# Candidozyma auris prevention practices in the United States: insights from the SHEA Research Network

## TL;DR

This study examines how U.S. hospitals are preventing the spread of Candidozyma auris and highlights areas for improvement.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into current prevention practices and barriers for C. auris containment in U.S. hospitals.

## Key findings

- Most facilities used isolation practices like single rooms and signage to prevent C. auris spread.
- Lack of communication and training were top barriers to effective C. auris control.
- Improved decolonization and standardized screening protocols are seen as key tools for better containment.

## Abstract

Understand current Candidozyma auris prevention practices in the United States and identify opportunities to improve containment.

Electronic survey.

Acute care hospitals.

Society for Healthcare Epidemiology (SHEA) Research Network (SRN) facilities located in the United States.

REDCap survey distributed via email exploring knowledge and perceptions related to C. auris screening methods, prevention practices, barriers to prevention, and tools needed to improve containment.

Responses were received from 51/96 (53%) U.S.-based SRN facilities, with 80% identifying as teaching hospitals. Two-thirds of facilities (34/51) reported first-hand experience with C. auris, with 15/34 also experiencing at least one C. auris outbreak. Routine C. auris screening occurred in 47% (24/51) of facilities. C. auris prevention practices commonly included patient isolation, signage to notify staff of isolation status, and placement in a single patient room. When asked to identify barriers to control of C. auris at their facility, participants ranked lack of communication between healthcare facilities, lack of infection control at outside healthcare facilities, and lack of training as the top three barriers. C. auris prevention resources or tools perceived to be most helpful in their facility included effective decolonization regimens, standardized protocols for C. auris screening, and improved communication between healthcare facilities.

SRN facilities commonly used isolation practices to prevent the spread of C. auris. Development of additional tools to improve prevention practices should target effective decolonization strategies and standardized screening protocols to support C. auris containment.