What does the term 'nosocomial infection' refer to?

The term 'nosocomial infection' specifically refers to infections that are acquired in a healthcare setting, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or outpatient clinics. These infections can occur as a result of various factors, including invasive procedures, antibiotic use, and the presence of pathogens in the medical environment. The key characteristic of nosocomial infections is that they are not present or incubating at the time of a person's admission to healthcare, but rather develop during the course of receiving medical treatment.

Understanding this definition is crucial because it emphasizes the importance of infection control practices within healthcare settings to protect patients from acquiring additional infections during their treatment process.