Bacterial infections are a problem in nursing home residents and are predominantly spread from patient-to-patient by health care workers (HCW). Residents and healthcare workers will be enrolled to determine if bacteria from the resident are transferred to the gowns and gloves of HCW during episodes of usual care (i.e. wound dressing changes, bathing, etc.) The results will be used to inform when gowns and gloves should be worn or handwashing promoted to prevent transmission of the common bacteria which cause infections in nursing home residents while balancing patient safety and a home-like, patient-centered environment.
Project: 2012-2015
Collaboration with University of Maryland Baltimore, PI: Mary-Claire Roghmann
