The epic project. Updating the evidence-base for national evidence-based guidelines for preventing healthcare-associated infections in NHS hospitals in England: a report with recommendations

Abstract

The evidence underpinning infection prevention and control guidelines requires updating at regular intervals as advances in technology and new research findings may influence guideline recommendations. The evidence-base for national guidelines published in 20011 for preventing healthcare-associated infections in hospitals in England has recently been updated using systematic review methods. A critical assessment of the updated evidence indicates that the current guidelines remain robust, relevant and appropriate, but that adjustments need to be made to some guideline recommendations. Periodically updating the evidence base and making necessary adjustments to guideline recommendations is essential, in order to maintain their validity and authority.