Developing evidence-based guidance for assessment of suspected infections in care home residents
Posted on 2020-02-15 - 16:50
Abstract Background The aim of this study was to update and refine an algorithm, originally developed in Canada, to assist care home staff to manage residents with suspected infection in the United Kingdom care home setting. The infections of interest were urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections and skin and soft tissue infection. Method We used a multi-faceted process involving a literature review, consensus meeting [nominal group technique involving general practitioners (GPs) and specialists in geriatric medicine and clinical microbiology], focus groups (care home staff and resident family members) and interviews (GPs), alongside continual iterative internal review and analysis within the research team. Results Six publications were identified in the literature which met inclusion criteria. These were used to update the algorithm which was presented to a consensus meeting (four participants all with a medical background) which discussed and agreed to inclusion of signs and symptoms, and the algorithm format. Focus groups and interview participants could see the value in the algorithm, and staff often reported that it reflected their usual practice. There were also interesting contrasts between evidence and usual practice informed by experience. Through continual iterative review and analysis, the final algorithm was finally presented in a format which described management of the three infections in terms of initial assessment of the resident, observation of the resident and action by the care home staff. Conclusions This study has resulted in an updated algorithm targeting key infections in care home residents which should be considered for implementation into everyday practice.
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Hughes, Carmel; Ellard, David; Campbell, Anne; Potter, Rachel; Shaw, Catherine; Gardner, Evie; et al. (2020). Developing evidence-based guidance for assessment of suspected infections in care home residents. figshare. Collection. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4858188.v1
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AUTHORS (12)
CH
Carmel Hughes
DE
David Ellard
AC
Anne Campbell
RP
Rachel Potter
CS
Catherine Shaw
EG
Evie Gardner
AA
Ashley Agus
DO
Dermot O’Reilly
MU
Martin Underwood
ML
Mark Loeb
BS
Bob Stafford
MT
Michael Tunney