Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection: A summary of action. | National Resource for Infection Control (NRIC)

Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection: A summary of action.

Best practice
Abstract: 
The report presents an action plan for cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection. The plan is about being open with and giving power to patients, introduction of the matron’s charter, independent inspection to measure progress, learning from the best, and harnessing the latest research and technology. Its aim is to encourage collaborative working, and ensure that everyone meets the standards of the best to maintain public confidence and lower rates of infection
Authors: 
Department of Health (DH)
Link:
http://hospital2020.org/documents/UKDepartmentofHealthactionplan.pdf
Category: 
Control
Management
Prevention
Public information

Expert Review

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Summary:
The report presents an action plan for cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection. The plan is about being open with and giving power to patients, introduction of the matron’s charter, independent inspection to measure progress, learning from the best, and harnessing the latest research and technology. Its aim is to encourage collaborative working, and ensure that everyone meets the standards of the best to maintain public confidence and lower rates of infection
Questions Addressed:
It is summary of action bringing cleanliness and infection control together in one document and a framework to enable local trusts to recapture a sense of joint ownership for cleanliness and infection control and to use as a basis for developing services which reflect best practice available
Type of Study:
Policy, report
Methods Valid:
Methods Valid Detail:

The report is a summary only and based on work already underway (appendix 1 of the report) It will be followed by further guidance on each of the areas highlighted, and is therefore is rather short on detail

Results Reliability:
Based on the premise that cleanliness contributes to infection control, but preventing infection requires more than simple cleanliness. This is an important message as the scientific evidence that the environment is an important contributor to infection rates is not always clear.
Problems or Biases:

Based on the premise that cleanliness contributes to infection control, but preventing infection requires more than simple cleanliness. This is an important message as the scientific evidence that the environment is an important contributor to infection rates is not always clear.

Relevant Studies:
Keywords:
Policy Cleanliness Infection control MRSA Campaign
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