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An independent report has warned that effective staff management practices should be just as important as hand hygiene in the fight against healthcare associated infections (HCAIs).
The report, by analysts at King’s College, London, and commissioned by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), looked at what impact the actions of organisations and management can have on infection control. It found that infection rates appeared to be lower where there is strong leadership, where wards are fully staffed and where workloads are manageable.
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary of the RCN, said: “There is rarely a single cause for outbreak of infection or a simple cure. But we hope that by increasing awareness of the risk factors leading to outbreaks of infection we can better tackle the causes so that patients and their families are assured a safe and worry-free hospital stay.”
The report’s authors highlight the positive impact modern matrons can have in leading by example, by challenging poor practice and by empowering staff. Dr Carter added: “It was important to recognise that these roles require support and clear authority if they are to be successful in implementing improvements in patient care.”
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