2007 Volume 22 Issue 4 Pages 299-304
To prevent nosocomial infection in a community, detailed information is required about any nosocomial infections that might have occurred in the community. With such information infection control measures can be improved and maintained. A questionnaire was sent out to 265 hospitals with 20 or more beds affiliated to the Kagoshima Medical Association. The questionnaire asked the director and/or the chief of the infection control team (ICT) of the hospital about preventive measures against nosocomial infection and occupational exposures to infections or needle stick injuries. Of 265, 132 hospitals (50%) responded to the questionnaire. One problem in Kagoshima Prefecture is the low number hospitals with ICTs (only 58%), as well the absence of an ICT in 28% of the hospitals with 200 or more beds. There were also significant differences between hospitals in the rates of introduction of preventive measures against nosocomial infection and occupational exposures. The rates of introduction of some measures were lower in Kagoshima Prefecture than reported previously. ICT networks, medical associations and societies, local authorities, and the government should assist hospitals to prevent nosocomial infections in their community.
