AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO PREVENTING HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS IN THE ELDERLY -THE EPIC INITIATIVE IN ENGLAND

The prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in the NHS hospitals, community and primary care services continues unabated, increasing costs, morbidity and causing profound patient dissatisfaction. Following the introduction of healthcare governance in the NHS, the need to develop more clinically effective approaches to preventing infections has become urgent. National evidence-based guidelines are now being developed and implemented in NHS Trusts in England. The experience of developing and implementing these guidelines is described, along with other initiatives designed to enhance the evidence base for infection prevention and control.