This study focuses on the relation between the nosocomial infection phenomenon and the historical concepts of the health-disease process in the context of the western societies, as well as its hospital ocurrence and the actions implemented to control them. It presents an analysis of the current practices of control of nosocomial infections and the implications that result from the development of the clinical model of care in the hospital locus. Authors point out the need to extend the analysis of the issue in the context of the health system organization understanding them as a result of social policies in specific circumstances.
hospital infection; health illness process
