Description

Surveillance activities are an important addition to the most recent CMS post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) reform requirements. This program will provide information about the background and rational for infection surveillance, followed by in-depth information on how PALTC facilities can use surveillance systems to meet these requirements and improve patient care. In particular, we will review the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) long-term care facility component and its potential use as a surveillance system for facilities.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the background and rational for infection surveillance in PALTC facilities
• Review the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid infection prevention reform requirements for long-term care.
• Describe the National Healthcare Safety Network's long-term care facility component and review its role as a surveillance strategy for PALTC facilities.
• Determine how infection surveillance can improve resident outcomes.

Speaker(s):

• Theresa Rowe, DO, MS, Assistant Professor, Northwestern University