Infection control practices in Minnesota nursing homes

K. B. Crossley, P. Irvine, D. J. Kaszar and R. B. Loewenson

Because infection is a major cause of hospitalization among nursing home residents, we assessed infection control activities and related employee health policies in Minnesota nursing homes, using a questionnaire. The majority of institutions (378/440, 85.9%) responded. We found traditional isolation techniques were widely used, but blood and urine precautions were employed in less than half of the homes. Infection surveillance tended to focus on chart review. Antibiotic utilization studies were done in 76% of homes. Procedures for urinary catheter care were often at variance with current recommendations. Employee health policies required a physical examination of a new employee in a minority of institutions. Policies required by Minnesota statute (eg, skin testing for tuberculosis and documentation of employee illness) were carried out by most institutions. Infection control policies and procedures in nursing homes should be redefined so that, where appropriate, they are more consistent with practices in acute-care hospitals.