Improving infection control on acute wards

It is recognised that hospital-acquired infection is a multi-faceted problem, and control of infection (CoI) can only be achieved via a combination of design and management factors, not by a single identifiable factor. This article reports on a research project by the Medical Architecture Research Unit (MARU) at London South Bank University which sought to identify what physical interventions are being made to improve the ward environment in acute NHS Trusts, and if these changes improve infection control. A combination of research methods, including literature review, questionnaire survey of acute NHS Trusts, and focus group discussions, were used. The outcome was the identification and detailed analysis of 10 areas of intervention. A "Design and management decision-making tool" was developed from the findings (see pages 26 and 27), which includes information relating to curtains, flooring, sensor taps, single bedrooms, sluice rooms, and ward storage. The anticipated users are hospital managers, designers, and estates and facilities personnel.