Year 2000 objectives for preventing nosocomial infections: how do we get there?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• The United States Public Health Service (PHS) initiated national disease prevention objectives in the late 1970s.
• Both the PHS Year 1990 and Year 2000 Objectives include strategies for controlling nosocomial infections.
• The Year 2000 Objectives outline achievable goals for infection reduction using current strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the national objectives for preventing and controlling nosocomial infections.
• To categorize Year 2000 Objectives into those protecting healthcare workers and patients.
• To identify areas needing development for effective nosocomial infection control.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national public health objectives related to nosocomial infections.
• Categorization of Year 2000 Objectives into worker and patient protection.
• Identification of key areas for future development in infection control measurement and education.

Main Results:

• Year 2000 Objectives target nosocomial infection reduction in two main areas: healthcare worker safety and patient protection.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is key to achieving healthcare worker objectives.
• Patient infection reduction efforts focus on surgical wounds and intensive care units.

Conclusions:

• Further development of nosocomial infection rate measures, adjusted for patient case mix, is necessary.
• Educational initiatives for healthcare providers and hospital epidemiologists require enhancement.
• Collaborative efforts among government, academia, industry, and professional organizations are crucial for progress.