Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major concern in healthcare institutions, leading to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and higher treatment costs. To minimize these risks, hospitals establish an Infection Committee—a multidisciplinary team responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring infection control activities. This committee develops antibiotic policies, evaluates infection trends, trains healthcare workers, and ensures compliance with infection prevention standards.
Need for an Infection Committee
Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed medicines in hospitals, yet their misuse or overuse can lead to resistance and poor patient outcomes. Studies show that 40–90% of antibiotics prescribed in some hospitals may be inappropriate. Incorrect dose, wrong drug selection, prolonged duration, and unnecessary prophylaxis contribute to increased resistance and infection complications. These challenges demand a structured body to guide rational antibiotic use and infection control practices.
Acceptable Indications for Antibiotic Use
The infection committee ensures antibiotics are used only when clinically justified, such as in:
- Upper and lower respiratory tract infections
- Genitourinary infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Septicemia
- Surgical prophylaxis
- Post-operative infection risk
Objectives of the Infection Committee
- Understand basic infection control principles.
- Identify causes and risk factors of nosocomial infections.
- Develop and implement infection control programs.
- Reduce antimicrobial resistance in the hospital.
- Protect patients, staff, and visitors from infectious hazards.
Composition of the Infection Committee
An effective infection committee consists of representatives from key hospital departments. Members typically include:
- Chairperson: Usually the hospital director.
- Chief of Infection Control Team: Microbiology department representative.
- Heads of clinical departments
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Chief Pharmacist
- Head of Maintenance & Housekeeping
- Director of Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD)
Functions of the Infection Control Team
The infection control team works under the Infection Committee to implement daily infection control operations. Their responsibilities include:
- Detect and investigate hospital-acquired infections.
- Identify environmental factors contributing to infections.
- Recognize community-acquired infections entering the hospital.
- Support physicians in initiating and reporting infection cases.
- Provide follow-up monitoring for discharged patients when needed.
- Develop and review infection control procedures annually.
- Monitor compliance with isolation protocols.
- Conduct staff orientation programs on infection control.
- Evaluate effectiveness of infection control strategies.
- Coordinate with housekeeping, catering, and water supply departments to maintain hygiene.
Functions of the Infection Control Officer
- Supervise nursing officers supporting infection control activities.
- Coordinate with the committee chairperson and microbiology team.
- Make day-to-day infection control decisions following guidelines.
- Ensure accurate data on antimicrobial resistance trends.
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of hospital infection control policies.
Functions of the Infection Control Nurse (ICN)
The ICN plays a critical role in daily surveillance and adherence to infection control practices:
- Inspect wards and outpatient clinics to detect hospital-acquired infections.
- Investigate infection incidents and identify breakdowns in procedures.
- Monitor isolation practices and sterile techniques in nursing procedures.
- Ensure food hygiene and health assessment of food handlers.
- Monitor the collection and disposal of infectious waste.
- Conduct training programs for new nursing and paramedical staff.
- Prepare infection control statistics and reports.
Responsibilities of the Infection Committee
The committee is responsible for strategic planning and ensuring compliance across all hospital units.
- Provide guidance on infection prevention and control policies.
- Prepare and distribute infection control guidelines to relevant departments.
- Ensure implementation of infection control measures through training and supervision.
- Participate in hospital facility planning and upgrades to improve safety.
- Collaborate with occupational health departments to prevent infections among staff.
- Monitor hospital-wide adherence to sanitation, sterilization, and antibiotic-use policies.
Antibiotic Policy and Review Activities
The committee develops and enforces a hospital-wide antibiotic policy to promote rational use. Key components include:
- Using antibiotics only for justified and evidence-based indications.
- Identifying causative organisms through culture and sensitivity testing.
- Choosing antibiotics based on spectrum, safety, cost, and administration convenience.
- Preferring oral therapy over parenteral when suitable.
- Ensuring appropriate dosage and duration.
Antibiotic Review (AUR)
- Periodic evaluation of antibiotic usage patterns.
- Identification of misuse and overuse trends.
- Review meetings to improve adherence to antibiotic policy.
Detailed Notes:
For PDF style full-color notes, open the complete study material below:
PATH: PHARMD/ PHARMD NOTES/ PHARMD FOURTH YEAR NOTES/ HOSPITAL PHARMACY/ INFECTION COMMITTEE.