[The prevention and control of hospital infection: a case study with nurses].

A descriptive case study carried out with nurses. Its main purpose is getting to know the physical and administrative structure of the hospitals in this area, as well as their averal policy regarding the nurses'action in the prevention ans control of hospital infection. Twenty-eight nurses participated. Data was collected through the observation of the physical area of the hospitals, the reading of the evaluation and inspection documents from the Health Surveillance Department from the 12h CRS and through interviews conducted with the nurses. Final analysis showed the need of a deep reassessment of the daily actions for the prevention and control of hospital infections in these hospitals so as to promote health, reduce the hazards to inpatients and guarantee safety for both health professionals and patients.