Increasing awareness and adherence to infection control in NICU
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prospective interventional study to increase infection control compliance and decrease nosocomial infection rates across Greater Manchester tertiary NICUs by the installation of a computerised audiovisual infection control initiative (CAVICI) system.
IRAS ID
161233
Contact name
Ula El-Kafrawy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
Infection control is a major concern in patient care and particularly so in neonatal intensive care. Neonates, above all the extremely premature, are at high risk due to several factors including, an immature immune defence system, fragile skin, invasive lines, supportive equipment and nursing in warm humidified environments. Nosocomial infections constitute a significant morbidity and mortality risk, with the most premature infants experiencing the highest rates of all hospitalised patients. It is estimated by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention that one third of all hospital acquired infections are caused by a lack of adherence to established infection control practices. Compliance with hand washing is poor in most institutions and is especially poor in intensive care units. It has been shown that adherence to infection control measures in neonatal intensive care is difficult to achieve. Multimodal strategies to improve adherence to hand hygiene include alcohol-based hand gel, soap and water, training and education, evaluation and feedback of performance, provision of work place reminders and a culture of safety. Interventions aimed directly at patient visitors are limited.
This study aims to:
1. Increase knowledge and adherence to infection control by parents and patient visitors to the tertiary NICUs across the Greater Manchester Region, by the installation of a multi-lingual computerised audio-visual infection control initiative (CAVICI) system.
2. Improve hand hygiene by reducing bacterial hand contamination.
3. Determine whether the installation of a CAVICI system can decrease nosocomial infection rates in neonates admitted to NICUs across Greater Manchester.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0230
Date of REC Opinion
19 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion