A recent study conducted by the VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center and their colleagues, highlights the prevalence and transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among nursing home residents. The study found that two out of three nursing home residents in the US have MDROs present in their bodies. This finding is particularly relevant for older adults, as they may have a weakened immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infections. Nursing home residents often enter care with existing health conditions, which can complicate infection management.
The study tracked 197 newly admitted residents at three Veterans’ Administration (VA) nursing homes in Michigan and Ohio from April 2021 to September 2023. Researchers found that 37 percent of residents had at least one MDRO upon admission, and 65 percent had an MDRO at some point during their stay. Among residents who were free of MDROs upon admission, 40 percent acquired an MDRO during their stay, typically within 15 days. These findings underscore the high-risk environment in nursing homes for MDRO transmission.
One key factor identified in the study was the transmission of MDROs through residents’ hands during out-of-room activities, such as therapy sessions. These interactions, accounting for 16 percent of MDRO transmission, provide opportunities for both residents and healthcare providers to transfer organisms, highlighting the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infection.
The study emphasizes the need for nursing home settings to implement effective infection prevention strategies, particularly those that include frequent handwashing to reduce the spread of MDROs. These efforts are essential for protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring a safe environment in nursing homes.
For further details on the study and its findings, you can access the full article here.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
MDRO transmission is common in nursing homes and contributes to significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Nursing home residents, particularly those with weakened immune systems or multiple health complications, are at increased risk of becoming colonized by MDROs, which can lead to infections that are difficult to treat. Infection prevention and control is a critical concern in nursing homes, given the high number of healthcare-associated infections, residents’ increased susceptibility, and frequent exposure to potential sources of infection. Nursing home residents are also at risk for adverse outcomes from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms such as MRSA, VRE, and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Federal regulations require nursing homes to implement an Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) to create a safe environment and prevent the spread of communicable diseases, including MDROs.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures to ensure your facility’s IPCP includes effective strategies to prevent and control the spread of MDROs, particularly focusing on hand hygiene practices and the transmission of MDROs during resident interactions.
- Provide ongoing training for all staff on infection prevention and control policies, emphasizing the prevention of MDRO transmission during out-of-room activities, such as therapy sessions, and the importance of proper hand hygiene.
- Audit to ensure the IPCP is being followed by all staff and infection prevention protocols are being implemented correctly. Provide additional education as needed based on audit findings.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, Inc. for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
