Infection Prevention and Control in Long-Term Care

Preventing transmission of infections in a long-term care facility (LTCF) setting where residents are encouraged to be ambulatory and actively participate in group activities can be challenging. This course provides an overview of the risks of infection in the LTCF and reviews specific infections that may occur and prevention measures. In addition, the components of a successful Infection Control Program are presented, including surveillance and outbreak control. Links to Infection Prevention and Control resources are included to help develop and maintain an effective program to prevent and control infections in LTCFs.

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Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:​

  1. ​Define 2 factors affecting resistance to infection in the elderly.
  2. Describe 2 specific infections that may develop in elderly residents of LTCFs and 1 method to prevent each of them.
  3. Define 1 function of the Infection Preventionist in a LTCF.
  4. Describe how to recognize an infection outbreak.
  5. List 2 important topics of staff education.

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Definitions

Chapter 2: Demographics

Chapter 3: Infection Risks

  • Characteristics of Elderly
  • Device Use
  • Institutional Factors

Chapter 4: Specific Infections

  • UTIs
  • Respiratory Tract Infections
  • Skin/Soft Tissue/Infestations
  • Other
  • Epidemic Infections
  • MDROs

Chapter 5: Infection Control Program

  • Regulatory Aspects
    • State and Federal
    • OSHA
    • TJC
  • Program Elements
    • Risk Assessment
    • Plan
      • The ICP
      • The Infection Control Committee
      • Surveillance
        • Process
        • Outcomes
        • Environmental
        • Definitions
        • Analysis, Reporting, Dissemination of Information
    • Patient Care Practices: Policies and Procedures
    • Outbreak Control
    • Isolation Precautions
    • Isolation and MDROs
      • MRSA
      • VRE
      • C. difficile
  • Isolation and Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Hand Hygiene
  • Resident Health
  • Immunization Programs
  • Employee Health
  • Immunization Programs
  • Education of Employees
    • All staff
    • NAs
  • Antibiotic Stewardship
  • Other Aspects
    • Construction
    • Housekeeping
    • Linen
    • Waste Disposal
    • Pest Control
    • Dietary Department
    • Activities Department

Chapter 6: Resources

  • California Bill 241
  • Implicit Bias in Healthcare
  • What is Implicit Bias?
  • Implications of Implicit Bias in Healthcare
  • How to Reduce Implicit Bias

Price: $25.00

Contact Hours: 2.5

Course Author

Leah Frederick

Leah owns the consulting firm Infection Prevention Consultants, LLC, providing infection prevention mentorship and program development services to for-profit and not-for-profit health care providers nationwide.

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Course Accreditation

See our Accreditation Statements page to view our accreditation information.

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