[Infection control measures in intensive care units. Results of the German Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System (KISS)].

BACKGROUND

Aim of this study was to determine to what extent evidence-based infection control recommendations are applied in German intensive care units (ICUs).

METHODS

A questionnaire concerning handling of tubes, central vascular catheters (CVC), urinary tract catheters and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) positive patients was sent to 230 participants of the German Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System (KISS).

RESULTS

Nasal intubation is routinely performed in 9% of ICUs, all recommended measures for CVC insertion were obeyed by 43% of ICUs and one-third of ICUs conduct regular screening of urine in catheterized patients. Urinary tract catheters are replaced at defined time intervals in 37% of ICUs. MRSA positive patients are not isolated in 5% of ICUs. MRSA screening on admission is not performed for high risk patients in 16% of ICUs.

CONCLUSIONS

There are still many German ICUs in which evidence-based recommendations are not implemented. Training of staff is necessary to improve quality of patient care.