[Surveillance of hospital infections in Poland--current condition and prospects]

This paper outlines the current achievements in the control of hospital acquired infections in modern countries as well as in Poland in recent years. Studies related to the incidence of hospital-acquired infections have been conduced in western Europe, Scandinavia, the United States, and many other countries around the world. Because of these already completed studies, we are able to develop epidemiologic analysis specifically centered upon the incidence and increased costs involved with hospital-acquired infections. In Poland this type of surveillance was unable to be attained until long after its institution. However, over the past few years, the Polish Society of Hospital-Acquired Infection, has worked to bring recognition of the seriousness of this problem to a representative group of Polish hospitals. One of the most important conclusions reached was lack of departmental control which, using standards previously agreed upon by modern countries, could provide the necessary surveillance over hospital-acquired infections. Currently, surveillance is carried out by treating physicians without the help of specially-trained infection control nurses, epidemiologists and medical microbiologists. The basic challenge for the Polish health service is that of the development and realization of a professional infection control team. This professional team would work develop guidelines for the protection of patients and hospital personnel from hospital-acquired infections.