The implementation of National Clinical Effectiveness Committee clinical guidelines relating to health care associated infections in Irish healthcare organisations: multiple perspectives

Background: Healthcare associated infections (HCAI) create a major burden on individuals, their families, and the health services. They lead to longer stays in hospital, higher risk of death, and increased frequency of other health problems such as heart failure, and pneumonia. All of this also contributes to greatly increased healthcare costs.

In order to make sure patients are treated safely and effectively, the Department of Health have been put clinical guidelines in place to improve the quality of patient care, by ensuring that their treatment is based on the best scientific evidence. However, just because these guidelines are provided, it does not mean they are always used. Using guidelines affects how doctors and nurses practice and also how patients experience their hosptial stay.

Aim: The aim of this research is to explore how HCAI National Clinical Guidelines published by the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC, Department of Health) are used by healthcare professionals in Irish healthcare organisations from the perspectives of patients, their family members and their carers.

Methods: We will collect data at many different healthcare sites using observations, interviews, surveys, and data extracted from various health information systems such infection rates.

Impact: It is hoped the results of this study will help find the best ways to implement guidelines, and inform the update of NCEC clinical guidelines, with a particular focus on improving patient outcomes, improving guideline development, and helping provide more accurate information to patients, as well as contributing to reduced healthcare costs in general.

Award Date

28 September 2017

Award Value

€119308

Principal Investigator

Professor Josephine Hegarty

Host Institution

University College Cork

Scheme

Applied Partnership Awards