Roles of infection control nurses in regional hospitals.

Objectives: To evaluate the roles of infection control nurses (ICNs) in regional hospitals and to detect problems, obstacles in practice and needs for support.

Material And Method: A descriptive study by interview and questionnaire survey of 16 ICNs from regional hospitals appling for HA.

Results: From February to April 2002, a study by interview and questionnaires was done in 16 ICNs from 10 regional hospitals applying for HA.

Cost-effectiveness and safety of reusable tracheal suction tubes.

Objectives: To evaluate whether the repetitive use of disposable tracheal suction tubes is cost-effective and safe over the single use.

Material And Method: The cost intrinsic to the washing, cleaning, re-sterilization by ethylene oxide gas, and processing was determined and compared to the cost generated by disposable tubes. The reused disposable suction tubes were also determined for their properties in physical characters and probable contamination and damages.