Hospital Infections, Cost and Benefits of Control Program

Abstract

The "Hospital - Nosocomial infection'' is taken 48 -72 hours after admission of the patient in the
hospital and that appears clinically with increasing temperature after the third day of hospitalization.
Here are not included diseases that have an incubation period before hospitalization but only those
getting another infection in the hospital during the stay. Nosocomial infection is an indicator of
quality of service in our hospital facilities. "Nosocomial'' - from Greek" Nosos - disease'' and
"Komein - care''. The increasing percentage nosocomial infections is dedicated to more frequent
application of catheterization and extended number of instruments usage in invasive techniques.
Patients most likely to be affected by nosocomial infections are: vulnerable or frail patients.
Operated patients, burned patients, patients with neoplasia, patients under chemio-therapeutic
treatment , patients using steroids and undergoing radiation, patients with diabetes , catheter wearing
patients, patients under dialysis, patients with immunodeficience. Control of infections in health
care Institutions is a standard of quality and has a crucial role for the welfare and safety of patients,
healthcare workers and visitors. 10% of patients hospitalized in acute care can have intra hospital
infection. This group of infections belong to the 10-60% of infections, which may occur after
discharge the patient from the hospital. Hospital infections constitute a significant factor of
morbidity and mortality, so they should be strictly controlled as part of patient care.. Hospital
infections have considerable * economic * influence in hospital services and health care costs
nationally.