Healthcare-associated infections: the value of patient isolation
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Healthcare-associated infections: the value of patient isolation

Linda Nicholson Lecturer, Health and social care, Dundee and Angus College, Dundee, Scotland

This article focuses on information about reducing or preventing the transmission of infection from patients with known, suspected or high risk of developing a multidrug-resistant organism infection such as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Since the literature addresses infection prevention and control measures in relation to isolation practices, the literature is evaluated for its effectiveness in supporting patient safety and informing practice that enhances the quality of inpatient care. A review of articles retrieved from several databases is conducted to identify research findings regarding some of the evidence for the effectiveness of isolation in reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections. The cost, advantages and disadvantages of isolation practices and cohort nursing are also explored, with emphasis on patient wellbeing and safety.

Nursing Standard. 29, 6, 35-44. doi: 10.7748/ns.29.6.35.e8789

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Received: 24 January 2014

Accepted: 22 April 2014

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