2024 Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 31-39
Objective : To elucidate infection control challenges and support needs in residential elderly care facilities, aiming to address and resolve infection control issues in these facilities.
Methods : This was a cross-sectional study, utilizing a questionnaire survey distributed by mail. The survey was conducted from December 2022 to January 2023. The target population comprised residential elderly care facilities in Tokushima Prefecture, with facility managers serving as respondents.
Results : Valid responses were obtained from 133 facilities, yielding a valid response rate of 35．3%. COVID-19 cases were reported in 122 facilities （91．7%） among staff, 75 facilities （56．4%） among patients, and 48 facilities （36．1%） experienced clusters. Comparing facilities based on their level of dependence on
medical care and nursing care, significantly more clusters occurred in facilities with higher levels of dependence （p=．017, Pearson's chi-square test）. Business Continuity Plans （BCP） were in place in 78 facilities （58．6%）, and the most frequently requested support for infection control was training （simulation） reported by 65 facilities （48．9%）.
Discussion : The results indicated many clusters occurred in geriatric health care facilities and special nursing homes for the elderly, where a significant number of patients are dependent on medical and physical care. Furthermore, the establishment of BCP was found to be lacking. The study also highlighted a high demand for training （simulation） to prepare for cluster occurrences. Support tailored to the specific conditions of individual facilities is necessary to effectively address these challenges.
