Infection Prevention And Control In Long-Term Care

Course overview

Infection Prevention and Control in Long-Term Care Preventing transmission of infections in a long-term care facility (LTCF) setting where residents are encouraged to be ambulatory and actively participate in group activities can be challenging. This course provides an overview of the risks of infection in the LTCF and reviews specific infections that may occur and prevention measures. In addition, the components of a successful Infection Control Program are presented, including surveillance and outbreak control. Links to Infection Prevention and Control resources are included to help develop and maintain an effective program to prevent and control infections in LTCFs. Objectives Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to: 1. Define 2 factors affecting resistance to infection in the elderly. 2. Describe 2 specific infections that may develop in elderly residents of LTCFs and 1 method to prevent each of them. 3. Define 1 function of the Infection Preventionist in a LTCF. 4. Describe how to recognize an infection outbreak. 5. List 2 important topics of staff education. Curriculum 1. Definition 2. Demographics 3. Infection Risks a. Characteristics of Elderly b. Device Use c. Institutional Factors 4. Specific Infections a. UTIs b. Respiratory Tract Infections c. Skin/Soft Tissue/Infestations d. Other e. Epidemic Infections f. MDROs 5. Infection Control Program a. Regulatory Aspects i. State and Federal ii. OSHA iii. TJC b. Program Elements i. Risk Assessment ii. Plan c. The ICP d. The Infection Control Committee e. Surveillance i. Process ii. Outcomes iii. Environmental iv. Definitions v. Analysis, Reporting, Dissemination of Information f. Patient Care Practices: Policies and Procedures g. Outbreak Control h. Isolation Precautions i. Isolation and MDROs 1. MRSA 2. VRE 3. C. difficile ii. Isolation and Bloodborne Pathogens i. Hand Hygiene j. Resident Health i. Immunization Programs k. Employee Health i. Immunization Programs l. Education of Employees i. All staff ii. NAs m. Antibiotic Stewardship n. Other Aspects i. Construction ii. Housekeeping iii. Linen iv. Waste Disposal v. Pest Control vi. Dietary Department vii. Activities Department 6. Resources