Mastering Infection Control: Understanding McGeer Criteria Surveillance

Welcome to your training on MDS Core Knowledge regarding infection control, specifically focusing on the McGeer Criteria for infection surveillance checklist. In this module, we'll delve into the essentials of infection control in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, highlighting the significance of the McGeer Criteria and its relation to MDS 3.0.

Objectives:                    

1. Understand the importance of infection control in nursing homes.
2. Familiarize yourself with the McGeer Criteria for infection surveillance.
3. Learn how the McGeer Criteria aligns with MDS 3.0 documentation.
4. Gain practical insights into implementing infection control measures in your facility.

Understanding Infection Control: Infection control is crucial in nursing homes to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among residents, staff, and visitors. Effective infection control measures not only safeguard the health and well-being of individuals but also contribute to regulatory compliance and quality care delivery.

McGeer Criteria for Infection Surveillance: The McGeer Criteria is a widely recognized tool used in infection surveillance in long-term care settings. It provides guidelines for defining various types of infections, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gastrointestinal infections. By applying the McGeer Criteria, healthcare professionals can accurately identify and monitor infections, leading to timely interventions and improved resident outcomes.

Relation to MDS 3.0: MDS 3.0, or the Minimum Data Set, is a standardized assessment tool used in nursing homes to collect resident data for care planning and quality monitoring. Infection control is an integral component of MDS assessments, with specific sections dedicated to documenting infections, including their type, onset, treatment, and outcomes. By aligning with the McGeer Criteria, MDS assessments ensure consistency and accuracy in infection surveillance across facilities, facilitating data-driven decision-making and regulatory compliance.

Practical Implementation: As a new MDS nurse, you play a vital role in infection control efforts within your facility. Here are some practical steps to incorporate the McGeer Criteria and MDS 3.0 principles into your daily practice:

• Familiarize yourself with the McGeer Criteria guidelines for different types of infections.
• Utilize the MDS 3.0 assessment tool to document infections accurately and comprehensively.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement infection control protocols based on evidence-based practices and regulatory requirements.
• Stay updated on infection control best practices, guidelines, and regulatory changes through ongoing education and training opportunities.

Conclusion: Infection control is a cornerstone of quality care delivery in nursing homes, and understanding the McGeer Criteria for infection surveillance is essential for MDS nurses. By integrating the McGeer Criteria with MDS 3.0 documentation, you can contribute to promoting resident safety, preventing infections, and maintaining regulatory compliance in your facility.

References:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). McGeer Criteria for Long-Term Care Facilities.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (2020). MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.18.1.