Investigation of cross-infection in isolation wards of different design.
A survey was conducted in seven hospitals to assess the risk of cross-infection with the highly infectious air-borne diseases, varicella-zoster and measles, in isolation wards of different design. Existing wards and isolation techniques were found to afford a high degree of protection, but there was considerable variation in the incidence of cross-infection related to ward structure, ward practice and the availability of trained staff. Recommendations are made for the design of new isolation wards and for safe practice.
D002644:Chickenpox / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D005260:Female; D006749:Hospital Design and Construction; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000600:supply & distribution; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D012737:Sex Factors