Nosocomial infection control in district hospitals in northern Thailand.
OBJECTIVE
To study the practice of nosocomial infection (NI) control in district hospitals.


METHODS
Descriptive study using questionnaires and group discussion.


RESULTS
From February-March 2002, five district hospitals in the northern region of Thailand were randomly enrolled. All members of the infection control committee (ICC) were included and data were available from 71 members (85.0%). Infection control activities were done by members of the ICC. The NI control program was designed by the Ministry of Public Health. Due to limited resources and suboptimal implementation, several defects in key elements for infection control were identified. Lack of competent personnel, inappropriate practices and lack of administrative support were the important barriers to good practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Lack of competent personnel and inappropriate work instructions were identified. A review of a NI control program in district hospitals is needed.
Juntaradee
Marasri
M
Doi Saket Hospital, Chiang Mai.
Yimyaem
Susanha
S
Soparat
Poonsap
P
Jariyasethpong
Tavachai
T
Danchaivijitr
Somwang
S
D000328:Adult; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006767:Hospitals, District / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016357:Infection Control Practitioners; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016134:Organizational Policy; D011367:Professional Staff Committees; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand