Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections in intensive care units
Published on 19 December 2022
Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI) are most widespread in intensive care units (ICU). Patients in intensive care are more likely to develop an HAI because they are very ill and usually require the use of medical devices, such as endotracheal tubes to help with breathing, as well as vascular lines to support their treatment and delivery of medicines. Surveillance of HCAI in ICU includes:
Surveillance of HCAI in ICU includes:
- bloodstream infections
- pneumonia
- infections associated with vascular lines and endotracheal tubes
In 2009, a national surveillance programme was introduced which uses the case definitions and methods set out by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). To deliver and develop this surveillance we work collaboratively with the Scottish Intensive Care Society Audit Group (SICSAG).
Publications
Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections in Scottish Intensive Care Units. Annual report
Read the latest annual report below:
View all previous annual reports.
Protocols
Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections in ICU Protocol.
Protocol Update: PNX case definitions.
Infection prevention and control
For infection prevention and control guidance visit the A-Z pathogens section of the National Infection and Prevention Control Manual