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Infection control in neonatal intensive care units

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

Authors

J. Chudleigh

Margaret Fletcher

D. Gould



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

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


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