Keywords :
Intensive care unit, ICU visitors, Visitor policy, Shoe change policy, Restricted access, Open visitor policy

ABSTRACT

Background : Hospitals throughout the country have adopted some policy as regards entry of visitors to the Intensive Care Unit and other critical care areas. The present study was carried out to compare the exiting visitor policies adopted by various hospitals.

Method : The study was carried out by visiting various hospitals at Mumbai, Chandigarh and Delhi as an academic tour from September 2008 to October 2008. The methodology includes study of available literature on ICU visitor policies adopted by various hospitals worldwide. The data collection was done by interview and observation of the practices on ground.

Results : A majority of hospitals have adopted a strict visitor policy along with restricted access and recommended the use of protective shoe covers while entering the ICUs. Certain hospitals, however, do not insist on use of shoe covers and have a liberal visitor policy.

Conclusion : ICU visitor policy, gradually, is shifting from a restricted approach to a more liberal approach and practices such as shoe change policy is being done away with.