Management of Candida auris in an inpatient acute rehabilitation setting

Navigating the Challenges of Candida auris Colonization in Rehabilitation Settings

“…It commonly occurs among persons who have had multiple and/or prolonged encounters in healthcare facilities and among those who have received broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs. Mechanical ventilation and the use of invasive devices are principal risk factors for the development of invasive infections (Ahmad & Alfouzan, 2021; Rossow et al, 2021; Sears & Schwartz, 2017; Walits et al, 2020).…”

“…Individuals colonized with C. auris may receive care in post-acute care facilities when appropriate protocols are established and preventive measures are taken (Walits et al, 2020). Many facilities have not yet had experience in the care of patients colonized with C. auris and need additional resources specific to these settings to prepare to do so.…”

Candida auris in skilled nursing facilities

“…Although literature is sparse on this subject, there have been reports of successful care in inpatient rehabilitation with patients with C. auris . 60 , 61 In light of the risk of cross-contamination, 6 , 39 , 62 , 63 physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) were performed in the patient room. The report on inpatient rehabilitation experience in a large academic center located in New York, NY, illustrates a patient who was hospitalized in a two-bed patient room.…”

“…Additional resources required for the prevention of in-facility spread of C. auris , including dedicated environmental service, staff education, private therapy sessions, and blocking a patient bed, can pose a significant burden to patient care. 60 The impact of C. auris on cost, efficacy, or infection prevention associated with rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities is not well described. Strategies adopted by inpatient rehabilitation facilities for prevention of C. auris cross-transmission during PT and OT sessions could be adapted for skilled nursing facilities.…”

“…Strategies adopted by inpatient rehabilitation facilities for prevention of C. auris cross-transmission during PT and OT sessions could be adapted for skilled nursing facilities. 60 , 61 …”