CDC takes on antimicrobial resistance in LTC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a campaign to help LTC medical directors and clinicians prevent antimicrobial resistance and protect residents' health. The new campaign is part of a broader effort launched in March 2002 and focuses on four key strategies: (1) preventing infection, (2) diagnosing and treating infection effectively, (3) using antimicrobials wisely, and (4) preventing transmission of drug-resistant pathogens. Twelve action steps based on evidence-based guidelines and recommendations from the CDC and other organizations are available at www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/healthcare/ltc/12steps_ltc.htm. The CDC is also developing educational materials to accompany the campaign, such as posters, a slide set featuring the 12 action steps, and a brochure for LTC staff and residents' families.

"Developing and implementing prevention and control programs for antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in long-term care facilities are especially challenging because of the unique nature of these facilities and their residents," says Denise M. Cardo, MD, director of the CDC's healthcare quality promotion program. "This campaign provides a simple program to combat this problem in long-term care facilities."

Nursing Homes assistant editor wins award

Assistant Editor Douglas J. Edwards: The Press Club of Cleveland awarded him an honorable mention in the Trade Report category for his February 2003 article "Sex and Intimacy in the Nursing Home" (p. 18).