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.