Implementation Science and Research
30/30 Education Session - 30 minutes
Linda Behan, BSN, RN, CWCN, CIC
Director of Infection Prevention and Control
Genesis HealthCare
Kennett Square, PA
Nothing to disclose
Linda Behan, BSN, RN, CWCN, CIC
Director of Infection Prevention and Control
Genesis HealthCare
Kennett Square, PA
Nothing to disclose
Linda Behan, BSN, RN, CWCN, CIC
Director of Infection Prevention and Control
Genesis HealthCare
Kennett Square, PA
Nothing to disclose
.jpg "Kelly Zabriskie, CIC photo")
Kelly Zabriskie, CIC
Director of Infection Prevention
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, NJ
UTIs are one of the top infections reported in LTC and represent 30–50% of all antibiotic use. Residents are frequently prescribed antibiotics, even when they are asymptomatic. This practice leads to increased rates of adverse drug effects and recurrent infections with drug-resistant bacteria. Up to 70% of all LTC residents have incontinence (fecal, urine or mixed). Between 5.6–50% of residents will develop incontinence associated dermatitis which can lead to aggressive skin breakdown and ulcers. Prevention of UTIs is difficult due to the physiological changes that occur during aging and comorbidities, and traditional methods of have not always proven to be successful interventions for many residents.
This session presents a pilot novel skin technology that lowers the skin’s pH which enhances the natural antimicrobial action of the skin and supports the microbiome of healthy skin. Participants will learn more about how this skin technology works and will discuss outcomes of this pilot such as the reduction of the prevalence of UTIs and incontinence-associated dermatitis, decreased antibiotic use, and lower overall costs.