An evaluation of SARS and droplet infection control practices in acute and rehabilitation hospitals in Hong Kong

The SARS outbreak in 2003 had a profound impact on the Hong Kong healthcare system, leading to an increased focus on the prevention and control of infection. From the beginning, infection of health care workers (HCW) and support workers (SW) has been a common feature of SARS. Of the 1746 cases of SARS reported in Hong Kong, 385 involved HCW, SW, or medical students, seven of whom died. The lessons learned from these experiences have highlighted the need for health care professionals to take infection control measures seriously. Hospital acquired infections remain the most common complications affecting hospitalised patients, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, extended lengths of stay, increased health care costs and loss of productivity. A report by the SARS Expert Committee in Hong Kong found that hospital infection control standards are inadequate and identified a need for the development, implementation and auditing of guidelines, as well as infection control education and training for hospital staff. Although infection control audits have been conducted in some hospitals since the outbreak of SARS, no systematic evaluation of the resources and activities directed towards infection surveillance and control in acute and rehabilitation hospitals in Hong Kong has been performed. This project aimed to investigate the infection surveillance and control compliance with Hospital Authority (HA) guidelines in acute and rehabilitation hospitals and examine the appropriateness of infection control practices among HCW (nurses, doctors, physiotherapists [PT] and occupational therapists [OT]), and SW (health care assistants [HCA], technical service assistants [TSA], workmen, cleaners, and porters).