Now that you’ve been briefly introduced to NHSN, let’s take a brief tour through the NHSN LTCF Component. The LTCF component of NHSN was launched in 2012 to provide LTCFs with a resource to systematically collect data regarding infections, communicable diseases, influenza vaccination among healthcare personnel safety, and prevention process measures.
The Component consists of four modules, including the healthcare-associated infections (HAI) module, laboratory-identified (LabID) event module, prevention process measures module, and most recently, the COVID-19 module. The below diagram provides a snapshot of current and future reporting options for NHSN LTCF Component users. If you are interested in learning more about the Component, please visit our LTCF webpage.
In April 2020, in support the nation’s COVID-19 response, NHSN released the LTCF COVID-19 Module within the LTCF Component to supplement COVID-19 reporting. This module includes four pathways for understanding and prioritizing public health action in relation to resident impact and facility capacity, staff and personnel impact, supplies and personal protective equipment, and ventilator usage and supplies.
With over 14,000 newly enrolled LTCFs since late April, the NHSN LTCF team recognizes an increased commitment to support our users. The goal of the LTCF newsletter is to provide an additional channel for communication and support. Newsletters are released quarterly, with each providing important updates and other information critical for the successful use of NHSN.This article was originally found on cdc.gov
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