Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2006; 27(3): 310-324
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-945534
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Infection Control and the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections in the Intensive Care Unit

Gonzalo M.L Bearman1 , Cindy Munro2 , Curtis N. Sessler3 , Richard P. Wenzel4
  • 1Divisions of Quality HealthCare and Infectious Diseases, Richmond, Virginia
  • 2School of Nursing, Richmond, Virginia
  • 3Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
  • 4Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
21 June 2006 (online)

ABSTRACT

Nosocomial infections continue to be significant causes of morbidity, mortality, and added costs in the health care setting. Half of all life-threatening nosocomial bloodstream infections and pneumonias occur in intensive care units (ICUs), despite ICUs representing only 15 to 20% of all hospital beds. Thus an efficient focus for prevention and control of life-threatening health care-associated infections should be in ICUs. Further, growing antibiotic resistance complicates the therapy of serious infections. Meticulous infection control practice with continued attention to hand hygiene is of paramount importance. Strict adherence to evidence-based catheter insertion and maintenance policies reduces nosocomial bloodstream infections. Evidence-based prevention strategies for ventilator-associated pneumonia, including management of respiratory equipment according to published guidelines and maintaining backrest elevation at 30 to 45 degrees, are effective. For greatest risk reduction, multifaceted programs ensuring maximal adherence with evidence-based infection control guidelines are needed.

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Gonzalo M.L BearmanM.D. M.P.H. 

Divisions of Quality HealthCare and Infectious Diseases, P.O. Box 980019

Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298-0019

Email: gbearman@vcu.edu

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