Review
"The book contains several gems ... It should be available to the legal department of every hospital, and to any non-specialist director of infection prevention and control, for these alone. Trainees in infection control and microbiology will certainly find it helpful." -- Journal of Hospital Infection, 2009 [in press] "...an essential purchase for all infection control nurses, doctors and other health professionals in the field." -- Nursing Standard 20091014 For more then thirty years, Ayliffe's essential text has provided guidance in infection control... The authors have managed to strike a balance appropriate for the target audience which is wide, from students to specialists... The book covers most of the key areas including practical measures to improve quality of care, minimize risk, save lives, improve antibiotic use and reduce costs... Although infection control practices are in constant evolution, this book contains the most up to date principles and provides a practical approach for all healthcare staff. The fifth edition lives up to my expectations and I recommend it as an invaluable basic tool. -- ACP News 20110517
Book Description
The fifth edition of this classic text is the definitive, clinically oriented guide to this critical area within healthcare practice, full of sound, practical advice for all those involved in the control of infection in a variety of settings. Thoroughly revised and updated throughout, it has been retitled for this new edition to emphasise the range of coverage, from the hospital setting - including the ward, operating theatres, kitchens and laundry facilities - to health care provision in the community. The content has also been restructured, improving access to related topics for the reader. Part One discusses the basic principles of infection control, including administrative issues, surveillance and reporting, sterilzation, disinfection and decontamination, with an emphasis on the key area of hand hygiene. Part Two covers the specific areas of prophylaxis and treatment of infections, for example the use of antimicrobial agents and issues pertaining to specific infections including MRSA. In Part Three prevention in different healthcare settings is presented, including issues particular to special wards and departments such as paediatric and neonatal units, intensive care, the elderly and those being treated or working within allied health areas such as x-ray, physiotherapy and the laboratory setting. Control of Healthcare-associated infection will remain essential reading for infection control practitioners, nurses, doctors, surgeons, allied health professionals, hospital managers and administrators, and public health personnel.
