Hospital-acquired infections: are prevention strategies matching incidence rates?
Joyce B. Suchitra A C and Nanjaiah Lakshmidevi BA Freedom Foundation, Bangalore 560 043, India.
B DOS Microbiology, Mysore University, Mysore 570 009, India.
C Corresponding author. Email: suchitra_preetham@yahoo.com
Healthcare Infection 14(1) 21-25 https://doi.org/10.1071/HI09001
Published: 12 March 2009
Abstract
The threat of hospital-acquired infections, although known, continues to rise. Are hospitals setting guidelines in order to prevent hospital infections? If so, are the set guidelines effective? A study conducted across three hospitals showed a significant drop in the rates of surgical site infections (SSI) and hospital-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI) by increasing the awareness of hospital-acquired infections among healthcare workers. An education program for the healthcare workers in the three different hospitals was included in the study. A prospective surveillance of surgical site wound infection and hospital-acquired UTI in patients undergoing surgery in these hospitals from January 2004 to March 2005 was conducted. This showed a significant reduction rate of 8.1% for SSI (P < 0.001) and 3.9% for hospital-acquired UTI (P < 0.001). A reduction of drug-resistant organisms was also found. The linking of prevention efforts and monitored infection rates are thus necessitated.
[1]
[2] Gastmeier P. Nosocomial infection surveillance and control policies. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2004; 17 295–301.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed |
[3] Nyamogoba H, Obala AA. Nosocomial infections in developing countries: cost effective control and prevention. East Afr Med J 2002; 79 435–41.
| PubMed |
[4] Lynch P, Jackson MM, Cummings MJ, Stamm WE. Rethinking the role of isolation practices in the prevention of nosocomial infections. Ann Intern Med 1987; 107 243–6.
| PubMed |
[5] Suchitra JB, Lakshmidevi N. Impact of education on knowledge, attitudes and practices among various categories of health care workers on nosocomial infections. Indian J Med Microbiol 2007; 25 181–7.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed |
[6]
[7]
[8] Burke JP. Infection control – a problem for patient safety. N Engl J Med 2003; 348 651–5.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed |
[9] Jarvis WR. Hand washing – the Semmelwies lesson forgotten? Lancet 1994; 344 1311–2.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed |
[10] Mangram A, Horan T, Pearson M, Silver C, Jarvis W, Centers for Disease Control Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee Guideline for prevention of surgical site infection. Infect Cont Hosp Ep 1999; 20 247–78.
[11]
[12] Martin CM, Bookrajian EN. Bacteriuria prevention after indwelling urinary catheterization. Arch Intern Med 1962; 110 703–11.
[13] Haley RW, Culver DH, White JW, Morgan WM, Emori TG, Munn VP, et al. The efficacy of infection surveillance and control programs in preventing nosocomial infections in US hospitals. Am J Epidemiol 1985; 121 185–205.
[14] Brown SM, Lubimova AV, Khrustalyeva NM, Shulaeva SV, Tekhova I, Zueva LP, et al. Use of an alcohol-based hand rub and quality improvement interventions to improve hand hygiene in a Russian neonatal intensive care unit. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2003; 24 172–9.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
[15] Voss A, Widmer AF. No time for handwashing? Handwashing versus alcoholic rub: can we afford 100% compliance? Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1997; 18 205–8.
[16] Seto WH. Staff compliance with infection control practices: application of behavioural sciences. J Hosp Infect 1995; 30 107–15.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
[17] Hugonnet S, Perneger TV, Pittet D. Alcohol-based handrub improves compliance with hand hygiene in intensive care units. Arch Intern Med 2002; 162 1037–43.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |