Basic elements for the control of nosocomial infection in Thai hospitals

A survey on the basic elements for the control of N.I. was done in 38 hospitals in Thailand in 1991. Manpower shortage was found in one half of them. Service by the microbiological laboratory was under-utilized. Good guidelines on N.I. control needed to be more widely adopted. Capacity of C.S.S.D. lagged behind demands in most hospitals. Water supply was of most concern and needed to be improved in all. Waste-water treatment plants were needed in about one half of the hospitals. Personnel working in catering did not receive adequate screening for communicable diseases in one-half. Workers in the laundry department needed education on infection prevention in about one-third of hospitals. Improper disposal of infectious waste was found in one-quarter. The results of the study indicated that a comprehensive programme is needed for improving the efficacy of N.I. control in Thailand.