Evaluation of the appropriateness of control measures related to nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant microorganisms within the SS Multipurpose Intensive Care Unit: observational study


Submitted: 10 April 2024
Accepted: 30 April 2024
Published: 17 June 2024
Abstract Views: 4325
PDF: 1442
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Authors

  • Paola Toselli SS Hospital Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship, Hospital Presidium Medical Directorate, Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria; SC Directorate of Health Professions, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy.
  • Roberta Di Matteo Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8249-8284
  • Cesare Bolla SS Hospital Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship, Hospital Presidium Medical Directorate, Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1755-868X
  • Barbara Montanari SS Hospital Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship, Hospital Presidium Medical Directorate, Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy.
  • Marco Ricci SS Hospital Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship, Hospital Presidium Medical Directorate, Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy.
  • Elisabeth Marino SS Hospital Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship, Hospital Presidium Medical Directorate, Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy.
  • Serena Penpa Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy.
  • Tatiana Bolgeo Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7322-7009
  • Antonio Maconi Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1904-7277

Background: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), by definition, occur 48 hours or more after admission or within 30 days after discharge or surgical procedure; they represent a significant challenge for the healthcare system due to their prevalence in Italy and the involvement of multi-drug resistance. Intensive Care Units (ICU) exhibit the highest prevalence of such infections due to lapses in adherence to safety protocols. The primary cause of hospital-acquired infections is poor adherence to guidelines for the prevention and control of these infections. This study aims to evaluate infection control measures in a mixed ICU. Materials and Methods: a cross-sectional observational single-center study was conducted in the Mixed ICU at the University Hospital of Alessandria. The study used an assessment tool based on the DVA 91 rev 03 issued on 07/22/22. This tool provides guidance on isolation type (airborne, contact, droplet), patient accommodation, care measures, cleaning and disinfection protocols, patient transportation, and visitor management. Results: overall, 220 observations were included, primarily involving nurses (75.4%) and female personnel (65.9%), with a mean age of 35.8 years and a median length of service of 36 months in the Mixed ICU. Notably, all observations were made on patients in contact isolation. In 199 observations (92.6%), healthcare providers performed hand hygiene immediately after glove removal. Conclusions: the findings highlight a strong adherence to infection control protocols at Alessandria Hospital-University. These efforts promote a safety culture among healthcare providers, ensuring the effective implementation of preventive measures.


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Toselli, P., Di Matteo, R., Bolla, C., Montanari, B., Ricci, M., Marino, E., Penpa, S., Bolgeo, T., & Maconi, A. (2024). Evaluation of the appropriateness of control measures related to nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant microorganisms within the SS Multipurpose Intensive Care Unit: observational study. Working Paper of Public Health, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/wpph.2024.10017

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