Implementing Infection Control Guidelines: Barriers and Facilitators

Abstract

Each year, many health care professionals are involved in the control of infectious disease crises, including acute infectious disease outbreaks, acts of bioterrorism, and resulting or accompanying fear or panic. For these crises, specific guidelines have been drawn up that are to be implemented at the time of a specific threat. The effectiveness of these measures largely depends on the general level of infection prevention and control (IPC) in standard care. During crises, however, the control of infectious diseases is complicated by changes in the number, type, and contact patterns of patients, travelers, probands, or other groups at increased risk of infection; by changed case definitions of the disease that need to be made public; and by changed recommendations for precautionary measures. Moreover, crises pose an extra burden on the time of care professionals and may lead to or stem from additional undue attention in the media or criticism by professional organizations