long-term care infection prevention
long-term care infection prevention
By Buffy Lloyd-Krejci , DrPH , MS , CIC , LTC-CIP
Empower and Protect : Winning Strategies Against COVID , RSV , and Flu in Long-Term Care Facilities
As summer draws to a close , we are confronted with a pressing concern : The onset of flu season . This year , we face a triple challenge with the presence of COVID , influenza , and respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ), all posing significant threats . 1 This situation is particularly critical in long-term care facilities , where residents reside in close quarters and often have underlying health conditions that heighten the risk of respiratory illnesses . However , there are straightforward yet impactful methods to engage and empower your residents , staff , and visitors in safeguarding against these viruses , all while adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) guidelines that discourage visitation restrictions during outbreaks . 2
A fundamental starting point in reducing transmission and outbreak risks is through education . In addition to training staff to recognize the symptoms of COVID , the flu , and RSV , your facility ’ s infection preventionist ( IP ) should provide comprehensive vaccination education to all staff members . Moreover , educating visitors is equally vital , as emphasized in CDC guidance . This entails not only displaying visual alerts like signs and posters in strategic locations to inform visitors of current infection prevention and control ( IP & C ) recommendations but also implementing a system to ensure that everyone entering the facility is well-informed about the current guidelines for preventing transmission . This includes individuals who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 , exhibit symptoms of COVID , RSV , or the flu , or have been in close contact with someone with a viral infection . 3
The IP should also empower staff and visitors who display any symptoms to conduct self-testing before entering the facility , thereby minimizing the risk of exposing residents and staff to illness . Encouraging individuals to perform at-home tests prior to their visit , as well as maintaining a supply of tests on-site , can be valuable . Additionally , educating visitors about the importance of wearing masks if they test positive or , if possible , staying home can significantly reduce the likelihood of an outbreak .
To promote adherence to guidance , IPs should establish processes that make it convenient for anyone entering the facility . This includes ensuring that face masks are readily available at entrances and strategically placed throughout the facility . Furthermore , maintaining a supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizer can effectively interrupt virus transmission .
To further mitigate the risk of transmission and outbreaks involving COVID , the flu , and RSV , IPs can organize vaccination and booster clinics for staff , residents , and families . 5 6 7 These events , when coupled with comprehensive vaccine education , can mitigate the severity of these viruses , even if they don ’ t provide complete immunity . For residents in long-term care facilities , many of whom have compromised immune systems
or underlying conditions , these steps can be the difference between hospitalization and mild illness . 4
As we enter flu season , active source control , which involves using respirators or masks to prevent the spread of respiratory secretions during talking , coughing , breathing , or sneezing , becomes crucial . 8 IPs should ensure that all staff members are properly fit-tested for N95 respirators or other approved face coverings , and that an adequate supply of respirators and masks is available for staff use . 9 10 This measure is vital for the protection of both wearers and vulnerable residents , as viruses can be unknowingly transmitted before symptoms appear .
Given that viruses like COVID are persistent , IPs should stay up to date with the latest CDC guidance on managing potential staff exposure or infection . 11 For example , as of September 2022 , the CDC does not mandate work restrictions for asymptomatic healthcare professionals with higher-risk exposures , regardless of vaccination status . It is imperative to document facility policies , align them with CDC and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ( CMS ) guidelines , and ensure strict adherence . Since guidelines and recommendations are subject to change , IPs should routinely review CDC and CMS policies , update internal protocols as needed , and educate staff on these updates .
Ultimately , successfully navigating what promises to be a challenging flu season hinges on fostering a culture of infection prevention and control . Prioritize infection prevention to prevent infections and unnecessary fatalities within your facility . Take proactive measures now to minimize the risk of an outbreak : educate staff , visitors , and residents ; provide the necessary personal protective equipment ( PPE ); and consistently review and adhere to the latest guidance from the CDC and CMS .
Buffy Lloyd-Krejci , DrPH , CIC , LTC-CIP , is a leading authority on infection prevention in the long-term care industry . Her firm , IPCWell , delivers in-person gap analysis , training , and support to nursing homes across the country .
References :
1 . Protect yourself from COVID-19 , Flu , and RSV 2 . Center for Clinical Standards and Quality / Survey & Certification Group 3 . Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare
Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) Pandemic 4 . Hand hygiene : Back to the basics of infection control 5 . Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines 6 . RSV Prevention 7 . Prevent Seasonal Flu 8 . Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare
Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) Pandemic 9 . How to Use Your N95 Respirator 10 . Types of Masks and Respirators 11 . Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2
Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2
24 october 2023 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com