THE SOCIAL ECONOMICAL AND JURIDICAL ASPEC TS OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS

The medical and paramedical personnel shows concern about clinical and epidemiological aspects of nosocomial infections, but pays also atten tion to their economical and legal aspects. The acquired infections in hospital bring about an overcost and social consequences. It is logic al to study the ratio cost/efficiency insofar as the social and human dimension of illness and suffering are taken into account and the stru ggle and the prevention are not only seen- from their economical aspec t. The legal liability of hospital or State health personnel is now we ll-know et the number of instituted proceedings is in continuous incre ase. The penal juridiction is the most common way. No negligence is pe rmitted and nobody can be safe. The clarity and the dialog with the pa tients and their families are the best means to avoid a conflict preju dicial for everybody.