Reducing nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care.
BACKGROUND
Nosocomial infection is a common problem in neonatal intensive care. A pilot quality improvement initiative focussing on hand hygiene and aimed at reducing nosocomial infection in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants was introduced in five Neonatal Intensive Care Units.


METHODS
Line associated laboratory confirmed bloodstream infection (LCBSI) and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) were chosen as main outcome measures.


RESULTS
In VLBW infants, the rate of line associated LCBSI per 1000 central venous catheter days fell by 24%. The rate of VAP per 1000 ventilator days in VLBW infants fell by 38%. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires showed a statistically significant increase in use of alcohol-based gels and increased knowledge of hand hygiene.
Rogers
Eileen
E
Neonatal Intensive Care Outcomes, Research & Evaluation Group, NICORE Office, Division of Maternal & Child Health, Institute of Clinical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland. eileenarogers@yahoo.co.uk
Alderdice
Fiona
F
McCall
Emma
E
Jenkins
John
J
Craig
Stanley
S
D057785:Catheters / Q000382:microbiology; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003666:Decontamination / Q000592:standards; D006225:Hand / Q000382:microbiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene / Q000592:standards; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017757:Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D053717:Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D058996:Quality Improvement; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires