Nosocomial Infection Control in District Hospitals in Northern Thailand
Marasri Juntaradee MNS*, Susanha Yimyaem Dr PH**, Poonsap Soparat MSc**, Tavachai Jariyasethpong MD***, Somwang Danchaivijitr MD****
Affiliation : *Doi Saket Hospital, Chiang Mai, **Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, ***Department of Medicine, Rajvithi Hospital, Bangkok, ****Department of Medicine,Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Objective : To study the practice of nosocomial infection (NI) control in district hospitals.
Materials and Methods : Descriptive study using questionnaires and group discussion.
Results : From February-March 2002, five district hospitals in the northern region of Thailand were randomly
enrolled. All members of the infection control committee (ICC) were included and data were available from 71
members (85.0%). Infection control activities were done by members of the ICC. The NI control program was
designed by the Ministry of Public Health. Due to limited resources and suboptimal implementation, several
defects in key elements for infection control were identified. Lack of competent personnel, inappropriate
practices and lack of admistrative support were the important barriers to good practice.
Conclusion : Lack of competent personnel and inappropriate work instructions were identified. A review of a
NI control program in district hospitals is needed.
Keywords : Nosocomial infection, Control, District hospitals
