[Point prevalence survey of health care associated infections and antimicrobial use in Piedmont Region long-term care facilities according to ECDC protocol].

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is to examine the prevalence data from different types of long-term care facilities (LTCFs); we also analyzed similarities and differences between them and national data.

DESIGN: «Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Use in European Long-Term Care Facilities Project» (HALT2) is a prevalence survey of health care associated infections and antimicrobial use in European long-term care facilities. The study protocol is developed, funded and promoted by the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control).

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected on a single day from long term care facilities (LTCFs) defined as facilities in which residents need constant supervision (24 hours). Two types of questionnaires had to be completed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Point prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and antimicrobial use (AU).

RESULTS: 63 LTCFs in Piedmont Region participated in the HALT-2 point prevalence survey; 3,984 residents met the eligibility criteria. The crude prevalence of residents with at least one HAI was 3% in LTCF and 10% in CA/DP facilities. The crude prevalence of residents receiving at least one antimicrobial agent was 4%; this percentage rose to 17.4 % in CA/DP facilities.

CONCLUSIONS: Data from Piedmont Region are similar to national data; differences are highlighted in different types of LTCFs. The results show the need to improve antimicrobial stewardship and to define protocols in each type of facilities in order to standardize the appropriateness and patient management.