title: The impact of economic recession on infection prevention and control.
abstract: The economic recession that began in 2007 led to austerity measures and public sector cutbacks in many European countries. Reduced resource allocation to infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes is impeding prevention and control of tuberculosis, HIV and vaccine-preventable infections. In addition, higher rates of infectious disease in the community have a significant impact on hospital services, although the extent of this has not been studied. With a focus on quick deficit reduction, preventive services such IPC may be regarded as non-essential. Where a prevention programme succeeds in reducing disease burden to a low level, its very success can undermine the perceived need for the programme. To mitigate the negative effects of recession, we need to: educate our political leaders about the economic benefits of IPC; better quantify the costs of healthcare-associated infection; and evaluate the effects of budget cuts on healthcare outcomes and IPC activities.
authors: Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Department of Health, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: O'Riordan
authors: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Electronic address: fidelmafitzpatrick@rcsi.ie.
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Fitzpatrick
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D057172:Economic Recession; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006268:Health Facilities; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration
keywords: Economic crisis; Infection prevention and control; Recession