Setting priorities: nationwide nosocomial infection prevention and control programs in the USA

Approximately two million nosocomial infections occur annually in patients admitted to acute-care hospitals in the USA. Factors that should be considered in setting national priorities for nosocomial infection prevention and control efforts include incidence, mortality, prolongation of stay, cost of treatment, and potential for prevention of infections at different sites. National nosocomial infection priorities in the USA cover infections caused by emerging pathogens, infections at selected sites including the bloodstream, infections in intensive-care units, infections resulting from contaminated devices and products, development of the capability to analyze surveillance data in a timely fashion, dissemination of information on effective prevention strategies to infection control personnel, and training of infection control personnel, including physicians. The mechanism used to disseminate information on effective prevention strategies is the series of CDC 'Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infections'. These guidelines address prevention of nosocomial infections at the four major sites, handwashing and environmental control issues, infection control in personnel health, and isolation precautions.