Implementing and evaluating a rotating surveillance system and infection control guidelines in 4 intensive care units

Background: In clinical practice, scientific evidence about infection contr ol is often ignored and hygiene rituals are followed. Methods: Within an ev idence-based infection control program, a quarterly rotating surveillance p rogram for nosocomial infections was implement ed in 4 intensive care units (ICUs) at the Aachen University Hospital, Germany. Results: For the first time, the unit-specific nosocomial infection situati on was made clear to the clinical staff by interpretive feedback of the sur veillance data. This led to an increased awareness of infection control and a critical review of hygiene practices. After the first surveillance perio d, the hygiene practices of each ICU were revised and modified. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Hospital Infection Control Practices Ad visory Committee guidelines for the prevention of nosocomial infections wer e adopted and established in tight collaboration with the ward staff. Conclusions: Within the surveillance process, communication and team spirit between infection control and patient care personnel showed a remarkable i mprovement. Awareness and compliance with hospital hygiene and infection co ntrol practices could be raised without directive interaction.