Anti-infectious decontamination strategies in Dutch intensive care units

Purpose: Despite increasing evidence and updated national guidelines, practice of anti-infectious strategies appears to vary in the Netherlands. This study aimed to determine the variation of current practices of anti-infectious strategies in Dutch ICUs. Materials and methods: In 2018 and 2019 an online survey of all Dutch ICUs was conducted with detailed questions on their anti-infectious strategies. Results: 89% (63 of 71) of the Dutch ICUs responded to the online survey. The remaining ICUs were contacted by telephone. 47 (66%) of the Dutch ICUs used SDD, 14 (20%) used SOD and 10 (14%) used neither SDD nor SOD. Within these strategies considerable heterogeneity was observed in the start criteria of SDD/SOD, the regimen adjustments based on microbiological surveillance and the monitoring of the interventions. Conclusions: The proportion of Dutch ICUs applying SDD or SOD increased over