surveillance logs
McGeer’s Definition of Infection for Surveillance in Long-term Care Facilities defines a Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) as one that develops more than 48 hours after admission. Conversely, a Community–associated infection is one present on admission or developed with-in 48 hours of admission. McGeer’s Definitions are recommended as a resource for analyzing and quantifying patient’s signs and symptoms. This information, in combination with reviewing of cultures and sensitivities, drug resistant organisms and anti-biotic usage, is recommended for monitoring and reporting infection rates.
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Hello! Is it okay that I go a bit off topic? I am trying to view your site on my Mac but it doesn’t display properly, any suggestions? Thank you for the help I hope! Jeanie
Jeanie did you get my message? Idon’t hae a MAC so I’m not much help inthat department. I hope you can resolve the issue and stay with me.
CW
Thank you so much for your comment. Please keep me posted.
CW