Facts and fancies in hospital infection
Meers, P.D.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore 16(4): 671-675
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0304-4602 PMID: 3128156 Document Number: 291239
The history of infection in hospitals reveals that a surprising number of the practices that have been introduced at various times as control measures were based on original misconceptions. Curiously in this modern era, a significant number of these infections control practices, lacking a scientific basis, are still widely employed, and some of them have developed into increasingly expensive rituals. The escalating cost of medical care suggests that the time has come to examine these rituals to assess their cost-effectiveness and so decide on their future.