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. 2018 Apr-Jun;36(2):155-162.
doi: 10.4103/ijmm.IJMM_18_152.

Prevention of healthcare-associated infections in low- and middle-income Countries: The 'bundle approach'

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Free article

Prevention of healthcare-associated infections in low- and middle-income Countries: The 'bundle approach'

Purva Mathur. Indian J Med Microbiol. 2018 Apr-Jun.
Free article

Abstract

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAI/HAIs) are one of the most common adverse events in patient care and account for substantial morbidity and mortality. The high rates of HCAIs in a facility are an indicator of poor quality of healthcare services. According to the World Health Organization, at any time, up to 7% of patients in developed and 10% in developing countries will acquire at least one HAI. These infections also present a significant economic burden at the societal level. However, a large percentage of HAIs are preventable through effective infection prevention and control measures.

Objectives: Prevention of these infections also needs to be prioritised in view of the growing antimicrobial resistance in HAIs. The bundle approach to the prevention of HAIs is a relatively new concept that is revolutionising the care of high-risk patients in the Intensive Care Units. This report details the bundle approach for the prevention of HAIs, particularly the device-associated infections, for low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusion: With the escalating armamentarium of antimicrobial resistance, healthcare sector has to go back to the very basics of hospital infection control; develop, assess and implement bundles of prevention. These are cost-effective and easily adaptable, to cater to the increasing HCAIs and MDR infections in the LMICs.

Keywords: Bundle approach; healthcare-associated infections; patient care.

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