In a study conducted in New York skilled nursing facilities over a two-week period, a three-component Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) assessment was performed virtually. The key components of the assessment were: Screening tool Telephone Infection Prevention and Control checklist COVID-19 video Infection Prevention and Control assessment (COVIDeo) Of the 92 SNFs competing the IPC screening tool and checklist, 52/92 …
The effectiveness and importance of contact precautions for endemic pathogens has long been debated, and their use has broad implications for infection control of other pathogens. Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a serious public health concern, and the association between coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and personal protective equipment supply availability has strained infection control programs across the country. Given the role of …
As COVID-19 took hold over the last year, nursing homes used and reused protective equipment, masks, gloves, gowns, etc. to assist in preventing the spread of the virus. Bring on opportunistic, drug-resistant bacteria and fungi! These bacteria and fungi, like COVID-19, prey on older people, those with compromised immune systems. These bacteria and fungi can cling tenaciously to clothing and …
Brazilian researchers have found that toothbrushes can act as reservoirs for microorganisms and favor the transmission of diseases such as COVID-19. Patients who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 have “high viral loads in saliva, nasopharynx and oropharynx” which can occur even in asymptomatic people. A recent study demonstrated that commercially available mouthwashes can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. The results showed that …
Each January, SNN tries to predict the top trends that will sweep the industry for the coming 12 months. COVID-19 completely wiped out the predictions they made for 2020, a year that began with the looming specter of clawbacks related to the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), further Medicaid strain, and the potential over-extension of organizations that had sought to diversify …
Not surprisingly, a recent study found that long-term care facility residents are among the populations at greatest risk of morbidity and mortality due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In May 2020, the CDC developed interim infection prevention and control (IPC) recommendations for healthcare personnel to prevent COVID-19, which included specific guidelines for LTCFs and an Infection Prevention and Control Assessment …
Antibiotic stewardship, or improving how antibiotics are prescribed and used, is critical for optimizing the treatment of patients who have infections, protecting patients from harm, and combating antibiotic resistance. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released “Antibiotic Use in the United States, 2018 Update: Progress and Opportunities”, which included information on how antibiotics were being used …
Nursing home residents have been disproportionately affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Prevention recommendations emphasize frequent testing of health care personnel and residents, but additional strategies are needed. Compared with community-dwelling older adults, nursing home residents are 5 times more likely to die of COVID-19. The concentration of COVID-19 mortality among nursing home residents can be explained by the high …
An interesting El Pais article discusses how the coronavirus may be spreading and statistically putting everyone at risk, especially with the holidays upon us! Here are a few facts that I found interesting! Social Gathering in a living room: Six people get together in a private home, one is infected. Some 31% of coronavirus outbreaks recorded in Spain are caused …
Old news, older adults are more susceptible to the Coronavirus. In fact, eight out of 10 COVID-19-related deaths reported in the United States have been among adults aged 65 years and older. The virus’ high contagion rate among at-risk populations has businesses who cater to older adults concerned that if one patron contracts it, it will quickly spread. Hearth Management, …
