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Implementation of a SMART-based infection control plan in an emergency intensive care unit: a prospective study
Yanan Liu1, Yanwei Cheng1, Xiaofei Sun2
1Department of ICU, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
Abstract:
Multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections pose significant challenges in intensive care settings. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) infection control plan on MDRO prevention among healthcare workers in an emergency intensive care unit (ICU). Fifty healthcare workers participated, and pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted to measure changes in MDRO prevention indicators. Following implementation of the SMART-based plan, there was a statistically significant improvement in staff knowledge (p < 0.05), with increased hand hygiene compliance (72.1-94.2%) and isolation gown use (60.2-87.6%). MDRO infection rates decreased from 8.0 to 5.1% post-intervention (p = 0.027). These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the SMART-based infection control plan in reducing MDRO infection rates and improving staff compliance in the emergency ICU setting.
Insights
A SMART infection control plan significantly improved healthcare worker practices and reduced multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections in an emergency intensive care unit. This highlights the plan's effectiveness in enhancing patient safety and preventing MDRO spread.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections present a substantial threat in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Effective infection control strategies are crucial for mitigating MDRO transmission in high-risk healthcare environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) infection control intervention.
- To evaluate changes in MDRO prevention indicators among healthcare workers in an emergency ICU setting.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 50 healthcare workers in an emergency ICU.
- Pre- and post-intervention assessments of MDRO prevention knowledge and practices.
- Implementation of a SMART-based infection control plan.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvement in healthcare worker knowledge regarding MDRO prevention (p < 0.05).
- Increased hand hygiene compliance from 72.1% to 94.2% and isolation gown use from 60.2% to 87.6%.
- Reduction in MDRO infection rates from 8.0% to 5.1% (p = 0.027).
Conclusions:
- The SMART infection control plan effectively enhanced healthcare worker compliance with prevention protocols.
- The intervention led to a significant decrease in MDRO infection rates within the emergency ICU.
- SMART-based strategies are valuable for improving infection control and patient safety in critical care.
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