Guide to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infections in nursing homes
In many cases, there is no doctor available
Studies have shown that infections in elderly nursing home residents are fairly common. It isn’t always easy to diagnose infections in a medico-social environment: On the one hand, there often is no doctor on site and nursing staff have to discuss diagnosis and treatment with a specialist by phone. And on the other, the symptoms are often difficult to ascertain and ambiguous. In cases of doubt, this can lead to antibiotics being prescribed even if they may not be indicated.
Step-by-step diagnoses on paper and online
In cooperation with doctors, nursing staff and other experts, the Canton of Vaud has developed a best-practice guide for prevention, diagnosing and treating common infections in nursing homes. It includes step-by-step diagnoses and treatment guidelines. One chapter explains the measures to prevent micro-organism transmission. The guide is available on paper, in a pocket edition as well as in an interactive version on a website and a mobile app. The practice guide has by now become standard in various institutions; the cantons of Fribourg, Valais, Jura and Neuchâtel have also adopted it.
The guide is available in French and German: www.guide.hpci.ch
