What measures should be taken once the potential for transmission is resolved in a cohorting situation?

Ending cohorting as transmission risk decreases is a critical step in managing infection prevention in nursing homes. When a cohorting situation is established, individuals who are exposed to a contagious pathogen are grouped together to minimize the risk of spreading the infection to others. However, once the potential for transmission is resolved—indicating that the risk of spreading the infection has sufficiently decreased—it's important to dissolve the cohorting arrangement.

Ending cohorting allows for a return to normal operations, which helps maintain the quality of care and the social environment that residents rely on. This action also facilitates the mixing of residents who may have been isolated due to infection status, thus promoting overall well-being and reducing the psychological impact of prolonged separation.

Continuing cohorting indefinitely can pose challenges, such as a lack of social interaction and care disparities. Reducing the cleaning regimen or increasing shared responsibilities among staff could lead to lapses in infection control practices, which is contrary to the goals of maintaining a safe environment for residents. Hence, the best practice once the risk of transmission is resolved is to end cohorting in order to ensure optimal care and atmosphere for all residents.