What is the evidence behind recommendations for infection control?

Abstract

Effective infection control in healthcare settings can only be accomplished with a program that adopts evidence-based guidelines implemented by an interdisciplinary team responsible for monitoring implementation of these guidelines and for education of the practitioners involved in patient care. An effective infection control program can prevent acquisition and transmission of infectious pathogens among patients, staff and visitors. However, infection control practices can be time consuming, costly or tedious. Is there evidence to support infection control recommendations or are recommendations simply based on anecdotal experience and expert opinion? We present the rationale for grading infection control recommendations and provide relevant examples of graded recommendations for infection control practices relevant for pediatric healthcare settings. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.