Survey on infection prevention in retirement and nursing homes

Public Health Schweiz conducted a survey on the prevention and control of infections in retirement and nursing homes in spring 2024. The survey was commissioned by the FOPH, and was conducted with the support of the CURAVIVA association.

The survey of retirement and nursing homes was intended to provide insights into the current challenges, the requirements of these in terms of future guidelines, and the support and resources presently available. It was also designed to obtain feedback on the previously published Guide to infection prevention and control for acute respiratory infections.

A total of 209 institutions from throughout Switzerland took part in the survey. Urinary tract infections and acute respiratory infections were reported to be the greatest challenges posed. Respondents further voiced a strong need for clear and practical standardised nationwide guidelines on issues such as various infectious diseases, how to handle multi-resistant pathogens, standard hygiene procedures and how to take the preventive actions required when dealing with home residents with reduced cognitive abilities. Two particular challenges were felt to be the sometimes inadequate awareness of infections and how to prevent them, and the practical adoption by staff of the measures required in their daily working lives.

Around two thirds of respondents were aware of the national guidelines regarding acute respiratory infections, and the majority of respondents also used these in their work. In many cases, however, the documentation concerned had been modified by the institution and reworked into simpler language.

The survey’s results lay a key foundation for the NOSO Strategy. They help set priorities for future work endeavours; and they help ensure that the support provided in this field is specifically aligned to these institutions’ needs.

The full survey report will be found here: Survey infection prevention in retirement and nursing homes (in German)