title: [Infection control in long-term care facilities for the elderly].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Norway, around 20 % of the elderly live in long-term care facilities. The risk of acquiring a nosocomial infection increases by age and the consequences of infections become more severe. This article describes the epidemiology of nosocomial infections and the use of antibiotics in long-term care facilities. Infection control measures are recommended.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used data from the national prevalence surveys of nosocomial infections and from the national surveillance system for communicable diseases. In addition we reviewed current literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of nosocomial infection is similar in hospitals and long-term care facilities in Norway, between 5 % and 10 %. Legal regulations require all health institutions in Norway to have an infection control programme, but little attention has been given to prevention of nosocomial infections in long-term care facilities. Less than 50 % of them have implemented the mandatory infection control programme. The vaccination coverage for influenza is only about 30 %. The coverage of pneumococcal vaccination is even lower.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The following actions are recommended for all long-term care facilities: improved hand hygiene by introducing hand disinfection, implementation of infection control programmes, and improved coverage of pneumococcal and influenza vaccination. Employing more health care personnel, nurses as well as doctors, should be a goal.
authors: Avdeling for infeksjonsovervåking, Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt, Postboks 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo. hmer@fhi.no
authors: Hanne-Merete
authors: HM
authors: Eriksen
authors: Petter
authors: P
authors: Elstrøm
authors: Stig
authors: S
authors: Harthug
authors: Per Espen
authors: PE
authors: Akselsen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D017053:Infection Control; D008134:Long-Term Care; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents