Hospital Acquired Infections

Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) pose a significant health problem to patients, practitioners, workers and health services as a whole. The number of deaths caused by HAIs is on the increase in many countries around the world, and hospitals are struggling to maintain sufficiently high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, which would reduce the constant threat of HAIs. On average, worldwide, studies have revealed an average of 9 per cent of hospitalised patients have HAI. The authors of this book, an ICU specialist and a microbiologist, provide the latest information and guidance on infection control and prevention to those working at all levels of the healthcare system, including hospital, community health centres, nursing homes, clinics and laboratories. They discuss the current circumstances: the causes of HAIs, the means for their prevention, control and monitoring and they suggest clinical practice guidelines that will be helpful for all levels of healthcare staff. This book will be an invaluable asset and resource for anyone involved in health care, but especially for hospital, clinic and health care managers and management teams. AS REVIEWED IN MICROBIOGOLOGY TODAY (SOCIETY FOR GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY) BY KATHY BAMFORD, IMPERIAL COLLEGE HEALTHCARD NHS TRUST February 2008"This book presents a refreshing and new approach to hospital-acquired infections. Crucially, it addresses the cultural aspects that are seldom tackled by more conventional approaches. While less specific about some aspects of the minutiae of technical details, the authors deal well with the range of issues that need to be tackled. I particularly like the the combination of philosophical and 'how to' approach taken in the chapter on quality and the diagrams in the chapter on disinfection and sterilization - these are relevant for all working in clinical practice. In today's world where much is said and talked about in the interests of improving quality, it is helpful and also inspiring to see how this is expressed. Some may find this too 'soft' an approach; however, I disagree. The authors draw on the core values that underlie our struggle with hospital-acquired infection - one that we will always have to fight. I would recommend this to those working in the field, also to managers and those that support the front line teams. Ideally, many of the recommended approaches should be informed by strong local guidelines and detail. I will use this book."AS REVIEWED IN NURSING STANDARD JULY 2007 BY Dina Gould, Professor of Applied Biology, School of Nursing, City University, London "This book combines information on infection control and prevention with chapters on management and leadership. It has insufficient microbiological and epidemiological detail for a clinical audience, but would be an ideal read for a health services manager whose remit includes infection control.Clearly written, well illustrated and supported by references, it would provide a good introduction to managing infection control for readers lacking a clinical background.The book also covers the basic tenets of management and leadership, and would benefit clinicians requiring an introduction to these topics."