Identifying at least 20% of hospitalized patients who carry Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) – drug resistant bacteria that can lead to a dangerous healthcare-associated infection, could help prevent the spread of the organism, according to an AHRQ funded study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Researchers developed a computer model to understand the impact of detecting an increasing number …
In a recent article published in JAMDA, the “RAFT Model of SNF Care” is discussed with interesting observations and outcomes. What is RAFT? It is a process to assist centers in Reducing Avoidable Facility Transfers. Did that get your attention?! There are 4 distinct components to the RAFT process including: Small team of providers who manage care and after-hour calls …
Hand hygiene is the primary means of preventing transmission of infections, but confusion exists about the when soap and water is preferred over alcohol hand rubs. While alcohol-based hand rubs are an effective means of decreasing the transmission of bacterial pathogens, alcohol is not effective against Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spores. To address this confusion, we have created a one-page …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be sponsoring and promoting events during the month of September which is Sepsis Awareness Month, to highlight the importance of detecting sepsis early and taking steps to prevent it! The events include two CDC webinars, a Twitter chat and the first World Sepsis Congress. All of them echo the call for …
The Joint Commission recently published a “Sentinel Event Alert” on managing the risks of direct oral anticoagulants. Remember the day when these new medications were introduced and everyone thought it was life changing? No PT/INR levels to worry about, short half life so the medications aren’t lingering in the system, etc.? Well, after years of use and some research, it …
Antibiotic resistant bacteria and C. difficile are a growing problem in healthcare. The large reservoir of MDRO and C. difficle found within nursing homes can become a source of transmission. Added to that, the population entering nursing homes have many risk factors which make them vulnerable to colonization and infection with these organisms. You can download our helpful inforgraphic that …
Although many feel the electronic MAR is a solution to medication errors, a recent study performed by Australian Health Review 43(3) 276-283 and shared by the AHRQ may change your opinion! Yes, the electronic MAR may “notify” you when a medication is missed, late, unavailable, etc. however it isn’t without shortcomings! For example, this study found that incorrect medication dose or …
For years we have discussed discontinuing the use of statins due in part to the side effects our residents experience that can be debilitating. It may be time to take another look at what we are doing with these medications and why. The article published in Managed Health Care Connect references a nationwide, population-based cohort study in France (published online …
Clinicians and researchers have been providing the medical care community with experience and research that helps LTC facilities create detailed nutrition plans for a long a time, yet, malnutrition continues to be highly prevalent in LTC residents. This condition further degenerates the condition of often already enfeebled patients by decreasing quality of life, lowering functional status, reducing the wound healing …
On Lok, a San Francisco based comprehensive long-term health program for frail adults 55 and older, has been employing Spirituality and Aging Groups since 2013. The primary goal of these groups is to reduce depressive symptoms and increase overall quality of life for older individuals. The groups originated from a partnership between the in-house mental health team and the chaplaincy …
