Prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in long-term care facilities in Catalonia. VINCat Program

Abstract Introduction Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) have become receptors of patients with a high risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Objective To determine the prevalence of HAIs in LTCFs. Method During the period 2011–2014 2 annual prevalence studies were performed according to Healthcare-associated infections in long-term-care facilities (HALT) study definitions and methodology. Results A total of 28,360 patients were included in the study. The overall prevalence rate of HAIs was 10.2%. Subacute units and palliative care units showed the highest rates, 22.3% and 18.7%, respectively. Main infections were respiratory tract infection (35.8%) and urinary tract infection (35.8%). Conclusion These results were higher than other similar experiences, a fact that suggests the need to extend the specific strategies and programs to LTCFs, and ensuring a sufficient number of specialised staff in infection control.