Improving patient care by reducing the risk of hospital acquired infection: A progress report (A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General) National Audit Office HC 876 Session 2003-2004: 14 July 2004
Government report, Review
Abstract:
In February 2000 the initial report “The Management and Control of Hospital Acquired Infection in NHS Acute Trusts in England” (HC 230 Session 1999-00) highlighted that good practice in the management of HAI was not widely shared and that there was a lack of basic comparative information on infection rates and a growing mismatch between what was expected and resources. This report examines whether the Committees recommendations at that time have been implemented, whether management and control of hospital acquired infection in NHS Acute Trusts has improved and whether there are any discernable changes in patient outcomes. It also looks at how other countries are addressing the same issues
Category:
Control
Epidemiology
Investigation
Management
Prevention
Expert Review
Expert reviews are submitted by our readers. They help other professionals decide whether the research findings reported in this resource are robust and applicable to their daily patient/client care decisions and working environment. If you would like to help, visit our Contribute page.
Summary:
In February 2000 the initial report “The Management and Control of Hospital Acquired Infection in NHS Acute Trusts in England” (HC 230 Session 1999-00) highlighted that good practice in the management of HAI was not widely shared and that there was a lack of basic comparative information on infection rates and a growing mismatch between what was expected and resources. This report examines whether the Committees recommendations at that time have been implemented, whether management and control of hospital acquired infection in NHS Acute Trusts has improved and whether there are any discernable changes in patient outcomes. It also looks at how other countries are addressing the same issues
Questions Addressed:
It outlines actions/recommendations already undertaken and those still required at Hospital Trust level and by the Department of Health so that ‘a root and branch shift’ towards prevention of hospital acquired infection happens at all levels which will demonstrate that there is commitment from everyone involved and that the philosophy of prevention is everyone’s business not just the specialist. It contains case studies that demonstrate good practice and makes the case for surveillance, changing staff behaviour and the multiple approaches to prevention that are required to prevent and control HAI
Type of Study:
Report by NAO – An independent body that certifies the accounts of all Government departments and a wide range of other of other public sector bodies. It has statutory authority to report to Parliament on the economy efficiency and effectiveness with which departments and other bodies have used their resources
Methods Valid:
Yes
Methods Valid Detail:
Based on review of previous report
Results Reliability:
Recommendations reliable and follow through the general themes that most past and present expert guidance/evidence on infection prevention and control has taken. It pulls together examples of best practice where some recommendations have been followed but these are generally small case studies and would need to be replicated to be meaningful.
Problems or Biases:
Very few recommendations have been through robust cost/benefit analyses but are based on expert opinion and small case studies There will be constraints to implementation and compliance if resources by trusts are not forthcoming
Relevant Studies:
Bibliography : Page 61-62 of report
Keywords:
Hospital Acquired Infection(HAI) Prevention and Control National Recommendations HAI International Comparisons HAI
Reviewer Name:
Sue Wiseman
Reviewer Post:
Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH
Reviewer Affiliations:
Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association