A Pennhurst Group Service
|
A Pennhurst Group Service
|
|
| Infections in Nursing Homes Infections are a major problem in long term care facilities (LTCF). They are one of the most frequent reasons for hospitalization and one of the most common causes of death in LTCF. Overall infection rates are about 4-5 infections per 1000 patient-care days. This means that in a 100-bed facility, there will be 12-15 infections per month. The most common infections are pneumonia, urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis, and skin and soft tissue infection. The signs and symptoms of infections in residents of LTCF are frequently atypical and difficult to recognize. Fever is often absent and the only apparent initial changes are often behavioral. Furthermore the caregivers who are most likely to see and evaluate the resident first are nurse’s aides who then have to decide whether or not to report the "changes" to the nurse. We have experts in infection control, diagnosis and therapy who have had extensive experience in LTCF. They can consult and advise in many areas that will help decrease morbidity and mortality in the LTCF and need for hospitalization. These measures will also decrease expenses to the LTCF. The services include: 1) Setting up appropriate infection control measures including an infection control committee with mechanisms to recognize outbreaks that otherwise might not be apparent. 2) Recommending specific policies and procedures for infection control. 3) Advice on immunization and other preventative measures. 4) Advice on guidelines for early recognition and treatment of infections that commonly occur in the LTCF. 5) Preparation of an appropriate antibiotic formulary. 6) Phone, or if necessary, in person consultation with Infectious Diseases Experts on questions about outbreaks. Please contact us so that we may review the details of our programs with you. 610-524-2400 Extension #15 Email: info@virtualnursinghome.com or mail: Pennhurst Group Suite 250, 300 N. Pottstown Pike Exton, PA 19341-2239
|
|
Send mail to
info@virtualnursinghome.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
