Columbia University Study: Nursing Home Infections on the Rise

Researchers at the Columbia University School of Nursing and the RAND Corporation found that the rate of nursing home infections greatly increased between 2006 and 2010. Specifically, the researchers found that:

• The prevalence of viral hepatitis increased 48 percent
• MDRO prevalence increased by 18 percent
• Pneumonia prevalence increased by 11 percent
• The prevalence of urinary tract infections, septicemia and wound infections increased as well

The authors noted that further research is needed to determine the cause of the trend. In the meantime, they recommend that potential residents and their families seek out facilities with strong infection practices, including protocols to limit catheterizations, easy access to hand sanitizer and isolation rooms for infected residents. 

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