Infection control at an older adult facility in Finland

Abstract

Purpose:
This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of infection control at an older adult facility in Finland.
Results:
An Infection Control Committee was established at the facility and an infection control manual was prepared and regularly revised. A nurse with 15 years of experience was in charge of infection control and constantly provided infection control education for staf.All items necessary for infection control were available. We found that the compliance rate ofmask wearing was 21.2%; apron gown wearing was 69.7%; hand hygiene after treatment was 8 7.9%; hand hygiene before treatment was 97.0%; and hand hygiene after glove removal, selection of appropriate handwashing method, rate of glove wearing, hand hygiene when moving to other patients, and maintenance of a clean environment were 100%
Discussion:
The infection control system in the studied older adult facility was well developed. Compared with previous literature from a prefecture in Japan, staf at the older adult facility had high compliance. Importantly, an experienced nurse was in charge of infection control and was able to educate staff. Furthermore, at the studied facility,items necessary for infection control reflect. Finnish medical economy, and such facilities can receive financial assistance from the government. The infection control nurse made eficient use offunds and provided items necessary for infection control.