Prevention of nosocomial infections

Nosocomial infections are still an important issue in surgical wards. About one patient in 15 is affected, most of them from surgical site or urinary tract infections, but pneumonia cases can also be observed frequently. Some of these infections are due to multiresistant pathogens. About one third of nosocomial infections can be regarded as avoidable. Routine surveillance of nosocomial infections and multiresistant pathogens, feedback of data to all personnel involved in patient care, and routine educational activities in this field are the crucial elements for achieving high compliance with the most important infection control measures.