The socio-economic impact of multidrug-resistant nosocomial infections: a qualitative study.

Mo Y., Low I., Tambyah SK., Tambyah PA.

The burden of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) has traditionally been measured using clinical and economic outcomes. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 patients or their caregivers affected by HCAI caused by multidrug-resistant organisms to better understand the human impact of HCAI. Most patients had misconceptions about HCAI and antimicrobial resistance, leading to strong negative feelings towards HCAIs despite positive views of their healthcare providers. Communication issues across power imbalances need to be addressed to help deal with trauma of HCAIs. A holistic approach to HCAIs incorporating patient perspectives will likely help guide policymakers developing solutions to improve patient outcomes.

DOI

10.1016/j.jhin.2018.08.013

Type

Journal article

Journal

The Journal of hospital infection

Publication Date

08/2019

Volume

102

Pages

454 - 460

Addresses

Division of Infectious Disease, University Medicine Cluster, National University Hospital, Singapore; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. Electronic address: yin_mo@nuhs.edu.sg.

Keywords

Humans, Bacterial Infections, Cross Infection, Mycoses, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Drug Resistance, Microbial, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Interviews as Topic, Health Communication

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