Infection control in long-term care facilities.
Infections are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in LTCF residents. For medical directors, infection prevention and control programs in LTCFs need to be proactive in identifying potential infectious disease threats and implementing appropriate infection control practices. Improving the initial evaluation of infections, the use of antimicrobial agents, and the implementation of hand hygiene and infection control precautions should be key focus areas for medical directors in order to prevent infections and control antibiotic resistance.
Richards
Chesley L
CL
Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. cir6@cdc.gov
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D007591:Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology