Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control, 2nd EditionHospital Epidemiology and Infection Control, 2nd Edition. Edited by C. Glen Mayhall. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, P.O. Box 1640, Hagerstown, MD 21741-1640. ISBN: 0-683-30608-1.

Abstract

Book ReviewHospital Epidemiology and Infection Control, 2nd Edition Sahar AlthawadiMD Sahar Althawadi Search for more papers by this author Published Online:1 Jan 2001https://doi.org/10.5144/0256-4947.2001.135aSectionsPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload citationTrack citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail AboutIntroductionThis is a well-crafted and extensively referenced multi-authored textbook that provides a thorough review of the literature in the advancing field of hospital epidemiology and infection control. The main objective of this excellently revised edition of the book is to present an overview of the expanding field of epidemiology of nosocomial infections and infection control issues related to health care facilities. The textbook is divided into 15 sections and a total of 100 chapters. The first section describes the principles of applied epidemiology and biostatistics in hospital epidemiology and infection control, including the addition of a new chapter on how to recognize and control pseudoinfections and pseudo-outbreaks. The second section provides a conceptual framework on computers and information management systems in hospitals and other health care organizations. Sections 3 and 4 constitute the major portions of the textbook which review in detail all types of nosocomial infections including an updated CDC definition and preventive strategies. In particular, I found the classification of intravascular device-related infections into short- and long-term vascular access to be useful and clinically relevant. The chapters on epidemiology and prevention of nosocomial infections in the special patient population, such as pediatrics, solid organ and bone marrow transplant patients, are informative, concise and practical. The chapter on the hazard of re-using single-use items is acknowledged. The economics, ethical and legal considerations related to the re-use of disposable items in hospitals are discussed. The chapters on the role of antimicrobial agents and the emergence of recently recognized multiresistant nosocomial pathogens are well-written, updated and clinically relevant. An excellent step-by-step method on how to utilize the World Wide Web resources in hospital epidemiology and infection control is presented in an easy-to-read style of writing. It describes how the Internet is utilized to obtain high-quality information on solving clinical problems, keeping up to date and developing clinical policies. In the age of evidence-based medicine, the textbook elegantly describes a systematic approach on how to access, critically appraise and apply the current literature to solve infection control problems, in Chapters 83 and 84. The final chapters of the textbook discuss a multi-disciplinary approach to organizing and implementing an accredited infection control program.Overall, this is a superb addition to the growing number of textbooks in the field of hospital epidemiology and infection control. The book is refreshingly written, up to date and informative. The diagrams are well chosen, and the extensive bibliographies provide an excellent framework for further study. In my opinion, this textbook will be a useful reference for those interested in or pursuing a certification in hospital epidemiology and infection control, including infection control practitioners, microbiologists, infectious disease physicians and epidemiologists. Previous article FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 21, Issue 1-2January/March 2001 Metrics History Published online1 January 2001 InformationCopyright © 2001, Annals of Saudi MedicineThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.