Nosocomial infection control in regional and provincial hospitals.

OBJECTIVES: To study the organization and practices in nosocomial infection (NI) control in regional and provincial hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data were collected by questionnaires answered by chairpersons of infection control committees (ICC) infection control nurses (ICNs) and link nurses in regional and provincial hospitals. RESULTS: From April to June 2002, sets of questionnaires were sent to all chair persons of regional and provincial hospitals, 120 infection control nurses and 57 link nurses. Of 92 hospitals, 78.3% of chairpersons and all ICNs and link nurses responded. The ICC were chaired by the directors or deputy directors in 26.4% and by doctors in various specialties in the remaining. Among ICNs, 14.2% had never attended a course in infection control and 62.5% had less than 6 years experience. Lack of support from administrators, budget, co-operation from medical personnel and ICN position were the main problems in the IC program. CONCLUSION: Nosocomial infection control in regional and provincial hospitals in Thailand needs more support from administrators and more co-operation from medical personnel.

Nosocomial infection control in district hospitals in northern Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To study the practice of nosocomial infection (NI) control in district hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive study using questionnaires and group discussion. RESULTS: From February-March 2002, five district hospitals in the northern region of Thailand were randomly enrolled. All members of the infection control committee (ICC) were included and data were available from 71 members (85.0%). Infection control activities were done by members of the ICC. The NI control program was designed by the Ministry of Public Health. Due to limited resources and suboptimal implementation, several defects in key elements for infection control were identified. Lack of competent personnel, inappropriate practices and lack of administrative support were the important barriers to good practice. CONCLUSION: Lack of competent personnel and inappropriate work instructions were identified. A review of a NI control program in district hospitals is needed.