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Abstract
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.
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the help and support from staff in Altnagelvin, Antrim, Craigavon, Royal Maternity and Ulster hospitals with data collection and to Mike Stevenson for assistance with statistical analysis. This study was supported by N. Ireland Regional Audit Committee and Multi-professional Audit Group, DHSSPS(NI).