Semmelweis correctly concluded that puerperal fever could be spread from necrotic discharge from living patients, as well as autopsy material. And maternal death rate was decreased dramatically by washing hands in chlorinated lime. Semmelweis may be credited with having for the first time constructed a statistically tested system of asepsis (keeping germs away from the patient) before the germ theory had arrived.
Asepsis ; Autopsy ; Fever ; Hand ; Humans ; Maternal Death*

PURPOSE: This study was done to compare the effectiveness of web learning versus traditional education for learning Asepsis technique in Basic Nursing Practice. METHOD: This research was a quasi-experimental study. The participants were 60 students who were taking Basic Nursing at a nursing college in G city. Thirty students each were assigned to the experimental and the control group. Data were collected between September 26 and 30, 2005. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Independent t-test and ANCOVA. RESULTS: The mean score for competence in Asepsis technique practice in the experimental group was 24.73 and in the control group 22.80. This result was statistically significant(t = 3.723, P = .001). The mean score for knowledge in the experimental group was 42.93 and in the control group 38.93. This result was statistically significant(t = 2.119, P = .038). The mean score for satisfaction with degree of study in the experimental group was 55.50 for the pre-test and 56.17 for the post-test, and in the control group 60.23 and 58.00 respectively. This result was statistically significant(F = 10.537, P = .002). CONCLUSION: The Web based learning was found to be effective in nursing practice, student satisfaction and knowledge, but web-based programs have to be continuously managed and various demands from learners have to be accepted. Eventually we have to use web-based program as educational medium to promote effective learning nursing education.
Asepsis* ; Education* ; Education, Nursing ; Humans ; Learning* ; Mental Competency ; Nursing*

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are well-known, useful techniques for the treatment of painful vertebral compression fractures. Although the risk associated with these procedures is low, serious complications can occur. Of these complications, infection is even rarer, however, when it does occur, it is difficult to manage and can become life-threatening. We describe here a case of infectious spondylitis with epidural inflammation that occurred after performing kyphoplasty in a patient who had a thoracic vertebra compression fracture. We reviewed other case and literatures. Extreme asepsis of the operating theater, screening and treatment for systemic infection prior to the procedure, as well as the use of appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis are strongly recommended when conducting kyphoplasty to prevent infection.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis ; Asepsis ; Fractures, Compression ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Kyphoplasty* ; Mass Screening ; Spine ; Spondylitis* ; Vertebroplasty

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the content related to nosocomial infection control in the course on Fundamentals of Nursing. METHOD: Participants were 49 faculty who were teaching courses in Fundamentals of Nursing in universities and colleges in Korea. The questionnaire was composed of 55 items related to nosocomial infection control. RESULTS: Eighteen items out of 55 items were taught in more than 80% of the universities and colleges. These included principles of infection control, principles and effect of hand washing, method of hand washing, hand scrubs, and donning sterile gown and gloves. CONCLUSION: The most effective interventions for infection control, including asepsis, hand washing, infection control for urinary catheterization, and infection control for IV sites were taught in most universities and colleges. However, the time assigned for teaching these items and the importance placed on practice were not considered sufficient.
Asepsis ; Cross Infection* ; Education* ; Hand ; Hand Disinfection ; Infection Control ; Korea ; Nursing* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urinary Catheterization ; Urinary Catheters