Control of intubator associated pneumonia in intensive care unit: results of the GISIO-SItI SPIN-UTI Project

Objective. To document reported Intubator Associated Pneumonia (IAP) prevention practices in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and attitudes towards the implementation of a measurement system. Design. In the framework of the SPIN-UTI project the «Italian Nosocomial Infections Surveillance in ICUs network», two questionnaires were made available online. The first was filled out by physicians working in ICUs in order to collect data on characteristics of physicians and ICUs, on clinical and measurement practices for IAP prevention, and attitudes towards the implementation of a measurement system. The second questionnaire was filled out for each intubated patient in order to collect data on prevention practices during ICU stay. Setting and participants. ICUs participating to the fourth edition (2012-2013) of the SPIN-UTI project. Main outcome measures. Compliance to the component of the European bundle. Results. The components of the bundle for the prevention of IAP are implemented, although to a different level, in the 26 participating ICUs. Overall compliance to all five practices of the European bundle has been reported in 21.1% of the 768 included patients. Conclusions. The present survey has documented a large potential for improvement in clinical and non-clinical practices aimed at pre venting IAP in ICUs