SMMA!"# A study conducted showed that there was a reduction in the rate at which patients acquired infections when multibed units in the intensive care unit were converted to private rooms. Healthcare associated infections occur in about 30 percent of patients in ICU. After converting the multibed ICU to a series of private rooms the rate of !ethillin"resistant Staphylococcus aureus #!$%A& decreased by '( ) the rate of Clostridium difficile acquisition decreased '3) and yeast acquisition had gone down *+). ,he average length of stay for patients in the ICU fluctuated but did not increase overall. Additionally the ad-usted average length of the stay fell by an estimated +0) after changing to private rooms. !EAC$I%N# .atients/ safety and comfort should be a top priority in any healthcare facilities. .rivate rooms in ICU can help facilitate better infection control thereby lowering the ris0 of hospital" acquired infections. Hospital acquired infections are often a result of direct contact with disease" causing organisms. .rivate rooms allow for thorough terminal cleaning following each patient discharge. ,his decreases the ris0 of infections acquired by contact. Also hospital personnel can focus more on one patient when giving care without distractions. ,he result is individuali1ed patient care and improved clinical practice. In addition it allows family members the opportunity to be more participative in the care of the patient which can increase patient safety through vigilant observation and e2tended visiting time. .rivate rooms also promote a much quieter environment thereby enhancing the patient/s ability to rest and recuperate. ,he downside to this type of setting is the cost. 3ot all patients have insurance and not everyone can afford the pricey private room. $454$43C46 Science &ail'( Private roo) intensive care *nits associated wit+ lower in,ection rates( -AMA and Arc+ives -o*rnals( -an*ar' 1.( 2011
Clinical Practice Guideline For The Evaluation of Fever and Infection in Older Adult Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities - 2008 Update by The Infectious Diseases Society of America