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. 2008 Apr;36(3):173-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2007.06.008.

Prevalence of nursing home-associated infections in the Department of Veterans Affairs nursing home care units

Linda Tsan  1 , Chester Davis, Robert Langberg, Christa Hojlo, John Pierce, Michael Miller, Robert Gaynes, Cynthia Gibert, Ona Montgomery, Suzanne Bradley, Chesley Richards, Linda Danko, Gary Roselle
Affiliations

Prevalence of nursing home-associated infections in the Department of Veterans Affairs nursing home care units

Linda Tsan et al. Am J Infect Control. 2008 Apr.

Abstract

Background: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest single provider of long-term care in the United States. The prevalence of nursing home-associated infections (NHAIs) among residents of VA nursing home care units (NHCUs) is not known.

Methods: A Web-based point prevalence survey of NHAIs using modified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions for health care-associated infections was conducted in the VA's 133 NHCUs on November 9, 2005.

Results: From a total population of 11,475 NHCU residents, 591 had at least 1 NHAI for a point prevalence rate of 5.2%. Urinary tract infection, asymptomatic bacteriuria, pneumonia, skin infection, gastroenteritis, and soft tissue infection were most prevalent, constituting 72% of all NHAIs. A total of 2817 residents (24.5%) had 1 or more indwelling device. Of these 2817 residents with an indwelling device(s), 309 (11.0%) had 1 or more NHAI. In contrast, the prevalence of NHAIs in residents without an indwelling device was 3.3%. Indwelling urinary catheter, percutaneous gastrostomy tube, intravenous peripheral line, peripherally inserted central catheter, and suprapubic urinary catheter were most common, accounting for 79.3% of all devices used.

Conclusion: There are effective infection surveillance and control programs in VA NHCUs with a point prevalence of NHAIs of 5.2%.

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