Infection control activities in six hospitals: a comparison

Using a case study design, the aim of this research was to assess and evaluate the activities of the infection control departments in six hospitals. An additional aim was to examine the knowledge base of nursing staff in the clinical setting with regard to hospital policy and systems of infection control audit. The results from the study indicate that five hospitals used an infection control audit tool based on the same content. Nursing staff in the clinical areas that were surveyed had limited knowledge with regards to infection control policies, budgets and risk assessment. The value of education to improve standards of infection control within these hospitals was clearly demonstrated.