Implementation of respiratory protection measures: Visitors of residential care homes for the elderly

Am J Infect Control. 2017 Feb 1;45(2):197-199. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2016.07.022. Epub 2016 Sep 28.

Abstract

To evaluate the implementation of respiratory protection measures for and by visitors of residential care homes for the elderly in Hong Kong, a territory-wide cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 87 infection control officers, 1,763 health care workers, and 520 visitors from 87 homes completed the questionnaires. Rules on respiratory protection for visitors were found to vary across residential care homes for the elderly. Uncooperative visitors and inadequate resources were identified as major barriers in the implementation of such measures for visitors.

Keywords: Influenza; Nosocomial outbreaks; Old age homes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Homes for the Aged*
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / prevention & control*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Visitors to Patients*