Infection control in neonatal intensive care units

Chudleigh, J.; Fletcher, Margaret; Gould, D.

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infection is a major problem in acute hospital settings. Hand decontamination is considered to be the most effective means of preventing healthcare-associated infection, but is poorly performed. Few studies have examined technique, which may be important in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) where clinical procedures are intricate and could result in contamination of many areas of the hand, resulting in cross-infection. This study examined technique in six NICUs. Eighty-eight nurses were observed. A scoring system was developed so that technique could be quantified and subjected to statistical testing. The mean score was 6.29 out of 11 when hands were washed and 3.87 out of 7 when alcohol hand rub was used, indicating that performance was not optimal. Scores for technique were not significantly different in each NICU. Senior nurses achieved higher scores for handwashing (P

Citation

Fletcher, M., Chudleigh, J., Fletcher, M., & Gould, D. (2005). Infection control in neonatal intensive care units. Journal of Hospital Infection, 61(2), 123-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2005.02.017

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 21, 2005
• Journal: Journal of Hospital Infection
• Print ISSN: 0195-6701
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 61
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 123-129
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2005.02.017
• Keywords: infection control, hand hygiene, neonatal intensive care, knowledge, fatigue, atmosphere, environment
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1047066
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2005.02.017