[Infection control measures in intensive care units. Results of the German Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System (KISS)].
BACKGROUND
Aim of this study was to determine to what extent evidence-based infection control recommendations are applied in German intensive care units (ICUs).


METHODS
A questionnaire concerning handling of tubes, central vascular catheters (CVC), urinary tract catheters and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) positive patients was sent to 230 participants of the German Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System (KISS).


RESULTS
Nasal intubation is routinely performed in 9% of ICUs, all recommended measures for CVC insertion were obeyed by 43% of ICUs and one-third of ICUs conduct regular screening of urine in catheterized patients. Urinary tract catheters are replaced at defined time intervals in 37% of ICUs. MRSA positive patients are not isolated in 5% of ICUs. MRSA screening on admission is not performed for high risk patients in 16% of ICUs.


CONCLUSIONS
There are still many German ICUs in which evidence-based recommendations are not implemented. Training of staff is necessary to improve quality of patient care.
Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover. Vonberg.Ralf@MH-Hannover.DE
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D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003625:Data Collection; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005858:Germany; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000592:standards*; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014546:Urinary Catheterization