Infection control in German nursing homes

Infection control in German nursing homes has become an issue during the past 10 years. The changing demographics and the introduction of the diagnosis-related group reimbursement system, as well as the increasing number of residents who are colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, may worsen already-existing infection control problems. The publication of national infection control guidelines for nursing homes that should be implemented and supervised by infection control nurses may increase the standard. However, the lack of responsibility of the caring physicians for the whole population of a nursing home may hinder the process. This article discusses the state of infection control in German nursing homes.