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Published on: July 13, 2019
Infection Prevention and Control in the Intensive Care Unit: Preventing the Spread of Multi-Drug-Resistant Organisms
Maimuna Jatta1, Lauren McDaniel2, Elizabeth Nowak3
1Infection Prevention and Control, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA.
Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance is a major health threat, especially in intensive care units. Nurses are key to preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) through coordinated interventions and hygiene measures.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Nursing Science
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health challenge.
- Intensive care units (ICUs) are high-risk environments for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) due to patient vulnerabilities and intensive treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of nurses in combating MDROs within critical care settings.
- To outline key nursing-led interventions for preventing the spread of MDROs.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on nursing interventions for MDRO control in ICUs.
- Synthesis of evidence-based practices in antibiotic stewardship, surveillance, isolation, and hygiene.
Main Results:
- Nurses implement multimodal strategies including antibiotic stewardship, pathogen surveillance, and isolation precautions.
- Evidence-based hygiene measures are crucial for preventing MDRO transmission.
- Team-based interventions led by nurses foster a culture of safety.
Conclusions:
- Nurses are central to preventing MDRO spread in ICUs through coordinated, evidence-based interventions.
- Multimodal strategies enhance patient safety and community protection against antimicrobial resistance.
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