Perceptions of physicians on infection control activities in Turkish hospitals: a cross-sectional survey.
BACKGROUND
Most countries practice some form of infection control (IC) to minimize hospital-acquired infections. There is still considerable diversity in IC activities in Turkey. Little is known about practical issues and perceptions of physicians regarding IC in Turkey.


METHODS
The authors developed an 11-item questionnaire addressing questions on IC activities. Physicians attending a national infection control meeting (n = 285) were asked to participate.


RESULTS
The response rate was 86%. Respondents from nonuniversity teaching hospitals stated a higher involvement in IC. Physicians from university hospitals were in greater need of IC training.


CONCLUSIONS
Academic hospitals are particularly concerned with IC. Domains such as surveillance of endemic hospital infections, specific preventive protocols, antibiotics policy, and staff education should be addressed by IC committees. IC is well established in Turkey, but there is still a long way to go to reach the standards found in developed countries.
Yaman
Hakan
H
Department of Family Medicine, Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya.
Yayli
Güler
G
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D008297:Male; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D014421:Turkey