Admittance to Hospital

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant bacteria constitute a serious global threat—often as a result of dirty conditions treated with overuse of antibiotics. Dangerous microbes are easily transmitted when hygienic measures are inadequate, in the absence of isolation, and by overcrowding and understaffing. Extra costs and human suffering are related to the lack of consistency in the prevention and treatment of infections in the various levels of healthcare: poor and late diagnosis, lack of isolation measures and hygiene and incorrect use of antibacterial agents. Good infection control is linked to good hygiene, prosperity and security and breaks down quickly during disasters and chaos and when large crowds are on the move. Travelling to tropical areas is increasingly causing febrile diseases, by bacteria, viruses or parasites, depending on destination. More and more import-microbes are spread in healthcare and in society as a whole—and among animals by food and contact. Cross-infection occurs internally and between the different levels of healthcare, which can be avoided by good early information, good infectious protection and good disinfection and clearing of environmental contamination. Little by little new or emerging pathogenic microbes are becoming part of the regular human pathogenic flora in most countries and also in Scandinavia. These infections are creating carrier conditions and lead to increased mortality and costs in the healthcare. The following chapter is focused on practical measures to prevent early transmission of infections from patients before and at admittances in hospitals.