Prevalence of use of infection control rituals and outdated practices: Education Committee survey results

Implementing and evaluating a rotating surveillance system and infection control guidelines in 4 intensive care units

BACKGROUND

In clinical practice, scientific evidence about infection control is often ignored and hygiene rituals are followed.

METHODS

Within an evidence-based infection control program, a quarterly rotating surveillance program for nosocomial infections was implemented in 4 intensive care units (ICUs) at the Aachen University Hospital, Germany.

RESULTS

For the first time, the unit-specific nosocomial infection situation was made clear to the clinical staff by interpretive feedback of the surveillance data. This led to an increased awareness of infection control and a critical review of hygiene practices. After the first surveillance period, the hygiene practices of each ICU were revised and modified. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee guidelines for the prevention of nosocomial infections were adopted and established in tight collaboration with the ward staff.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the surveillance process, communication and team spirit between infection control and patient care personnel showed a remarkable improvement. Awareness and compliance with hospital hygiene and infection control practices could be raised without directive interaction.