Preventing infections in nursing homes: a survey of infection control practices in southeast Michigan.
BACKGROUND
Studies on adherence to infection control policies in nursing homes (NHs) are limited. This pilot study explores the use of various infection control practices and the role of infection control practitioners in southeast Michigan NHs.


METHODS
A 43-item self-administered questionnaire and explanatory cover letter were mailed to 105 licensed NHs in southeast Michigan. A second mailing was sent to the nonresponders 4 weeks later.


RESULTS
Significant variability existed in adoption of various infection control measures with respect to time spent in infection control activities (50% of facilities having a full-time infection control practitioner), definitions used in monitoring infections, and immunization rates (influenza: range, 0%-100%; mean, 73.2%; pneumococcal: range, 0%-100%; mean, 38.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Although strides have been made in infection control research in NHs, significant variations exist in implementation of infection control methods and guidelines. Future research should focus on identifying barriers to infection control in NHs.
Mody
Lona
L
Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA. lonamody@umich.edu
Langa
Kenneth M
KM
Saint
Sanjay
S
Bradley
Suzanne F
SF
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control; D008824:Michigan; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination