title: Understanding infection prevention and control in nursing homes: A qualitative study.
abstract: Infections have been identified as a priority issue in nursing homes (NHs). We conducted a qualitative study purposively sampling 10 NHs across the country where 6-8 employees were recruited (N = 73). Semi-structured, open-ended guides were used to conduct in-depth interviews. Data were audiotaped, transcribed and a content analysis was performed. Five themes emerged: 'Residents' Needs', 'Roles and Training' 'Using Infection Data,' 'External Resources' and 'Focus on Hand Hygiene.' Infection prevention was a priority in the NHs visited. While all sites had hand hygiene programs, other recommended areas were not a focus and many sites were not aware of available resources. Developing ways to ensure effective, efficient and standardized infection prevention and control in NHs continues to be a national priority.
authors: Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, 630 West 168th Street, Mail Code 6, New York, NY 10032, USA. Electronic address: ps2024@columbia.edu.
authors: Patricia W
authors: PW
authors: Stone
authors: Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, 630 West 168th Street, Mail Code 6, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors: Carolyn T A
authors: CT
authors: Herzig
authors: Jefferson School of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, 130 S. Ninth Street, Room 847, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors: Monika
authors: M
authors: Pogorzelska-Maziarz
authors: Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, 630 West 168th Street, Mail Code 6, New York, NY 10032, USA; New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, USA.
authors: Eileen
authors: E
authors: Carter
authors: Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, 630 West 168th Street, Mail Code 6, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors: Ragnhildur I
authors: RI
authors: Bjarnadottir
authors: Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, 630 West 168th Street, Mail Code 6, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors: Patricia K
authors: PK
authors: Semeraro
authors: Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, 630 West 168th Street, Mail Code 6, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors: Catherine C
authors: CC
authors: Cohen
authors: Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, 630 West 168th Street, Mail Code 6, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors: Jasmine
authors: J
authors: Travers
authors: Steven J. Schweon, LLC, 142 Owl Hollow Drive, Saylorsburg, PA 18353, USA.
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Schweon
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D063373:Hand Hygiene / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010348:Patient Care Team; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Healthcare-associated infections; Infection prevention; Long-term care; Nursing homes; Qualitative