title: Healthcare-associated infections: the value of patient isolation.
abstract: This article focuses on information about reducing or preventing the transmission of infection from patients with known, suspected or high risk of developing a multidrug-resistant organism infection such as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Since the literature addresses infection prevention and control measures in relation to isolation practices, the literature is evaluated for its effectiveness in supporting patient safety and informing practice that enhances the quality of inpatient care. A review of articles retrieved from several databases is conducted to identify research findings regarding some of the evidence for the effectiveness of isolation in reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections. The cost, advantages and disadvantages of isolation practices and cohort nursing are also explored, with emphasis on patient wellbeing and safety.
authors.affiliation: Health and social care, Dundee and Angus College, Dundee, Scotland.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nicholson
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D010356:Patient Isolation; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Hand hygiene; cohort nursing; healthcare-associated infection; hospital-acquired infection; infection prevention and control; personal protective equipment; single room isolation