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Published on: August 19, 2020
Reducing nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care
Eileen Rogers1, Fiona Alderdice, Emma McCall
1Neonatal Intensive Care Outcomes, Research & Evaluation Group, NICORE Office, Division of Maternal & Child Health, Institute of Clinical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland. eileenarogers@yahoo.co.uk
Background:
Nosocomial infection is a common problem in neonatal intensive care. A pilot quality improvement initiative focussing on hand hygiene and aimed at reducing nosocomial infection in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants was introduced in five Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
Methods:
Line associated laboratory confirmed bloodstream infection (LCBSI) and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) were chosen as main outcome measures.
Results:
In VLBW infants, the rate of line associated LCBSI per 1000 central venous catheter days fell by 24%. The rate of VAP per 1000 ventilator days in VLBW infants fell by 38%. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires showed a statistically significant increase in use of alcohol-based gels and increased knowledge of hand hygiene.
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