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. 2013 Nov;36(6):666-71.
doi: 10.1179/2045772313Y.0000000112. Epub 2013 Apr 13.

Influenza infection control guidance provided to staff at Veterans Affairs facilities for veterans with spinal cord injury during a pandemic(†)

Sara M Locatelli  1 , Sherri L Lavela  2 , Timothy P Hogan  3 , Barry Goldstein  4
Affiliations

Influenza infection control guidance provided to staff at Veterans Affairs facilities for veterans with spinal cord injury during a pandemic(†)

Sara M Locatelli et al. J Spinal Cord Med. 2013 Nov.

Abstract

Context/objective: To assess guidance provided to staff at Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare facilities on H1N1 influenza infection control for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D).

Study design: Cross-sectional qualitative semi-structured interviews.

Setting: Thirty-three VA healthcare facilities from throughout the United States that provide care to veterans with SCI/D.

Participants: Thirty-three infection control key informants, each representing a VA healthcare facility.

Interventions: None.

Outcome measures: Infection control practices, including vaccination practices, hospital preparedness, and recommendations for future pandemics, both in general and specifically to SCI/D.

Results: Most (n = 26, 78.8%) infection control key informants believed veterans with SCI/D were at increased risk for influenza and complications, but only 17 (51.5%) said veterans with SCI/D were treated as a priority group for vaccination at their facilities. There was little special guidance provided for treating veterans with SCI/D, and most (n = 28, 84.8%) informants said that infection control procedures and recommendations were applied universally. Yet, 10 key informants discussed 'unique challenges' to infection control in the SCI/D population. Informants discussed the potential for infectious agents to be spread through shared and common use equipment and the necessity of including caregivers in any vaccination or educational campaigns.

Conclusion: Greater input by experts knowledgeable about SCI/D is recommended to adequately address pandemic influenza within healthcare facilities where individuals with SCI/D receive care.

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