Infection prevention and control in long-term care facilities in Florida: A needs assessment survey

Abstract

Background: Although several surveys of infection prevention and control (IPC) practices have been conducted in the United States, none have focused on the state of Florida, which has the fourth-largest number of certified nursing facilities in the country. A needs assessment survey was conducted to better understand the specific needs and practices of individuals responsible for IPC in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Florida. Methods: In November and December of 2022, a 90-question online survey was distributed to individuals responsible for IPC activities at 3,690 LTCFs in Florida. After omitting incomplete responses, 304 survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Survey responses regarding hand hygiene, sharps safety, and staff training reflect compliance with recommended IPC practices. Staffing shortages for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants were high among respondents (30%), while few reported shortages of personal protective equipment (5%). Only 11% of respondents state their facility requires flu vaccines, despite the high-risk environment of LTCFs. Concerning the built environment, the results suggest infection preventionists have limited awareness of the scope of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in their facilities. Conclusions: Some areas of compliance with IPC best practices were noted, but multiple opportunities for education and training on IPC best practices were identified.