Reduction of nosocomial infections by an infection control quality management concept for surgical patients. 1. Report: Significant reduction starting from a higher level of infection

A successful introduction of surveillance of NI and quality circles for pre vention of infection was achieved in hospital A. The major requirements the refore are according to our experiences determination of the topics of the quality circles by the participants them selves, interest and engagement for the work of the quality circles and the realiza tion of ideas, support by the hospitals' management, acceptance of this work by the wards, continuous evaluation of the work of the quality circle. Often the most important problem was not identification of weaknesses and c reating of possible solutions, but putting the ideas into practice on the w ards. This was the case for problems in the field of care as well as in the responsibility of physicians. Altogether a significant 42% reduction of no socomial infections was achieved.