We initiated surveillance for surgical-site infections (SSIs) in a Japanese hospital using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions and the approach of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) System. Patients were observed following clean and clean-contaminated abdominal operations. SSI rates were higher than those of the NNIS System, but there was a trend toward decreased SSI rates in the latter half of the study period.

Surveys conducted in our healthcare facility evaluated factors associated with acceptance of influenza vaccination and opinions regarding influenza prevention and treatment and willingness to pay. Avoiding lost work and low risk were primary reasons for vaccine recipients and non-recipients, respectively. One-third of vaccine recipients would refuse vaccination if asked to pay at least $10.

During the past several years, major changes have occurred in the way in which health care is provided and financed. One of the outcomes of these changes has been a greater emphasis on providing quality health care at a low cost. This has led many healthcare facilities to question the necessity of all expenditures and to reduce spending when at all possible. Many healthcare facilities have solicited the services of consulting groups to provide recommendations regarding cost-containment strategies appropriate for their particular institution.

Nineteen cases of nosocomial influenza occurred at a pediatric hospital during a 5-year period. Only one of the nine children with chronic health conditions had been immunized. Length of stay was prolonged for seven children, with three intensive care unit admissions. We have now implemented strategies to decrease nosocomial influenza infection. (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2002;23:627-629).