Medical device-associated infections in the long-term care setting.

Indwelling medical devices are increasingly used in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). These devices place residents at a heightened risk for infection and colonization and infection with multidrug-resistant organisms. Understanding the risk and pathogenesis of infection associated with commonly used medical devices can help facilitate appropriate therapy. Programs to minimize unnecessary use of indwelling medical devices in residents and maximize staff adherence to infection control and maintenance procedures are essential features of a LTCF infection prevention program. LTCFs that provide care for large numbers of residents with indwelling medical devices should routinely perform surveillance for device-related infections and develop systems for assessing the safety and efficacy of newly introduced device-related technology.