»Researchers called much use of UTI antibiotics needless
Researchers say the high use of antibiotics to combat urinary tract infections — a common outcome of incontinence in skilled nursing facilities — may be uncalled for under certain conditions.
“Due to the high prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria, for which antibiotics are not warranted, these antibiotics are frequently unnecessary,” they reported in a recent study published in the Journal of the Americans Geriatrics Society. Researchers implemented a collaborative quality improvement program that was associated with reductions in urine cultures, UTI diagnosis, and CDI, suggesting that this type of intervention can promote appropriate management of UTI in long-term care settings.
»New pressure ulcer guidelines released
New clinical practice guidelines on preventing and treating pressure ulcers and related injuries by a broad, international network have been welcomed by clinicians. The guidelines contain 114 evidence-based recommendations, 62 good practice statements and 20 quality indicators that all healthcare providers can use.
The guidelines were a collaboration between the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, the recently renamed National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, and the Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance. Advocates hope the release will help improve care outcomes for individuals across all health settings.
»Coin-sized device approved for incontinence
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new type of sacral neuromodulator for patients suffering from overactive bladder, urinary retention and fecal incontinence. The device is surgically placed in the pelvic area and restores nerve signals communicating between the brain, bladder and bowel.
The Axonics r-SNM System provides gentle electrical stimulation to the nerves that control the bladder and bowel, restoring normal communication and resulting in an improvement in symptoms.
»Speed Queen launches stacked unit
Good news for nursing facilities short on space. Speed Queen® recently introduced new stacked washer-extractor/tumble dryer combinations.
Offered in two capacity options — 30-pound washer-extractor/30-pound tumbler and a 50-pound washer-extractor/50-pound tumbler — the stacked unit provides flexibility for laundering big loads and bulky items in spaces where two commercial units wouldn’t be possible, according to Speed Queen.
The units also feature a 200 G-Force extraction cycle that removes more water before drying and a reversing setting on the dryer to prevent tangles in large items. User-friendly controls offer four cycle options to produce quality wash results.
In addition, Speed Queen claims its stacked washer-extractor/tumble dryer helps facilities keep operating costs low with efficient use of water and utilities, while offering the additional capacity. For more information on the stacked washer-extractor/tumble dryer, visit speedqueencommercial.com.
»Clorox offers infection control scholarships
Clorox Healthcare is providing scholarships for five infection preventionists in underserved communities to attend the APIC 2020 Annual Conference June 10-12 in Phoenix.
Clorox Healthcare partnered with APIC, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, in recognition of the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance. The company has been an APIC strategic partner for more than a decade.
Clorox Healthcare supports the education of professionals in infection control by providing CE credits through free online classes and educational tools including videos, blog posts and an online resource center.
Applicants for the conference travel grants must be APIC members attending their first APIC annual conference. Awardees will receive travel reimbursement, hotel, registration and onsite recognition. Applications for the scholarships closed Feb. 14.
