Using NHSN Data to Drive Quality Improvement in Nursing Homes

For nursing homes, quality improvement is a continuous process, and data plays a crucial role in making informed decisions that enhance resident care and safety. The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) offers a comprehensive data infrastructure that supports healthcare facilities in monitoring healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), antimicrobial use, staff safety, and other critical areas. By effectively using NHSN data, nursing homes can identify infection control trends, benchmark against national standards, and implement targeted improvements to elevate the quality of care.

This blog explores how nursing homes can leverage NHSN data for quality improvement, highlighting practical steps, real-world examples, and the role of organizations like Qsource in facilitating data-driven decision-making.

The Role of NHSN Data in Quality Improvement

NHSN data provides nursing homes with reliable insights into infection rates, antibiotic use, staff safety, and other metrics essential for maintaining high standards of resident care. Rather than relying on anecdotal evidence or reactive measures, nursing homes that use NHSN data can proactively identify areas for improvement and evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions.

Key Benefits of NHSN Data for Nursing Homes:

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: NHSN data empowers nursing homes to make evidence-based decisions that directly address their unique infection control and quality improvement needs.
• Benchmarking Against National Averages: Nursing homes can compare their infection rates, safety protocols, and other metrics against national benchmarks, helping them understand where they stand relative to other facilities and set realistic improvement goals.
• Implementing Targeted Interventions: By analyzing NHSN data, nursing homes can pinpoint specific areas that require improvement and develop focused strategies to address them, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.

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Practical Ways to Use NHSN Data for Quality Improvement

For example, a nursing home might notice an increase in respiratory infections during certain seasons. By identifying this pattern, the facility can take proactive steps, such as enhancing resident vaccination programs or increasing hygiene protocols during those months.

A real-world example is a nursing home that discovers through AUR data that certain antibiotics are being overprescribed for conditions that often don’t require them, like viral respiratory infections. By using this information, the facility can adjust its ASP protocols, educate staff on appropriate prescribing practices, and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

Benchmarking Against National StandardsBenchmarking is essential for understanding how a nursing home’s infection rates and safety protocols compare to national averages. NHSN provides benchmarking data that allows facilities to set realistic goals and make targeted improvements based on how they measure up to similar facilities.

For instance, if a nursing home’s HAI rate is higher than the national average, the facility can use this information to investigate possible causes, assess existing infection control measures, and implement corrective actions. Benchmarking also helps nursing homes demonstrate their commitment to quality improvement when undergoing surveys or evaluations from regulatory bodies.

Enhance Staff Safety and Training ProgramsThe Healthcare Personnel Safety (HPS) component of NHSN tracks staff exposures, immunization rates, and compliance with infection control protocols. Nursing homes can use this data to identify gaps in staff safety practices and develop targeted training programs that protect both staff and residents.

For example, if HPS data reveals low compliance with hand hygiene protocols, the nursing home can implement a hand hygiene campaign, provide additional staff training, or make resources like hand sanitizers more readily available. Regularly reviewing HPS data also helps facilities monitor the effectiveness of their interventions and make adjustments as needed.

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Collaborate with Quality Improvement PartnersUsing NHSN data effectively requires collaboration, particularly for nursing homes that may lack the resources to conduct in-depth data analysis. Partnering with quality improvement organizations like Qsource can provide nursing homes with the support they need to interpret NHSN data and implement quality improvement initiatives.

Qsource works closely with nursing homes to analyze their NHSN data, identify improvement opportunities, and develop action plans tailored to each facility’s unique needs. By partnering with Qsource, nursing homes can build a more comprehensive and effective quality improvement program, making the most of their NHSN data. 

Real-World Example of NHSN Data-Driven Quality Improvement

Consider a nursing home that has been experiencing a higher-than-average rate of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections. After reviewing NHSN data, the facility identifies that C. diff infections are more common among residents receiving certain antibiotics. With the help of Qsource, the nursing home initiates a quality improvement project focused on antibiotic stewardship, aiming to reduce unnecessary prescriptions for high-risk antibiotics associated with C. diff infections.

The project includes staff education on appropriate antibiotic use, enhanced infection control protocols, and monthly audits to monitor progress. Over time, the nursing home observes a reduction in C. diff infections, improved antibiotic prescribing practices, and greater staff awareness about infection risks. This example highlights how NHSN data can drive meaningful, measurable improvements in resident care.

Steps for Nursing Homes to Start Using NHSN Data for Quality Improvement

1. Set Clear Quality Improvement GoalsNursing homes should begin by identifying specific quality improvement goals based on their NHSN data. Whether it’s reducing HAIs, improving antibiotic prescribing practices, or enhancing staff safety, having clear goals provides focus and direction for improvement initiatives.
2. Analyze NHSN Data RegularlyRegular analysis of NHSN data helps nursing homes identify trends, monitor the effectiveness of interventions, and make timely adjustments. Working with Qsource or other quality improvement partners can enhance the depth and accuracy of data analysis, ensuring that nursing homes are using their data effectively.
3. Implement Targeted Interventions Based on DataUse NHSN data to inform targeted interventions, focusing on areas where the facility has the greatest need. This might involve updating infection control protocols, adjusting antibiotic stewardship practices, or enhancing staff training programs.
4. Engage Staff in the Quality Improvement ProcessEngaging staff is key to successful quality improvement. Provide education on NHSN’s role in infection control, share the facility’s quality improvement goals, and involve staff in decision-making processes. A collaborative approach fosters a culture of accountability and commitment to resident safety.
5. Evaluate and Adjust InterventionsContinuous evaluation is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of quality improvement efforts. Regularly review NHSN data to track progress and make adjustments as needed. This iterative approach allows nursing homes to refine their strategies, addressing emerging issues and adapting to changes in resident needs.

Building a Culture of Quality Improvement with NHSN Data

NHSN data is a powerful tool that allows nursing homes to drive quality improvement through evidence-based decision-making. By regularly analyzing infection trends, monitoring antibiotic use, benchmarking against national standards, and enhancing staff safety practices, nursing homes can create a safer, healthier environment for residents and staff alike.

Through partnerships with quality improvement organizations like Qsource, nursing homes can maximize the potential of their NHSN data, transforming raw information into actionable insights that lead to real improvements in care quality. By embracing data-driven quality improvement, nursing homes demonstrate their commitment to resident safety and excellence in healthcare, building a foundation for long-term success and positive outcomes.

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