PHA coordinating nursing home survey

The Healthcare Associated Infections in European Long Term Care Facilities (HALT) project is a point prevalence survey of nursing homes in European countries including Northern Ireland. The survey, which is taking place in September 2010, is being coordinated by the PHA along with staff from each participating nursing home.

Why is it important to collect this information on nursing homes?

• the number of residents cared for in these settings is increasing;
• the number of residents of nursing homes who require complex care is also increasing;
• accurate information on infections, antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use is crucial to increase awareness and to put strategies in place to reduce preventable infections and inappropriate antibiotic use.

The survey is looking at 4 areas:
1. healthcare associated infection;
2. antibiotic use;
3. antibiotic resistance;
4. resources and practices.

How are the results calculated?
Data are entered into a computer software package provided to each nursing home that will provide immediate results.

Will residents benefit from this survey?
Information collected will allow each nursing home to develop strategies to reduce preventable healthcare associated infection and inappropriate antibiotic use. In addition, each nursing home will be able compare their results with other nursing homes with a similar patient mix in Europe.

Documents relating to the survey are available to download at the end of this webpage:

General

• HALT letter
• Outline of HALT in Northern Ireland

Questionnaires

• Institution questionnaire
• Ward list
• Resident questionnaire

Protocols

• Northern Ireland protocol for HALT
• User guide software long term care facility - English
• How to interpret the HALT summary report

Information leaflets

• Staff information leaflet HALT
• Patient information leaflet HALT