title: Healthcare-associated infections: challenges to public health in Brazil.
abstract: This study presents a critical evaluation of the scientific literature related to this subject, aiming to assess the policies and administrative issues regarding the prevention and magnitude of healthcare-associated infections and discuss the challenges for their prevention in Brazil. The topics discussed included historical and administrative issues, challenges imposed by the characteristics of the healthcare system and the territorial dimension, laboratorial support limitations, costs, institutional culture, professional qualification, and patient engagement. It is urgent to hold a nationwide discussion among government representatives, institutions, and healthcare workers and users to overcome these challenges.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Enfermagem em SaÃºde Coletiva, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade de SÃ£o Paulo, SÃ£o Paulo, SP, Brasil.
authors.forename: Maria Clara
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Padoveze
authors.affiliation: Departamento de DoenÃ§as Tropicais, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brasil.
authors.forename: Carlos Magno Castelo Branco
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Fortaleza
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence