Long-term Care Hospitals Research Articles

Patient Profile and Cost Savings of Long-Term Care in a Spanish Hospital: Retrospective Observational Study.

Long-term care hospitals have been considered an efficient response to the health care needs of an increasingly aging population. These centers are expected to contribute to better hospital bed management and more personalized care for patients needing continuous care. The evaluation of their outcomes is necessary after a sufficient period to assess their impact. Hospitals for Acute and Chronic Long-Term Extended Stay (HACLES) emerged in Spain in the late 20th century as a response to the aging population and the increase in chronic diseases. This study aimed to analyze the profile of patients treated in a HACLES, particularly analyzing gender differences, and evaluate the cost savings associated with using these centers. A retrospective study was conducted based on data from patients 65 years old or older admitted to a HACLES between 2022 and 2023. Gender, age, household cohabitation data, diagnosis and comorbidity, daily medication intake, and degree of dependency were obtained to describe the profile of patients who attended the HACLES. Data coded in SIA-Abucasis (version 37.00.03; Consellería Sanitat, Generalitat Valenciana; a digital medical record system used in the Valencian region) were reviewed, and descriptive statistics and comparison tests were used. The direct cost savings of HACLES admissions were calculated by comparing the daily cost of a general hospital bed with that of a HACLES bed. Data from 123 patients with a mean age of 77 years were analyzed. Most (n=81, 65.9%) had a cohabiting family member as their primary caregiver. Palliative care was the most frequent reason for admission (n=75, 61%). The mortality rate (odds ratio [OR] 61.8, 95% CI 53.2-70.5) was similar between men and women (OR 54.1, 95% CI 47.8-71.5 vs OR 59.7, 95% CI 42.2-66.0; P=.23). The cognitive assessment, using the Pfeiffer scale, improved at discharge (mean 3.2, SD 3.2 vs mean 2.5, SD 3.1; P=.003). The length of stay was significantly larger for patients who returned home compared with patients discharged to other facilities (mean 89.8, SD 58.2 versus mean 33.1, SD 43.1 days; P<.001). The direct cost savings were estimated at US $42,614,846 per 1000 admissions. Patients typically treated in HACLES are older, with a high level of cognitive impairment and physical dependency, and a significant proportion are in palliative care, highlighting the importance of adapting care to the individual needs of the admitted patients. The HACLES model contributes to the sustainability of the public health system.

Exploring Post-Fall Management Interventions in Long-Term Care Facilities and Hospitals for Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

The population is rapidly growing, significantly impacting healthcare settings such as hospitals and long-term care. Falls are a major concern, being a leading cause of hospitalisations and injuries especially among adults aged 60 and above. Despite extensive research on falls prevention and risk factors, there is limited study on effective post-fall management strategies, making it crucial to review and develop interventions to improve care and safety for older adults in healthcare settings. To explore the interventions implemented for post-fall management for residents and patients within healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. A scoping literature review. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Eligible articles included hospital and long-term care post-fall management interventions. Data were manually extracted by two independent reviewers using the AACTT (Actor, Action, Context, Target and Time) Framework to detail intervention characteristics and guide the data charting process, allowing for thematic analysis and narrative synthesis of key findings. Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Scopus were searched from inception until 30th September 2024. Eighteen articles were included. Over half the studies (55.5%) focused on post-fall interventions in LTCFs, testing assessment tools (50%), structured protocols (27.7%), huddles (11.1%) or multifactorial approaches (11.1%), with varied effectiveness. While assessment tools and huddles showed mixed results, structured protocols showed encouraging results with reduced unnecessary hospital transfers and hospitalisations. This scoping review identified a variety of interventions used after falls in healthcare settings. However, there is inconclusive evidence about the effectiveness of interventions to reduce hospitalisation and injuries. This review identified areas for research that may help to inform post-fall management, including the need for further research into various interventions (e.g., standardised toolkit) to enhance care immediately following a fall. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Experience of Family Caregivers in Long-Term Care Hospitals During the Early Stages of COVID-19: A Phenomenological Analysis.

This study investigated the experiences of inpatient family caregivers who experienced restrictions in meeting their family members owing to the changed visitation guidelines of long-term care hospitals during the early stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to deepen our understanding of the nature of these caregivers' experiences. The participants were family caregivers of patients in long-term care hospitals during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data from nine inpatient caregivers from April to July 2021. Individual interviews and data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Participants' experiences were classified into the following three themes: (1) a prison-like long-term care hospital bound by strict COVID-19 prevention rules; (2) growing affection for unreachable parents; and (3) adaptation to a new, safer daily life. Participants had difficulty communicating with their families living under quarantine conditions during COVID-19 due to non-face-to-face situations. However, amid the long-term COVID-19 situation, participants overcame these challenges through efforts to facilitate communication. The results of this study can be used as basic data to support the smooth communication between patients and caregivers in long-term care hospitals in the event of an infectious disease outbreak in the future, to alleviate emotional stress, and to minimize the weakening of families.

Epidemiology and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Klebsiella pneumoniae Infections Among Male Patients in a Long-Term Care Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract. While it typically remains benign, it can lead to severe healthcare-associated infections, particularly among immunocompromised individuals and those in long-term care settings. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and antibiotic resistance patterns of K. pneumoniae infections among male patients in a long-term care hospital. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing microbial culture data from 29 male patients admitted to the male ward of a long-term care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study included patients with confirmed positive cultures for K. pneumoniae. Data were collected regarding demographic information, culture sites, and antibiotic susceptibility test results. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant associations between patient characteristics and resistance patterns, with a particular focus on the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). Around 51.7% of the K. pneumoniae isolates were found to be resistant to carbapenems, while 24.1% were classified as producers ofESBL. Patients suffering from bedsores had a significantly higher prevalence of CRE infectionsat 37.9% compared to only 13.8% in patients without bedsores (p=0.034). The analysis also indicated that older patients (aged over 50 years) exhibited a higher prevalence of CRE infections (34.5%) compared to their younger counterparts (17.2%, p=0.069). Notably, resistance levels against antibiotics were high, with 75.9% of isolates resistant to cotrimoxazole, 65.5% to ciprofloxacin, and 62.1% to gentamicin. In contrast, imipenem and meropenem showed relatively higher susceptibility, with each antibiotic having a susceptibility rate of 34.5%. There is a significant prevalence of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae infections in long-term care environments, particularly affecting older male patients and those with bedsores. These findings underscore the need for targeted infection control measures and enhanced antibiotic stewardship programs. Future research should include both genders to investigate epidemiological differences and broader resistance trends.

Exploring Place of Death among Individuals with Huntington's Disease in the United States

ObjectivesTo describe trends and identify factors associated with place of death among individuals with Huntington's disease (HD). DesignRetrospective cohort of deceased individuals with HD from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. Setting and ParticipantsA total of 13,350 individuals with HD who died in the United States between 2009 and 2019. MethodsWe analyzed place of death, categorized as long-term care (LTC) facility, home, hospital, hospice facility, and other locations. Trends in the places of death from 2009 to 2019 were assessed using linear regression models. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify sociodemographic factors associated with place of death. ResultsFrom 2009 to 2019, the greatest proportion of deaths occurred in LTC facilities (48.4%). There was a significantly decreasing trend in the proportion of deaths occurring in LTC facilities (53.5%–43.9%, P < .001). A greater proportion of deaths in rural areas occurred in LTC facilities compared with all other locations (P < .001 for all comparisons). In the multivariate model, aged younger than 44 years, Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, some college education or greater, and being married were associated with significantly lower odds of dying in a LTC facility compared with home. Conclusions and ImplicationsDespite a decreasing trend, LTC facilities remain a cornerstone of support for individuals with HD, particularly in rural areas. These results suggest multiple avenues for research to improve accessibility and quality of care for individuals with late stages of HD. Future studies are needed to further understand the impact of rurality and lack of support in the home on the accessibility and quality of LTC and hospice care for individuals with HD. These results may also help inform interventions focused on training and staff education within LTC and hospice facilities to better manage HD progression and symptoms.

Effects of Moral Sensitivity and Positive Nursing Organizational Culture on Safety Nursing Activities of Nurses in Long-Term Care Hospitals

Effects of Moral Sensitivity and Positive Nursing Organizational Culture on Safety Nursing Activities of Nurses in Long-Term Care Hospitals

Comparative Clinical Characteristics of Frail Older Adults in the Emergency Department: Long-Term Care Hospital versus Community Residence.

Older patients from long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) presenting to emergency departments (EDs) exhibit a higher prevalence of frailty than those from the community. However, no study has examined frailty in patients from LTCHs in the ED. This study compared frailty in older patients from LTCHs and the community. We retrospectively analyzed data from the EDs of three university hospitals between 1 August and 31 October 2023, involving 5908 patients (515 from LTCHs and 5393 from the community). The Korean version of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS-K) was used to assess individuals aged 65 and older. We compared clinical characteristics, frailty, length of stay (LOS), and diagnosis between patients from LTCHs (LTCH group) and the community (community group). Among ED patients, 55.0% and 35.2% in the LTCH and the community groups, respectively, were frail (p < 0.001). Of these, 71.7% in the LTCH group were hospitalized compared with 53.1% in the community group (p = 0.001). The odds ratio for in-hospital mortality was 4.910 (95% CI 1.458-16.534, p = 0.010) for frail LTCH patients and 3.748 (95% CI 2.599-5.405, p < 0.001) for frail community patients, compared to non-frail patients. Patients from LTCHs with frailty had higher hospital admission rates and increased in-hospital mortality compared to those in the community at the same frailty level. This study offers essential insights into the characteristics of older patients in LTCHs for healthcare administrators and medical staff worldwide.

Development of a practical framework and indicators for monitoring integrated long-term health and care needs and service use

This case study presents an evidence-building approach to support policy planning for integrated health and care delivery for older adults. We developed an integrated needs-assessment framework to monitor the complex long-term medical and care needs of older individuals, using routinely collected, standardized needs-assessment and utilization data from the public health and long-term care (LTC) insurance systems in South Korea. We also developed a set of misuse indicators and analyzed service utilization patterns, while accounting for their varying types of needs. Approximately 11 % of older Koreans were identified as having complex long-term medical and care needs, which were categorized into four distinct need groups. More than one-third of those in the higher-medical/lower-care needs group stayed in LTC hospitals for six months or more during the year, and about one-third of those in the higher-medical/higher-care needs group inappropriately resided in LTC facilities, where medical services are limited. The newly developed integrated needs-assessment framework and misuse indicator set provide practical tools for monitoring the extent and nature of complex needs, as well as patterns of over- or under-utilization of health and care services over time. The empirical evidence gathered here highlights the need for reforms in South Korea's health and LTC systems.

Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skill model-based physical restraint education program for nursing care providers in long-term care hospitals: A quasi-experimental repeated measures non-equivalent control group design

Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skill model-based physical restraint education program for nursing care providers in long-term care hospitals: A quasi-experimental repeated measures non-equivalent control group design

Overview of Post-acute and Long-term Care Providers and Services Users in the United States, 2020.

This report presents national results from the National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study to describe providers and services users in seven major settings of paid, regulated post-acute and long-term care services in the United States. Data are from the 2020 National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study, which includes surveys of adult day services centers and residential care communities and administrative data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on home health agencies, hospices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, long-term care hospitals, and nursing homes. The findings show variation in characteristics of the seven post-acute and long-term care settings. About 68,150 providers served roughly 7.3 million people in the United States; about one-half of these providers were residential care communities, and about one-quarter were nursing homes. The Northeast had a higher percentage of adult day services centers than other settings, the Midwest had a higher percentage of nursing homes, the South had a higher percentage of long-term care hospitals, and the West had a higher percentage of residential care communities. Among the settings, more registered nurses were employed in inpatient rehabilitation facilities and long-term care hospitals, and more licensed practical nurses in home health agencies and long-term care hospitals. The most common services were skilled nursing and therapeutic services. Adult day services centers had the highest percentage of users younger than age 65, while nearly one-half of hospice and nursing home users were age 85 and older. Adult day services centers had the highest percentage of other non-Hispanic and Hispanic users among the settings. The percentage of users with selected diagnoses and activities of daily living difficulties varied by setting. The providers described in this report comprise a large share of the U.S. post-acute and long-term care industry. This report provides the most recent nationally representative information on these providers and services users and updates findings from previous National Center for Health Statistics reports.

Evaluating antimicrobial utilization in 20 Korean long-term care hospitals: a call to action for antimicrobial stewardship

Evaluation of hospital-specific antimicrobial use is necessary for successful national antimicrobial stewardship. This study aimed to identify antimicrobial use in long-term care hospitals (LCHs) in Korea. A multi-centre retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the prescription patterns and appropriateness of antimicrobials in 20 LCHs in Korea. The medical record data of hospitalized patients who were newly prescribed antimicrobials at each hospital were collected manually between 10th July and 31st October 2023 to evaluate the appropriateness of antimicrobial use. The prevalence of antimicrobial prescriptions was 8.9% (365/4086) and 10.3% (402/3892) on 12th July 2023 and 18th October 2023, respectively. In total, 885 antimicrobials were prescribed to 740 patients. Among the antimicrobials, third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins (31.9%) represented the most prescribed antimicrobial class. A large majority of antimicrobials (96.6%, 855/885) were prescribed for the treatment of infectious diseases; however, only 37.7% (322/855) of antimicrobials were prescribed appropriately for infections. The route of administration, dosage and prescribed antimicrobial were appropriate in 99.6% (852/855), 56.1% (480/855) and 62.0% (530/855) of cases, respectively. In total, 35.2% (252/715) of patients were prescribed antimicrobials appropriately. The diagnosis of infectious disease was appropriate for 52.9% (472/892) of cases. Of the five, 15 and 10 antimicrobials used for surgical site infection prophylaxis, medical prophylaxis and other purposes, respectively, none were used appropriately. The proportion of antimicrobials used appropriately is low in Korean LCHs. These data highlight the importance of establishing antimicrobial stewardship in LCHs.

Predicting future medical needs and mortality risk in geriatric long-term care patients : Development and validation of the Nascher score and revised Nascher score.

Choosing the right intensity of medical care is ahuge challenge particularly in long-term geriatric care. The Nascher score was developed to assess future medical care needs. The aim of this study was to determine whether the Nascher score and arevised version can predict future medical needs. In this retrospective cohort study, 396 residents in long-term care hospitals, who were admitted over a period of two years and followed up to two and a half yeare, were analysed. Outcome parameters were: (1)number of medication changes, (2)number of ward doctor documentations and (3)number of acute illnesses treated with antibiotics, and mortality risk. Based on the first results, an alternative scoring of the Nascher score with 12instead of 26items was developed, called the revised Nascher score. The Nascher score significantly correlated with the number of medication changes, the number of ward doctor documentations, and the number of acute ilnesses treated with antibiotics with Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.30, 0.26, and 0.15, respectively. The revised Nascher score showed ahigher correlation with correlation coefficients of0.36, 0.26, and 0.21, respectively. Residents with aNascher score in the highest quartile had asignificantly higher mortality risk than residents in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio, HR 2.97, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.80-4.34). The corresponding values for the revised Nascher score were HR 3.03, 95% CI 2.03-4.54 in the highest and HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.24-2.60 in the middle quartiles. The Nascher score and even more so the revised Nascher score are well suited to predicting the various parameters of future medical needs and mortality risk.

Methods for Estimating Costs for Stays at Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities and Long-Term Care Hospitals

ObjectiveTo describe and compare 3 methods for estimating stay-level Medicare facility (Part A) costs using claims and cost report data for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) and long-term care hospitals (LTCHs), the 2 hospital-based postacute care providers. DesignWe calculated stay-level facility costs using different methods. Method 1 used routine costs per day and ancillary cost-to-charge ratios. Method 2 used routine and ancillary cost-to-charge ratios (freestanding IRFs and LTCHs only). Method 3 used facility-specific operating cost-to-charge ratios from the Provider Specific File. For each method, we compared the costs with payments and charges at the claim and facility levels and examined facility margins. SettingData are from 1619 providers, including 266 freestanding IRFs, 909 IRF units, and 444 LTCHs. ParticipantsThe analyses included 239,284 claims from 2014, of which 86,118 claims were from freestanding IRFs, 92,799 claims were from IRF units, and 60,367 claims were from LTCHs. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresCosts and payments in 2014 United States Dollars. ResultsFor freestanding IRFs, the mean facility stay-level costs were calculated to be $13,610 (method 1), $13,575 (method 2), and $13,783 (method 3). For IRF units, the mean facility stay-level costs were $17,385 (method 1) and $19,093 (method 3). For LTCHs, the mean facility stay-level costs were $36,362 (method 1), $36,407 (method 2), and $37,056 (method 3). ConclusionsThe 3 methods resulted in small differences in facility mean stay-level costs. Using the facility-level cost-to-charge ratio (method 3) is the least resource-intensive method. Although more resource-intensive, using routine cost per day and ancillary cost-to-charge ratios (method 1) for cost calculations allows for differentiation in costs across patients based on differences in the mix of services used. As policymakers consider postacute care payment reforms, cost, rather than charge or payment data, needs to be calculated and the results of the methods compared.

요양병원 입원환자 환자안전사고 위해정도에 영향을 미치는 요인

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of patient safety incidents among patients admitted to long-term care hospitals and the factors affecting the severity of these incidents, and provide essential data for developing strategies to prevent and manage patient safety incidents in long-term care hospitals. Method: The study utilized 7,594 patient safety report data collected from 2017 to 2022, based on Patient Safety Reporting and Learning System. Descriptive statistics and cross-analysis were conducted to identify the characteristics of patient safety incidents among inpatients of long-term care hospitals. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the related factors. All statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS statistical program. Results: Factors identified as affecting the severity of patient safety incidents in long-term care hospital inpatients included gender, age, primary diagnosis, the impact of COVID-19, the number of beds, the location of the incident, and the type of incident. Conclusion: As the aging population leads to an increase in patient safety incidents in long-term care hospitals, it is crucial to prevent these incidents and ensure their severity does not escalate. This requires systematic safety education for all healthcare workers and efforts such as implementing patient safety incident prevention programs and monitoring systems within long-term care hospitals.

Prevalence and incidence of venous thromboembolism in geriatric patients admitted to long-term care hospitals

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases with age. However, the risk of VTE in the setting of long-term care hospitals is understudied. Our objective was to provide data on the prevalence and incidence of VTE in older adults admitted to long-term care hospitals. In this retrospective cohort study, we collected data about chronically ill and multimorbid patients aged 65 years and older from two long-term care hospitals. The primary endpoint of this study was the lifetime prevalence of VTE, and the secondary endpoint was VTE incidence during residency in long-term care hospitals. We analysed data from 1148 patients with a mean age of 84.1 ± 7.9 years, of whom 74.2% were women. The lifetime prevalence of VTE at baseline was 9.6% (95% CI 7.9–11.4). Cumulative incidence of VTE at 1, 2, and 3 years from baseline was estimated at 3.5% (95% CI 2.5–4.7), 4.2% (95% CI 3.1–5.5), and 5.4% (95% CI 4.1–7.0), respectively. Overall, the incidence rate of VTE in our study was 2.82 (95% CI 2.18–3.66) per 100 person-years. The study indicated a considerably high lifetime prevalence and incidence of VTE during residence in long-term care hospital settings, requiring further evaluation in larger prospective studies.

Acute Laryngeal Injury in Patients Undergoing Airway Screening at a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital.

Acute laryngeal injury (ALgI) is an identified complication of prolonged intubation. Its evolution into mature stenosis and factors affecting decannulation are unclear. This retrospective review aims to characterize the incidence and characteristics of ALgI development and decannulation. Retrospective study of post-intubated patients with a tracheostomy seen for screening evaluation at a single long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) from 2019 to 2022. Patients were followed for an average of 115 days after extubation. Forty-nine of 119 adult patients had ALgI. Those with ALgI were more likely female (61% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.006) with higher body mass index (BMI; 32.9 vs. 28.1, p = 0.03) and lower height (166 vs. 171.1 cm, p = 0.01). Decannulation rates in patients with ALgI were 69.4% compared to 84.3% in patients without ALgI (p = 0.053). Patients with ALgI were scoped more quickly post-extubation (28.8 vs. 36.6 days, p = 0.04), but time to decannulation did not differ (66.6 vs. 81.2 days, p = 0.74). Lower CCI (4.03 vs 6.93) and lack of tobacco use (41.2% vs 73.3%) were associated with successful decannulation (p = 0.038, p = 0.0008). Patients with ALgI treated conservatively (observation or medical management) were decannulated up to 71 days post-extubation. Further decannulations only occurred with surgical intervention. Female gender, higher BMI, and shorter height are associated with ALgI among patients undergoing a LTACH screening evaluation. CCI and tobacco have a negative association with decannulation success. Among the ALgI cohort, no patient treated conservatively was decannulated after 71 days. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:4642-4648, 2024.

Cross-setting Comparison of Risk Factors for Pressure Injuries Acquired in Post-Acute Care.

To provide information on the association between risk factors and the development of new or worsened stage 2 to 4 pressure injuries (PIs) in patients in long-term care hospitals (LTCHs), inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Compare the unadjusted PI incidence in SNF, IRF, and LTCH populations.2. Explain the extent to which the clinical risk factors of functional limitation (bed mobility), bowel incontinence, diabetes/peripheral vascular disease/peripheral arterial disease, and low body mass index are associated with new or worsened stage 2 to 4 PIs across the SNF, IRF, and LTCH populations.3. Compare the incidence of new or worsened stage 2 to 4 PI development in SNF, IRF, and LTCH populations associated with high body mass index, urinary incontinence, dual urinary and bowel incontinence, and advanced age.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Candida auris in Southeast Michigan

Background: Candida auris is an emerging multidrug resistant fungus that presents a serious global health threat and causes severe infections with a high mortality rate in hospitalized patients with significant underlying comorbidities. We describe the risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with C. auris in Southeast Michigan. Methods: This is a retrospective case series of culture-positive C. auris patients who had contact with our healthcare facility in Detroit from 2021 to 2023. We evaluated demographics, comorbidities, risk factors, and outcomes. A comparative analysis of colonized and infected patients was performed. Results: Forty-eight (81%) colonized and 11 (19%) infected patients were included (Table); 70% were male with median age of 66 years. All variables were comparable between the two groups except chronic kidney disease, which was significantly more prevalent among colonized patients (40% vs 0, p=0.011). All patients had prior exposure to acute care hospital (ACH), 37% to long-term acute care hospital, and 42% to skilled nursing facility within 1 year of diagnosis. Chronic wounds, prior broad-spectrum antibiotic use, and indwelling devices were prevalent in both groups; more than half required mechanical ventilation in the last month, and one third had tracheostomy at the time of C. auris detection. Almost 60% had a prior history of drug-resistant organisms, including multi-drug resistant gram negative (37%) and carbapenem-resistant (20%) organisms. Blood (82%) and wound (18%) were sources of invasive candidiasis. More than half (61%) of the testing was performed at ACH. Nine patients (82%) with invasive disease were treated with echinocandins (88%); among the colonized, two (4%) were treated with echinocandins but had persistent colonization. Thirty-day mortality was not significantly different among the two groups and was nearly 20%. Conclusions: In this large cohort study, a history of healthcare exposure, drug-resistant organisms, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, indwelling devices, and chronic wounds were common risk factors among C. auris patients. Limiting the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials and invasive devices, adherence to infection prevention and control practices, and interfacility transfer communication are important mitigating strategies to reduce the incidence and spread of C. auris.

Whole Genome Sequencing to Identify Multiple Clusters of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales Cases – Colorado, 2022-2023

Background: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) detected an increase in Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (KPC-CRE) infections in October 2022. We investigated patient epidemiological links and isolate relatedness to characterize interfacility transmission of KPC-CRE in the Denver metro area and inform regional prevention strategies. Methods: We defined a case as polymerase chain reaction detection of KPC from clinical or screening specimens collected during January 2022 – January 2023. Cases were identified through statewide CRE surveillance and carbapenemase testing at the CDPHE laboratory and counted once within a 30-day period. Medical records were reviewed to identify healthcare facility admissions and patient facility overlap in the 12 months prior to sample collection. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed for 34 patients with available KPC-CRE isolates using short- and long-read sequencing techniques. We performed multi-locus sequence typing, generated genome phylogenetic trees, and compared plasmid contig sequences to identify relatedness between KPC-CRE isolates. Clusters were defined as ≥2 genetically related isolates of the same organism or carbapenemase plasmid, from different patients. Results: We identified 48 cases (34 clinical and 14 screening) among 39 patients (figure). Patients had a mean age of 52 years (range 16-86) and median of three healthcare facility admissions (range 1-14). Twenty-eight patients (72%) were male. We identified 16 (41%) patients with epidemiological links to one acute care hospital (ACH), 11 (28.2%) patients to one long-term acute care hospital (LTACH), and four (10.2%) patients to each of two ventilator-capable skilled nursing facilities (vSNF). Five distinct clusters of KPC-CRE were identified by WGS among 23 patients (E. hormaechei, two distinct E. cloacae clusters, K. pneumoniae, and K. oxytoca) with linkages to ten healthcare facilities, including two vSNFs, two LTACHs, and six ACHs. Three distinct KPC genes were identified among the clusters: KPC-2, KPC-3, and KPC-4. Genomes assembled from long reads identified identical or similar KPC-gene-containing plasmids across different species or sequence types, suggesting horizontal gene transfer of KPC. Conclusions: Multiple KPC-CRE strains co-circulated and were associated with patient movement between acute and post-acute care settings. WGS allowed us to identify multi-facility clusters. Time and location of carbapenemase acquisition were challenging to determine for genetically related isolates when epidemiologic links could not be determined from medical records. This could be due to undetected cases. We notified healthcare facilities of their shared transmission risk and advocated for improved attention to infection control, carbapenemase screening, and communication upon patient transfer.

Impacts of Ethical Dilemma, Job Stress, and Burnout on Turnover Intention of Long-term Care Hospital Nurses

Purpose: To identify factors affecting turnover intention of long-term care hospital nurses.Methods: After receiving permission from nursing managers at 10 nursing hospitals with 100 to 500 beds in three cities in South Korea, nurses who agreed to participate in this study were recruited and a survey was conducted. Final participants included 172 long-term care hospital nurses. Data collection was conducted from January 2, 2024 to April 30, 2024. Questionnaires included job stress, ethical dilemma, burnout, and turnover intention. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis.Results: Ethical dilemma, job stress, burnout, and turnover intention of long-term care hospital nurses all had significant positive correlations. Age, position, job stress, and burnout were substantial in the turnover intention of long-term care hospital nurses.Conclusion: Findings of this study can be used as primary data for improving the quality of nursing in long-term care hospitals, promoting efficient human resource management, and establishing policies.