Development of national guidelines for the prevention and control of nosocomial infections.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a national evidence-based guidelines for the prevention and control of nosocomial infection.


METHODS
Draft guidelines for the prevention and control of nosocomial infection were developed by the researchers and reviewed by a 10 member panel of experts. The guidelines were modified by brainstorming of 55 practitioners in July 2002. The guidelines were tested for their applicability in 20 hospitals across the country in 2002. The participants gave suggestions on the guidelines which were modified accordingly. The guidelines were finalized by brainstorming of the 55 practitioners in August 2003.


RESULTS
National guidelines for the prevention and control of nosocomial infections were developed. Twenty-one topics were included. Modifications of the drafted guidelines were made four times according to the opinions of 10 experts, twice by brainstorming of 55 practitioners and by the suggestions of participants from 20 hospitals where they were tested. The practices in hospitals with different facilities were also suggested in the guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
National guidelines for prevention and control of nosocomial infection were formulated. Their application for use in every hospital and periodic reviews are expected.
Danchaivijitr
Somwang
S
Department of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok. sisdc@mahidol.ac.th
Rongrungruang
Yong
Y
Assanasen
Susan
S
Bunma
Paitoon
P
Santiprasitkul
Somporn
S
Judaeng
Tepnimitr
T
D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013785:Thailand