Cost and benefit in control of nosocomial infection: methods for analysis.

Because health care costs are rising at an alarming rate, the cost-benefit relationship of infection control measures has to be considered. This assessment involves measuring the real cost of implementing a procedure and determining whether or not an associated reduction has occurred in nosocomial infection and its economic consequences. If the cost is found to outweigh the benefit, the procedure should be eliminated. Conversely, when a procedure proves cost-effective, infection control personnel must work to ensure that it is implemented correctly. To do these things, we need improved methods for measuring cost and benefit objectively, for implementing the few procedures that have been shown to reduce nosocomial infection, and for developing effective systems of monitoring compliance with recommended procedures.