A national survey of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship structures in Irish long-term care facilities

Background: Information on infection prevention and control (IPC) and antimicrobial stewardship activities in Irish long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is limited. Methods: A survey detailing IPC and antimicrobial stewardship activities, including staffing and bed capacity, was circulated to Irish LTCFs. Results: Sixty-nine LTCFs (61 public, 8 private) were surveyed, 56 (81%) of which had an IPC practitioner. Thirty-five (51%) LTCFs had an IPC committee that met on average 5 times (range, 1-10) during the previous year. LTCFs with IPC practitioners based solely in the facility (n = 17) were more likely to have an IPC committee (P = .027). Antimicrobial guidelines were available in 28% (n = 19) and 16% (n = 11) had an antimicrobial stewardship committee in place. Medical care was provided by general practitioners in 51% (n = 35), by physicians employed by the LTCFs in 35% (n = 24), or by both in 14% (n = 10). Medical care and activities were coordinated in 45% (n = 31) of LTCFs. These LTCFs were more likely to have an IPC committee (P < .001), medical staff training (P < .001), and antimicrobial guidelines (P = .005) in place. Conclusion: There are significant gaps in Irish LTCFs' IPC and antibiotic stewardship programs and governance structures, highlighting the need for specific LTCF national initiatives. Copyright (c) 2013 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.