Establishing an infection control structure.

Abstract

In studies from the USA it has been shown that infection control can lower infection rates by 30%. To achieve this an infection control programme has to be given a firm structure. Judging from the opinions presented by an educational workshop within the International Federation of Infection Control (IFIC) and from the literature there is an international consensus on the basic components of hospital infection control. An infection control team, with the task of identifying areas of concern, providing or initiating work on written policies, educating and advising not only medical staff but also hospital administrators, constructors etc., constitutes the backbone of infection control. However, in most countries the infection control team, should it exist, is usually understaffed. This is false economy, a qualified medical input is a proven investment.