HOSPITAL-ACQUIRED INFECTIONS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS: A BIBLIOGRAPHICAL STUDY

Abstract

This bibliographical study of Brazilian research output aimed to identify the way in which nursing professionals have approached the theme of hospital-acquired infections. Fifteen publications from the ten-year period 1999– 2009 from the SciELO database were analyzed; the search was carried out in March 2010 and the data analyzed by content analysis. Five thematic categories were found: the concept of hospital-acquired infections; healthcare professionals’ understanding of hospital-acquired infections and the Hospital-Acquired Infection Control Commission; healthcare professionals’ responsibility in the control of hospital-acquired infections; the prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections; and the necessity for appropriate training during the undergraduate course. It is concluded that more research is needed, principally where nursing and patient care are affected. This study should serve as a base for discussion on the matter.

Keywords

• Hospital-acquired infection
• Nursing team
• Role of the professional nurse