An evaluation of SARS and droplet infection control practices in acute and rehabilitation hospitals in Hong Kong

Chau, J. P. C., Thompson, D. R., Twinn, S., Lee, D. T. F., Lopez, V. and Ho, L. S. Y. (2008) An evaluation of SARS and droplet infection control practices in acute and rehabilitation hospitals in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Medical Journal, 14 Supp. 4: S44-S47.


Author Chau, J. P. C.
Thompson, D. R.
Twinn, S.
Lee, D. T. F.
Lopez, V.
Ho, L. S. Y.
Title An evaluation of SARS and droplet infection control practices in acute and rehabilitation hospitals in Hong Kong
Journal name Hong Kong Medical Journal  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank C)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2008-08
Sub-type Article
Volume number 14
Issue number Supp. 4
ISSN 1024-2708
Start page S44
End page S47
Total pages 4
Place of publication Hong Kong, China
Publisher Hong Kong Academy of Medicine; Hong Kong Medical Association.
Language eng
Subject 110309 Infectious Diseases
110799 Immunology not elsewhere classified
1110 Nursing
Abstract The SARS outbreak in 2003 had a profound impact on the Hong Kong healthcare system, leading to an increased focus on the prevention and control of infection. From the beginning, infection of health care workers (HCW) and support workers (SW) has been a common feature of SARS. Of the 1746 cases of SARS reported in Hong Kong, 385 involved HCW, SW, or medical students, seven of whom died. The lessons learned from these experiences have highlighted the need for health care professionals to take infection control measures seriously. Hospital acquired infections remain the most common complications affecting hospitalised patients, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, extended lengths of stay, increased health care costs and loss of productivity. A report by the SARS Expert Committee in Hong Kong found that hospital infection control standards are inadequate and identified a need for the development, implementation and auditing of guidelines, as well as infection control education and training for hospital staff. Although infection control audits have been conducted in some hospitals since the outbreak of SARS, no systematic evaluation of the resources and activities directed towards infection surveillance and control in acute and rehabilitation hospitals in Hong Kong has been performed. This project aimed to investigate the infection surveillance and control compliance with Hospital Authority (HA) guidelines in acute and rehabilitation hospitals and examine the appropriateness of infection control practices among HCW (nurses, doctors, physiotherapists [PT] and occupational therapists [OT]), and SW (health care assistants [HCA], technical service assistants [TSA], workmen, cleaners, and porters).
Keyword SARS
Hong Kong
Healthcare system
Prevention
Control
Infection
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Provisional Code
Institutional Status Non-UQ
Additional Notes Also titled: A Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi. Supplement covers articles from Health Services Research Fund & Health Care and Promotion Fund: Research Dissemination Reports (Series 7).

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) - Collection
School of Nursing and Midwifery Publications
 
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Created: Thu, 11 Feb 2010, 12:25:14 EST by Macushla Boyle on behalf of Faculty Of Health Sciences