Multisociety guidance for infection prevention and control in nursing homes
Lona Mody, Sonali D. Advani, Muhammad Salman Ashraf, Allison H. Bartlett, Suzanne Bradley, Deborah Burdsall, Jennifer Hanrahan, Susan S. Huang, Robin Jump, Lindsay E. Nicolle, Mary‐Claire Roghmann, Patricia W. Stone, Rekha Murthy
Abstract
This multisociety guidance was endorsed by SHEA, APIC, IDSA, PALTmed, and AGS. It provides recommendations for infection prevention and control (IPC) in the context of the complexity of nursing home care in the United States: increased medical acuity of residents, the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms, and the threat of emerging pathogens. Recommendations and implementation suggestions address IPC leadership, staffing, and resources, healthcare personnel and residents' adherence to precautions and effective hand hygiene, outbreak preparedness, training, occupational health, cleaning and disinfection in the care environment, and the involvement of IPC in the facility. The guidance also addresses the challenges of maintaining a home-like care space while sustaining necessary IPC measures. The guidance covers the role of regulatory bodies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It should serve as a resource for IPC program leaders in nursing homes who are aiming to enhance infection prevention efforts.