Nosocomial Infections: A Literature Review

Kreshnik Kamberi, Arlinda Jakupi

Abstract


Introduction – The term nosocomial originates from the Greek words "nosos" (disease) and "komein" (care), referring to infections acquired as a result of medical care. The contemporary framework for diagnosing these infections stipulates a timeframe of at least 48 hours post-admission to a hospital, 3 days after discharge, or 30 days following surgical intervention. The primary aim of this study was to explore the literature regarding nosocomial infections and to highlight the role of nurses in their prevention. An additional objective was to present relevant data concerning these infections in Kosovo and to compare them with statistics from other countries worldwide.

Methodology – We employed a literature review methodology focused on nosocomial infections and the role of nurses in monitoring and reducing these infections. The literature utilized for this purpose is relevant and includes recent data published in prestigious scientific journals.

Results of the Literature Review – In Kosovo, a general prevalence rate of 17.4% for nosocomial infections was recorded in 2003, with bloodstream infections being the most prevalent (62%). The highest prevalence was noted among newborns in intensive care units (77.8%). In a subsequent study conducted in 2019, the overall prevalence rate of HAIs in Kosovo was found to be 4.9%, which is lower than expected; in fact, the ECDC survey from 2011-2012 indicated an average prevalence of 6%, ranging from 2.3% in Latvia to 10.8% in Portugal. In EU member states, the gross prevalence of residents with at least one HAI was 3.7%.

Conclusions – The prevalence of nosocomial infections in Kosovo has significantly declined over the years. However, further improvements are needed in this area to achieve standards comparable to those of other EU countries.


Keywords


Nosocomial Infections, Nurse, Infection Control

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v47.2.6719

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