Roles of infection control nurses in regional hospitals.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the roles of infection control nurses (ICNs) in regional hospitals and to detect problems, obstacles in practice and needs for support.


METHODS
A descriptive study by interview and questionnaire survey of 16 ICNs from regional hospitals appling for HA.


RESULTS
From February to April 2002, a study by interview and questionnaires was done in 16 ICNs from 10 regional hospitals applying for HA. Most of the ICNs practised IC roles according to HA criteria except for hospital employee health, NI surveillance and research. The major problems and obstacles included the lack of IC positions, inadequate ICNs, lack of support from hospital administrative personnel, too heavy work load, lack of: IC experts, budget for IC, equipment, IC research data and education material.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study suggested that roles of ICNs in hospital employee health, NI surveillance and research were inadequate because of the lack of full time ICNs, too heavy a work load, lack of: IC consultants supply and administrative support.
Kananitaya
Thamolwan
T
Phen Hospital, Udon Thani.
Senarat
Wilawan
W
Moongtui
Wanchai
W
Tantisiriwat
Warapot
W
Danchaivijitr
Somwang
S
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006767:Hospitals, District; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016357:Infection Control Practitioners; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007587:Job Description; D024802:Nurse's Role; D016134:Organizational Policy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand