Hospital Infections and Hand Hygiene

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews and analyzes several of the major articles on nosocomial infections, specifically discussing their strengths, weaknesses, findings and contribution to the topic of nosocomial infections in general. The paper shows how the literature highlighted the importance of proper hand washing in the prevention of nosocomial infections among hospital patients. The paper focuses on the problem of convincing healthcare providers that hand washing is an important element of nosocomial infection in their work environment. The paper thus identifies the key research problem as the ability to change hand washing behaviors permanently, resulting in lower infection rates.

Outline:
Introduction
Review/ Critique of Literature Sources
Summary/Synthesis of Evidence
Identification of Research Problem

From the Paper:

"Nosocomial infections are more common than one might think. According to Press Ganey Associates (2008), hospital acquired infections occurs in more than two million hospitalizations per year. The average cost for each nosocomial infection is approximately $40,000 per case. Bissett (2002) estimates that at any one time 9% of all hospital in-patients will contract some form of hospital acquired infection (nosocomial infection). This amounts to over 300,000 in-patients a year. According to report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (2000), approximately 5,000 patients die each year due to nosocomial infection. This makes nosocomial infection a serious health problem for patients and practitioners alike."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baskin, J. (2008). Quick and easy steps toward putting compliance within reach. Healthcare Purchasing News, June 2008.
• Bissett, L. (2002). Can alcohol hand rubs increase compliance with hand hygiene? British Journal of Nursing, 11 (16), 2002.
• Bissett, L., (2007). Skin care: an essential component of hand hygiene and infection control. British Journal of Nursing, 16 (16), 2007.
• Comptroller and Auditor General (2000). "The management and control of hospital acquired infection in acute NHS Trusts in England", paper presented at the HC 230 Session 1999- 2000. Retrieved September 23, 2008 from http://www.nao.gov.uk/publications/nao_reports/9900230.pdf.
• Girou, E., Loyeau, S., Legrand, P., Oppein, F. & Brun-Buisson, C. (2002). Efficacy of hand rubbing with alcohol base solution versus standard hand washing with antiseptic soap: randomized clinical trial. August 2002. BMJ 17 (325).

More papers on Hospital Infections and Hand Hygiene:

• Term Paper # 149712 : "Nursing Hand Hygiene"
• Essay # 72530 : "Nosocomial Infections and Handwashing"
• Analytical Essay # 138737 : "Hand Hygiene and Health-Care Associated Infection"

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