Improving clinical practice in the management of elderly patients hospitalized with antimicrobial resistant organisms

Abstract

Antibiotic resistant organisms (AROs) are commonly seen in elderly patients and have continued to grow in numbers over the past 10 years. Patients are isolated when hospitalized to prevent the spread of these pathogens. As a result, there are a number of negative psychological and physiological effects on elderly patients from being isolated. Isolation precautions have also affected provision of nursing care. Workplace and knowledge barriers preventing compliance with isolation protocols have been identified. The purpose of this literature review was to determine the impact of isolation due to AROs on hospitalized elderly patients and on nursing care and to provide recommendations to improve clinical practice and patient well-being.