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THE PHARMA REVIEW
FEBRUARY 06
Hospital Pharmacist in
Management of Nosocomial Infection
G. P. Mohanta, P. K.
Manna, C. K. Dhanapal and R. Manavalan
A recent report appeared in press claimed that 10-30% of patients admitted to hospitals and nursing homes in our country acquire nosocomial infections as against an impressive 5% in the west. The alarming high rate is attributed to hospitals' reluctance to invest in infection control, lack of awareness and improper waste management. This alarming situation costs antimicrobials worth Rs.3000-5000 a day, prolonged hospital stay and loss of work besides affecting the health of the community. In the present article the different approaches, in brief, to avoid or prevent nosocomial infections and how the hospital pharmacist can contribute in this noble mission are discussed. The English word 'nosocomial' is derived from the Greek word NOSOKOMEION meaning hospital and thus nosocomial infections are also called hospital-borned infections. These are infections acquired by the patient during hospital care, which are not present or incubating at admission. Infections occurring more than 48 hours after admission are usually considered nosocomial. The above content is an abstract only. For the full Article please contact: |
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A recent report appeared in press claimed that 10-30% of patients admitted to hospitals and nursing homes in our country acquire nosocomial infections as against an impressive 5% in the west. The alarming high rate is attributed to hospitals' reluctance to invest in infection control, lack of awareness and improper waste management. This alarming situation costs antimicrobials worth Rs.3000-5000 a day, prolonged hospital stay and loss of work besides affecting the health of the community.
In the present article the different approaches, in brief, to avoid or prevent nosocomial infections and how the hospital pharmacist can contribute in this noble mission are discussed.
The English word 'nosocomial' is derived from the Greek word NOSOKOMEION meaning hospital and thus nosocomial infections are also called hospital-borned infections. These are infections acquired by the patient during hospital care, which are not present or incubating at admission. Infections occurring more than 48 hours after admission are usually considered nosocomial.
