Article Text
Care of older people
Cohort study
Among elderly residents of long term care facilities, a visit to the emergency department is associated with an increased risk of acquiring a new respiratory or gastrointestinal infection
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Commentary on: OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text
Implications for practice and research
Further evaluation is needed of the consistency of application of Standard Infection Control Precaution guidelines/policies in the Emergency Department (ED).
Prospective studies are needed on assessment, novel strategies and use of resources to reduce ED visits in this group.
Microbiological evidence is required to quantify the risk of infection in the ED.
Elderly in long term care (LTC) facilities are at significant risk of infection from exposure in the ED.
The ED nurse needs to evaluate how to safely manage vulnerable groups to minimise the risk of healthcare …
Footnotes
Competing interests None.