In today's era, we are forced to realize that outbreaks can occur at any moment. From anthrax to the avian flu, potential outbreaks can spread rapidly through air, water, and other means. Hospital personnel are now being trained to understand and monitor outbreaks in health care facilities. Professionals both in the private health care sector and the public health system now need to recognize, investigate, control and prevent these outbreaks. Outbreak Investigation, Prevention, and Control in Health Care Settings is a timely resource for health care professionals inside and outside of the hospital covering topics such as: Epidemiology Surveillance Programs in Hospital Settings Organisms and Diseases Associated with Outbreaks Ambulatory Care Acute Care Long-Term Care Pseudo-Outbreaks Investigation Control The Second Edition has been completely updated with current information, tables, statistics and suggested readings.

Quick Reference to Outbreak Investigation and Control in Health Care Facilities contains guidelines for recognizing, investigating and controlling outbreaks and clusters of infection in health care facilities. This is the only comprehensive book for practitioners who are responsible for outbreaks in health care facilities. It is an essential resource on how to apply epidemiologic principles, set up routine surveillance programs, recognize clusters and potential outbreaks, investigate an outbreak, conduct a literature search, choose appropriate statistical methods needed to investigate an outbreak, and recognize the role of the laboratory in outbreak investigation. Additionally, the book is in an 8 1/2 x 11 format with ready-to-use information such as sample forms, checklists, and reports compiled by experts in the field.

The Forum on Emerging Infections was created in 1996 in response to a request from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. The goal of the forum is to provide structured opportunities for representatives from academia, industry, professional and interest groups, and government to examine and discuss scientific and policy issues that relate to research, prevention, detection, and management of emerging infectious diseases. A critical part of this mission has been the convening of a series of workshops. Public Health Systems and Emerging Infections summarizes the fourth in a series of five workshops. With a focus on our knowledge and understanding of the role of private and public health sectors in emerging infectious disease surveillance and response, the participants explored the effects of privatization of public health laboratories and the modernization of public health care. The issues discussed included epidemiological investigation, surveillance, communication, coordination, resource allocations, and economic support.

A clear, hands-on outline of best practices for infection prevention that directly improve patient outcomes across the healthcare continuum.