Management of Norovirus Gastroenteritis in Post Acute Care Settings
Contact Hours: 3
Cost: $30.00
Norovirus is the predominant cause of acute gastroenteritis, causing both sporadic cases and outbreaks. It is estimated to be the causative agent for over 23 million gastroenteritis cases occurring every year in the U.S. Norovirus gastroenteritis infections commonly occur in healthcare settings. In fact, healthcare institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, are the most frequently reported settings for norovirus outbreaks in the United States and other industrialized countries.
Norovirus gastrointestinal infections can be particularly problematic in long-term care facilities. Due to the close proximity of living quarters, communal spaces, the reduced levels of personal hygiene and mobility of residents, along with the extreme contagious nature of the virus, norovirus can spread quickly in these types of facilities. Most long-term care facilities are populated by elderly residents and/or individuals who have significant underlying medical conditions. This makes them a susceptible and vulnerable group for norovirus infections. Due to these challenges, it is vitally important for long-term care facilities to implement measures and policies to prevent norovirus infections and take swift infection control actions if an outbreak is suspected.
This instructional course has been designed primarily for nurses and infection prevention and control practitioners working and caring for residents in long-term care facilities. However, other care providers such as epidemiologists, facility administrators, environmental services, and other long-term care staff members will find the course information useful. The course is designed to be applicable to various types of long-term care settings and follows the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest HICPAC Guideline for the Prevention of Norovirus.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
Describe specific challenges associated with norovirus outbreaks in post acute care facilities.
List the various methods for limiting the spread of norovirus through isolation, cohorting and contact precautions.
Explain methods for closing wards and transferring patients during outbreak events
Describe internal communication procedures during norovirus outbreaks.
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Norovirus in Healthcare Settings
Viral Gastroenteritis Description
Norovirus gastroenteritis infections are common in healthcare settings
Burden to U.S. Healthcare System
Importance of Infection Prevention and Control Measures
Chapter 2: Norovirus in Post-Acute Care Facilities
Various Forms of Post-Acute Care Facilities
Challenges Associated with Post-Acute Care Facilities
Chapter 3: About Norovirus
Description
When and Where Norovirus Gastroenteritis Infections Occur
Symptoms
Transmission
Treatment
At-Risk Populations
Chapter 4: Applicable Guidelines
CDC Norovirus Guideline
Key Issues
CDC Norovirus Toolkit
State Resources
Resources Specific to Norovirus in Post-Acute Care Facilities
Chapter 5: Limiting the Spread of Norovirus
Preventing Exposure to Diarrhea and Vomitus
Room Assignments and Contact Precautions
Staff Cohorting
Duration Times for Isolation and Contact Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment
Limiting Patient Movement Within the Facility
Chapter 6: Closures and Transfers
Closures
Transfers
Discharges to Home Settings
Chapter 7: Policies for Infected Staff Members
Staff Risk of Infection
Ill Staff Exclusion From Work
Recovering Staff Suitable for Caring for Symptomatic Patients
Non-essential Staff
Chapter 8: Hand Hygiene
Promotion of Proper Hand Hygiene Practices
Use of Soap and Running Water
Resident Hand Hygiene
Hand Sanitizers
When To Wash Hands
Chapter 9: Food Handlers in Healthcare
Food and Water as Source of Norovirus Transmission
Food Handler Hand Hygiene
Exclusion of Food Handlers Experiencing Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Shared or Communal Foods
Chapter 10: Diagnostic Testing for Norovirus
Laboratory Diagnostic Protocols
Specimens Used for Testing
Kaplan's Clinical and Epidemiological Criteria
When is it an outbreak?
Chapter 11: Environmental Cleaning
Need for Increased Cleaning During Norovirus Outbreaks
Cleaning Sequence
Disposable and Non-disposable Items
Linens, Fabrics, Upholstered Items, Rugs
Products for Cleaning and Disinfection
Outside Contractors
Chapter 12: Visitor Policies
Visitor Restrictions
Screening
Hand Hygiene and Contact Precautions
Visitors Who May Be More Susceptible
Chapter 13: Surveillance and Regulatory Notification
Surveillance to Evaluate Fluctuations in Norovirus Incidence
Regulatory Notification
Chapter 14: Communication and Training
Internal Facility Communication
Contact Person
Signage
Training
Chapter 15: Resources