According to a new research study from the Center for Health Policy at Columbia University School of Nursing, a 2014 survey showed that 5.4% of more than 88,000 residents at nearly 1,000 nursing homes nationwide developed a urinary tract infection (UTI) each month. Those residents with catheters were four times more likely to get a UTI than those without catheters. Nonetheless, more of the infections identified were not associated with catheter use. As a result, researchers concluded that nursing homes should concentrate their efforts on preventing UTIs in general, rather than concentrating on those related to catheter use.
The study also identified three UTI prevention practices that generally led to lower rates of UTIs in residents. These precautions included the usage of portable bladder ultrasound scanners, which lowered the UTI rate by 10%. However, only 22% of the facilities had a policy on their usage. Likewise, the 44% of the facilities with policies in place about catheter cleaning procedures saw a 20% reduction in the incidence of UTIs. Finally, facilities with a staff infection preventionists who were trained in UTI prevention by the Associations for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) had a 20% reduction in their UTI rate among residents. Despite this fact, only 9% of the facilities had a staff member who had taken APIC training.
UTIs are only one type of infection that tends to occur regularly in nursing home residents. In some cases, repeated infections or even certain strains of infections can cause serious injuries to a resident, and may even be fatal. Therefore, as this study indicates, it is essential that healthcare facilities such as nursing homes establish and institute policies that are specifically designed to combat and prevent UTIs and other types of infections, and particularly those that have proven to be effective in the past.
At Boller & Vaughan, we know firsthand just how prevalent neglect in healthcare facilities and nursing homes can be, particularly with respect to the most vulnerable patients. If your family member has suffered abuse, neglect, or recurrent overmedication, we are here to protect your rights and represent your interests, no matter what the case may involve. Our law firm has the experience that you need in a case such as this, so that you can explore all of the options that are available to you, and decide what legal avenue to pursue. Call the Wisconsin nursing home neglect attorneys today at (608) 268-0268 and schedule a free appointment.
Unfortunately, completely avoidable harms occur on a daily basis in nursing homes, many of which are related to the spread of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 700,000 individuals […]
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
