Infection Control at Almaty's Scientific Center of Pediatrics and Children's Surgery

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by Zhumabike Romashova

A central focus for the partnership program between the Scientific Center of Pediatrics and Children's Surgery and the Arizona Medical Center is infection control.

During a three-year period, all infection control proposals recommended by our partners were implemented. An infection control team was set up, and protocols for disinfection, sterile processing, and hand washing were established. With the help of Dr. Peterson, an infection control specialist from Tucson, a number of measures on prevention of subclavicular catheterization complications, complications of post-operative wounds and hepatitis B have been implemented.

In 1993, 7.1% of subclavicular catheter sites had complications (202 cases total). In the same year, nurses were trained in the care of central venous catheters. In 1994, 5.4% of the cases had complications (216 catheters). As an infection control measure, we appointed one doctor for introducing subclavicular catheters. In 1995, 4.8% of the cases had complications (210 catheters); nurses and doctors received continuous training on hand-washing rules. In 1996, 3.0% of the cases had complications; standard procedures for the care and introduction of catheters had been implemented.

A substantial decrease in complications has resulted in saving 64% of funds previously spent for treatment of catheter-related complications. Frequency of hepatitis B decreased by 2.5%. During a bacterial culture analysis, Tucson infection control staff members estimated that 438,700 Tenge, or $6,400, is spent annually for this purpose. In compliance with the Republic of Kazakstan's Ministry of Health Order of July 26, 1996, ?334, a program on detection and prevention of hospital-acquired infections is in place.

Zhumabike Romashova is Chief Specialist for Nursing with Kazak Ministry of Health and Chief Nurse at Scientific Center of Pediatrics and Children's Surgery
Almaty, Kazakstan
tel: (3272) 48 81 21
fax: (3272) 48 86 35

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