Impact of infection preventionists on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid quality measures in Maryland nursing homes

Background Health care-associated infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in US nursing homes (NHs). The objective of the research is to assess the impact of Maryland NH infection preventionists (IPs) on NH quality measures. Methods Two hundred thirty-four NHs were queried throug...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of infection control 2014-01, Vol.42 (1), p.2-6
Main Authors: Wagner, Laura M., PhD, RN, Roup, Brenda J., PhD, RN, CIC, Castle, Nicholas G., PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Cross Infection - prevention & control
Disease prevention
Epidemiology. Vaccinations
General aspects
Health Services Research
Hospitalization
Infection Control
Infection Control - methods
Infectious Disease
Infectious diseases
Influenza
Long-term care
Maryland - epidemiology
Medicaid - standards
Medical sciences
Medicare - standards
Nosocomial infections
Nursing Homes
Outbreak
Patient safety
Pressure ulcers
Quality improvement
United States
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Summary:Background Health care-associated infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in US nursing homes (NHs). The objective of the research is to assess the impact of Maryland NH infection preventionists (IPs) on NH quality measures. Methods Two hundred thirty-four NHs were queried through mailed survey. These survey data were then linked with 2008 quality data from Nursing Home Compare and the On-line Survey Certification of Automated Records. Results Three of the 8 quality measures examined—influenza vaccination for both short- and long-stay residents and pressure ulcer prevention in high-risk residents—were significantly associated with the number of IPs. None of the quality measures were shown to be significant with IPs who received specialized training on infection prevention and management compared with those who did not receive specialized training. Conclusion IPs play a critical role in preventing and managing health care-associated infections in nursing homes, especially in the areas of influenza vaccination and pressure ulcer prevention among high-risk nursing home residents. Quality measures that reflect the effects of IP training may not have been elucidated yet. Further research is needed to support the IP role in order for policy to advocate for increased IP funding.
ISSN:0196-6553
1527-3296
DOI:10.1016/j.ajic.2013.07.012