To maximize infection control efforts, hospitals must invest in systemic assessments to identify specific areas for improvement, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control.
Researchers surveyed infection preventionists at 71 hospitals on opportunities for prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia and surgical site infections.
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The majority of hospitals had evidence-based infection control protocols in place for these infections. However, maintenance and upkeep of these protocols varied widely in terms of staff training and education.
The study concluded assessing entire infection control efforts is necessary to apply improvement efforts to the right areas, so good protocols are not dismissed when good education could suffice.