The practice of infection control and applied epidemiology: A historical perspective

• Published in: American journal of infection control Vol. 33; no. 9; pp. 493 - 500
• Main Author: Goldrick, Barbara A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: St. Louis, MO Mosby, Inc 01.11.2005; Mosby; Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cross Infection - epidemiology; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Epidemiologic Methods; Epidemiology. Vaccinations; General aspects; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Infection Control - history; Infection Control - organization & administration; Infection Control - statistics & numerical data; Infection Control Practitioners - history; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; United States; United States; North America; America; Prevention; Infection; Nosocomial infection; Check; Hospital; Epidemiology; Hygiene
• ISSN: 0196-6553; 1527-3296
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2005.04.250

The United States health care system and patient populations have changed substantially over the past several decades. The practice of infection control also has evolved since the landmark Study on the Efficacy of Nosocomial Infection Control project, and infection control professionals (ICPs) must continue to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to practice infection prevention and control. Practice analyses of infection control conducted between 1982 and 2001 were analyzed to determine changes in practice. These data reflect a 145% increase in infection control activities over a 20-year period. However, resources for infection control and prevention have not kept pace with this increased activity. In addition, the current trend toward mandatory reporting of health care-associated infections (HAIs) among several states will add more tasks for ICPs with limited resources, at the risk of spending less time on prevention and control activities. In keeping with its philosophy of quality health care and responsible public reporting, the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc, continues to explore the issue of mandatory reporting of HAIs.