Analyse d’une épidémie de grippe par la méthode Alarm dans un établissement d’hébergement pour personnes âgées dépendantes
Use of the Alarm method to analyse an influenza outbreak in a home for elderly dependent persons
Résumé
2019 ALARM* EHPAD Épidémie Facteur de Risque Grippe Plan d'action de prévention
Summary
Background and objectives. In the context of an influenza outbreak leading to grouped cases of acute respiratory disease (ARD) in nursing homes for dependent persons in its territory, the mobile infection control team of the Lyon area undertook a systemic analysis of the outbreak using the Alarm (Association of litigation and risk management) method. The aim was to identify which factors had encouraged the transmission of the virus and suggest corrective measures. Methods. Implementing the various stages of the Alarm method enabled us to evidence the existence of root causes, mainly organisational. Results. Results show a lack of knowledge of institutional protocols and insufficient vaccination rates for both staff and residents. Factors in connection with organisation management and the institutional background reveal issues concerning the supply of equipment, information or transmission failures, delayed signalling and a lack of anticipation regarding the epidemic risk. After this analysis, an action plan including an agenda and achievement indicators was suggested to this nursing home. Conclusions. Staff participated willingly to this survey which revealed deeply dysfunctional elements and confirmed the need for further investigation of infection risks in nursing homes, particularly concerning epidemic risks.
Alarm method Epidemic Influenza Nursing home for the dependent elderly Preventive action plan Risk factor