• Giovanni Battista Orsi, Massimiliano Raponi, Cristiana Franchi, Monica Rocco, Carlo Mancini, and Mario Venditti.
• Department of Public Health Sciences, University La Sapienza Rome, Rome, Italy. giovanni.orsi@uniroma1.it
• Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2005 Mar 1; 26 (3): 321-5.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of an infection control program on the incidence of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and associated mortality.DesignProspective study.SettingA 2000-bed, university-affiliated hospital in Italy.PatientsAll patients admitted to the general intensive care unit (ICU) for more than 48 hours between January 2000 and December 2001.MethodsThe infection control team (ICT) collected data on the following from all patients: demographics, origin, diagnosis, severity score, underlying diseases, invasive procedures, HAI, isolated microorganisms, and antibiotic susceptibility.InterventionsRegular ICT surveillance meetings were held with ICU personnel. Criteria for invasive procedures, particularly central venous catheters (CVCs), were modified. ICU care was restricted to a team of specialist physicians and nurses and ICU antimicrobial therapy policies were modified.ResultsFive hundred thirty-seven patients were included in the study (279 during 2000 and 258 in 2001). Between 2000 and 2001, CVC exposure (82.8% vs 71.3%; P < .05) and mechanical ventilation duration (11.2 vs 9.6 days) decreased. The HAI rate decreased from 28.7% in 2000 to 21.3% in 2001 (P < .05). The crude mortality rate decreased from 41.2% in 2000 to 32.9% in 2001 (P < .05). The most commonly isolated microorganisms were nonfermentative gram-negative organisms and staphylococci (particularly MRSA). Mortality was associated with infection (relative risk, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.72-2.59; P < .05).ConclusionRoutine surveillance for HAI, coupled with new measures to prevent infections and a revised policy for antimicrobial therapy, was associated with a reduction in ICU HAls and mortality.

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