Using an Internally Developed Process for Clearing Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Cases

Session Description: Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is a multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) that requires patients to be in contact precautions for extended periods of time, may make post-acute placement challenging, and has no defined clearing criteria. With high patient census levels, challenges with cohorting patients, and limited long-term care facility placement options, these patients can pose many challenges to a hospital. With ever-increasing numbers of patients with a history of MDROs due to antibiotic pressure, long-term care facility outbreaks, and international travel, requiring permanent isolation can become untenable and a drain on hospital resources. This session will discuss how one hospital system developed specific clearing criteria and a standardized process to identify and test patients with a history of CRPA. Current literature and public health recommendations will be reviewed, as well as laboratory diagnostic options. Other topics covered will include collaboration with multi-disciplinary partners (lab, case management, outpatient clinics); education for staff; discussions with public health, and ongoing data review to validate the effectiveness of the program and ensure patient safety is maintained. The target audience includes infection preventionists from hospitals and other facilities who deal with patients with MDROs, as well as public health partners.