Prevention and control of infections in intensive care

Intensive Care Medicine
G Scott

Abstract

Small intensive care units (ICUs) functioning within their capacity and caring mainly for post-operative patients have fewer problems with infection control than larger ICUs with a varied case mix, sub-optimal staffing levels, and high levels of antibiotic consumption. Under these circumstances chronic cross colonisation and infection are inevitable and outbreaks may occur. Little can be done to reduce the risks of infection which arise as a direct result of the patient's clinical condition and prior colonisation status. However, selection pressure from antibiotic usage can be modified, as can environmental hygiene, ventilation and architectural design. One of the simplest measures for reducing cross infection remains one of the most intractable: compliance by staff with protocols and standards for maintaining hand hygiene. Simplification of procedures by the ready availability of alcohol hand rub preparations with or without chlorhexidine may improve matters.

Citations

Jul 12, 2003·The Journal of Hospital Infection·A SamuelssonB Isaksson
Jul 6, 2001·The Journal of Hospital Infection·H HanbergerM Wolff
Oct 16, 2004·Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology : the Official Journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America·Allison M KennedyVictoria J Fraser
Apr 16, 2004·Journal of Infusion Nursing : the Official Publication of the Infusion Nurses Society·Megan Horner
Sep 19, 2007·Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing : Official Publication of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society·Sevim Celik

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