RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the roles of infection control nurses (ICNs) in regional hospitals and to detect problems, obstacles in practice and needs for support. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive study by interview and questionnaire survey of 16 ICNs from regional hospitals appling for HA. RESULTS: From February to April 2002, a study by interview and questionnaires was done in 16 ICNs from 10 regional hospitals applying for HA. Most of the ICNs practised IC roles according to HA criteria except for hospital employee health, NI surveillance and research. The major problems and obstacles included the lack of IC positions, inadequate ICNs, lack of support from hospital administrative personnel, too heavy work load, lack of: IC experts, budget for IC, equipment, IC research data and education material. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that roles of ICNs in hospital employee health, NI surveillance and research were inadequate because of the lack of full time ICNs, too heavy a work load, lack of: IC consultants supply and administrative support.