Assessment of Hospital Acquired Infections in Chittagong Medical College Hospital: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background:This project is part of the second year undergraduate summer research project at Asian University for Women. The aim of this summer project is to undertake a point prevalence survey on Hospital Acquired Infections in selected wards in Chittagong Medical College Hospital. The study will also acknowledge the burden of additional financial costs on the patient and the hospital management in treating both secondary infections and the primary illness. Method: A descriptive study was conducted in Chittagong Medical College Hospital for four months (July to October 2017). A patient’s chart was used to access the patient's case history, diagnosis, lab reports, and antibiotic usage information. In addition to that, swab samples were collected from selected bed handles, walls, bathrooms and floors for isolation and identification in the AUW microbiology labs. Results: Out of 416 patients, HAI was found in 18% patients; 25% among patients in the Gynaecology ward and 6% among patients in the Surgery ward. Among the causes of the infection the following were found to be the major ones: Wound infection, Urinary Tract infection, Surgical site infection, Gastrointestinal Infection, and Skin and soft tissue infection. Utilization of findings: Data from this research serves as a basis for health authorities and policymakers to discuss and determine policies about infection control and additional studies which can measure the burdens of HAIs with greater accuracy. The findings can be used to get a pattern of HAIs and design suitable prevention methods.