Journal article
Optimizing treatment of respiratory tract infections in nursing homes: Nurse-initiated polymerase chain reaction testing
L Dowson, C Marshall, K Buising, ND Friedman, DCM Kong, RL Stuart
American Journal of Infection Control | MOSBY-ELSEVIER | Published : 2019
Abstract
Background: Diagnostic testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is infrequently initiated for diagnosis of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in nursing homes. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of implementing nurse-initiated PCR testing of respiratory specimens in nursing home settings and to compare antibiotic prescribing prior to and during the implementation. Methods: This was a pragmatic, historically controlled study in 3 nursing homes (181 total beds) in Melbourne, Australia. Results: The number of PCR tests of respiratory specimens (over 12 months) increased from 5 to 67 when nurses could initiate the tests. Residents with RTI symptoms had a virus i..
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Awarded by Mount Sylvia Diatomite
Funding Acknowledgements
The National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship and its research are funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (APP1079625). L.D. receives an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship. D.C.M.K. has sat on advisory boards for Becton Dickinson Pty and MSD and received financial/travel support from MSD, all unrelated to the current