title: Influence of architectural design on nosocomial infections in intensive care units--a prospective 2-year analysis.
abstract: Nosocomial infection rates in an old intensive care ward constructed in 1924 were compared with those in a new one constructed in 1986. The nosocomial infection rate in the old unit was 34.2% and that in the new unit 31.9%, with an average of 33%. The most frequent infections were: pneumonia, urinary tract infection, septicaemia and wound infection. After transfer of the intensive care unit (ICU) the incidence and profile of nosocomial infections remained the same. These findings suggest that the influence of architectural design has little impact on the incidence of nosocomial infections.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital, Freiburg, FRG.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Huebner
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kappstein
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Just
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Noeldge
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Geiger
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Daschner
mesh_terms: D015331:Cohort Studies; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005860:Germany, West; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D011446:Prospective Studies