Antibiotic Policies Controlling Hospital Acquired Infection
Hospitals worldwide are currently suffering an epidemic of infections, generated in and spreading in those instituitions whose very “raison d’etre” is to protect and improve the health of their patients. This paradox comes at a time of possibly unpreceden
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Ian M. Gould • Jos W. M. van der Meer Editors
Antibiotic Policies Controlling Hospital Acquired Infection
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Editors Dr. Ian M. Gould University of Aberdeen Medical School Foresterhill AB25 2ZD Aberdeen United Kingdom [email protected]
Prof. Jos W. M. van der Meer University Hospital Nijmegen PO Box 9102 6500 HC Nijmegen Netherlands [email protected]
ISBN 978-1-4419-1733-1 e-ISBN 978-1-4419-1734-8 DOI 10.1007/978-1-4419-1734-8 Springer New York Dordrecht Heidelberg London Library of Congress Control Number: 2011936235 © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011 All rights reserved. This work may not be translated or copied in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher (Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA), except for brief excerpts in connection with reviews or scholarly analysis. Use in connection with any form of information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed is forbidden. The use in this publication of trade names, trademarks, service marks, and similar terms, even if they are not identified as such, is not to be taken as an expression of opinion as to whether or not they are subject to proprietary rights. While the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of going to press, neither the authors nor the editors nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made. The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein. Printed on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com)
Preface
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an increasing problem worldwide and need to be addressed urgently. In the European Union, about 7% of patients in acute care hospitals experience HAIs; recent analysis discloses an even higher prevalence in developing countries. The international contributors to this book, in drawing on their considerable experience in different settings, perform an important function by clarifying the main issues for tackling HAIs. Their assessment necessarily covers both the characteristics of the principal pathogens and the key organisational and operational factors implicated for hospitals and their staff. This detailed analysis is accompanied by discussion of best practice for preventing and managing the challenges presented by HAIs. I welcome the emerging perspective from this book that emphasises that the options for antibiotic policy must cover a broad range of activities. There are policy issues to face for surveillance, for prudent and responsible prescribing, for developing and implementing guidelines for infection control, and for raising awareness of the threat of HAIs throughout the medical profession and with patients. The present volume is very valuable in communicating strong messages concerning the nature of the burden to indi
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