Preventable Health Care-Associated Infections in Pediatric Critical Care

Health care-associated infections (HAIs) account for a substantial portion of health care-acquired conditions that harm patients receiving medical care in the acute care setting. In this review, we will focus on four common HAIs: central line-associated bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, surgical site infections, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site provides additional detailed definitions and reporting criteria for each HAI. Integral to the definition of an HAI is the timing of the infection in relation to the placement of the indwelling device or surgical incision. Valid and reliable surveillance data are necessary to assess the effectiveness of prevention strategies and provide interfacility comparisons, and for pay-for-performance programs. The bundle concept, which utilizes a small set of evidence-based interventions, is integral to the prevention of HAIs.