Checklist to assess VRE roommate issues
Series of questions triggers decision
The following checklist was used to reduce transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in roommates at long-term care facilities and hospitals participating in the VRE task force program in the Siouxland Health District in the Sioux City, IA, area.
Roommate checklist for VRE-Positive Patient/Resident: If the answer is "Yes" to any of the following, placement with a VRE-negative roommate is not advised.
1. Does the patient/resident have non-intact skin, open wounds, stasis ulcers, decubiti, burns, or indwelling devices?
2. Does the patient/resident have diarrhea?
3. Does the patient/resident have long-term fecal or bladder incontinence (i.e., body wastes not fully contained in stoma, catheter bag, or incontinence diaper)?
4. Does the patient/resident have other drainage which is not contained?
5. Is the patient/resident unwilling or unable to cooperate in strategies to contain his/her body secretions?
6. Is the patient/resident cognitively impaired in ways that may promote VRE transmission?
Checklist for VRE-Negative Roommate: If the answer is "Yes" to any of the following questions, placement with VRE-positive roommate is not advised.
1. Does the roommate have non-intact skin, open wounds, stasis ulcers, decubiti, burns, or indwelling devices?
2. Does the roommate have renal failure?
3. Is the roommate significantly immunocompromised (i.e., neutropenic or on oral steroids or chemotherapy)?
4. Is the roommate on antibiotics or has the roommate been given antibiotics within the previous three months?
5. Is the roommate known to be colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus?
6. Is the roommate unable to cooperate in the proposed infection control measures?
7. Is the roommate cognitively impaired in ways that may prohibit compliance with precautions?
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