APIC defines home health care infection criteria

Definitions for nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections have been in existence for a number of years; the last modification was published in 1996. By its original definition, nosocomial (Gr. nosos = disease, komeion = to take care of) referred to ANY facility involved in the care of the sick. Howe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical microbiology newsletter 2001-04, Vol.23 (8), p.64-64
Main Author: Zabransky, R.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
home health care
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Summary:Definitions for nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections have been in existence for a number of years; the last modification was published in 1996. By its original definition, nosocomial (Gr. nosos = disease, komeion = to take care of) referred to ANY facility involved in the care of the sick. However, conventional usage over the past 30 to 40 years has applied the definition to hospitals only. To complement the approach to acute care, definitions for surveillance of infections in long-term care facilities were developed almost 10 years ago. The criteria for the definitions of infections occurring in the hospital or in long-term care facilities depend upon clinical findings and the results of a variety of diagnostic tests. Diagnostic testing is less frequently associated with home health care where only clinical observations may be used. This has resulted in situations where various agencies, for example those involved in reimbursement, may not accept a diagnosis.
ISSN:0196-4399
1873-4391
DOI:10.1016/S0196-4399(01)89017-6