Nosocomial Infection Control in Regional and Provincial Hospitals
Sukanya Buachum MNS*, Poonsap Soparat MSc**, Susanha Yimyaem Dr.PH**, Tavachai Jariyasethpong MD***, Somwang Danchaivijitr MD*****
Affiliation : *Phichit Hospital, Phichit, **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
Objectives : To study the organization and practices in nosocomial infection (NI) control in regional and
provincial hospitals.
Materials and Methods : Data were collected by questionnaires answered by chair persons of infection control
committees (ICC) infection control nurses (ICNs) and link nurses in regional and provincial hospitals..
Results : From April to June 2002, sets of questionnaires were sent to all chair persons of regional and
provincial hospitals, 120 infection control nurses and 57 link nurses. Of 92 hospitals, 78.3% of chair persons
and all ICNs and link nurses responded. The ICC were chaired by the directors or deputy directors in 26.4%
and by doctors in various specialties in the remaining. Among ICNs, 14.2% had never attended a course in
infection control and 62.5% had less than 6 years experience. Lack of support from administrators, budget,
co-operation from medical personnel and ICN position were the main problems in the IC program.
Conclusion : Nosocomial infection control in regional and provincial hospitals in Thailand needs more
support from administrators and more co-operation from medical personnel. .
Keywords : Nosocomial infection, Control, Regional hospitals, Provincial hospitals
