Hearth care associated infections and antimicrobial use in residential aged care facilities.

• Jurisdiction: Australia
• Author: Smith, Mary
• Date: 01 March 2013

In July 2012, 121 residential aged care facilities participated in the Victorian Aged Care Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Use Point Prevalence Study (PPS).

This study was coordinated by the Victorian Rural Infection Control Practice (RICPRAC) Group and supported by the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance Coordinating Centre.

The primary aims of the Victorian PPS were to estimate the prevalence of Heaithcare Associated Infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial use in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Residents are vulnerable to HAIs for a variety of reasons, including advanced age, comorbidities, functional disabilities, immunosuppression and the use of invasive devices (Smith et al 2008). Inappropriate antimicrobial use may lead to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug reactions and excessive costs (Benoit et al 2008).

Trained infection control consultants collected data using two surveys. A 'RACF survey' was completed for each participating RACF and was used to collect denominator data leg. occupancy levels) and information about each RACF leg. infection control practices).

A 'resident survey' was completed for eligible residents who had >1 HAI or were receiving >1 antimicrobial. Eligible residents were high level care residents who were not classified as hospital in the home and had been (re)admitted...