I like it when studies challenge expectations.It is generally believed that patients in contact precautions are visited less frequently by healthcare workers. Not so, as reported in this recent paper on contact precautions and healthcare worker practice across nursing homes in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. Increased patient contact may be be secondary to a greater need for clinical care by isolated patients.
Sadly, compliance with gowns and gloves for isolation was limited. This was not unexpected as was the global sub-optimal hand hygiene reported.
The clinical impact of contact precautions on endemic pathogens in VA Healthcare System nursing homes? Not reported in this study. To me, that is the million dollar question.
Back to watching the World Cup....
