A Study on Assessment of Challenges and Effectiveness of Infection Control Measures in a Tertiary Care Hospital using Specific Infection Control Indicators

Abstract

HCAI is a major threat to the safety of patient care and it is a growing problem all over the world especially public sector hospital in a developing country. In an IMCU setting, the urinary tract of catheterized patients is highly susceptible to infection by MDR pathogens. HCAI associated with varied microbiological etiology and 39-46% of them was MDROs. As the rate of development of CAUTI is significantly associated with the duration of catheterization emphasis should be made on reducing the duration of catheterization. Intervention by training and education of HCP in infection control and HH significantly increased HHC. Introduction of Bundle concepts in the prevention of CAUTI was very much beneficial with decrease in mean duration of catheterization by 2.3 days and CAUTI rate was significantly reduced in the post intervention phase. Practising the IC methods such as HH and CAUTI bundle approach ultimately leads to cost effective patient care and patient safety. MDRO rate and infection rate of Blood, tracheal aspirate, sputum and sterile fluid specimen were not significantly decreased. CAUTI prevention bundle approach was successful as it was specific and focused. Problems associated with infection prevention and control in a public sector hospital is multifactorial involving infrastructure, environmental and personnel. Comprehensive infection control intervention should not only involve training and education but should address all these factors. Major barriers to Infection control, recognized in this study related to lack of administrative support leading to inconsistent and inadequate supply of alcoholic hand hygiene products and under staffing and high bed occupancy of patients. Understanding the perspectives of infection control practices among HCPs is essential in planning interventions in a health care setting. Administrative support is critical and it plays a pivotal role in effective implementation of infection control practices. newline