Aims: Our study examined factors influencing the development of healthcare-associated infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital in southern Spain.
Background: Healthcare-associated infections are a frequent adverse event, significantly lengthening patient stays in the ICU. Nursing practice is a key factor in the infection control process.
Design: A retrospective longitudinal study with two observation periods (admission and discharge) was performed in an ICU of a tertiary hospital.
Methods: We analysed patient records for those admitted to this unit coded as CIE 800-959.9 from 2012 to 2016. Using binomial logistic regression analysis, we analysed factors associated with healthcare-associated infections.
Results: We analysed 375 records (men: 78.1%; average age: 46.63 years). Of these, 9.2% patients acquired a healthcare-associated infection during their stay. Nursing practice-related factors significantly associated with the development of infection were the number of days connected to mechanical ventilation and the number of days in the ICU.
Conclusion: Healthcare-associated infections in patients with severe trauma admitted to the ICU are mainly associated with the management of invasive techniques. A multidisciplinary approach should focus on the review of action and care plans.
Keywords: healthcare-associated infection; intensive care units; length of stay; nursing; trauma.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.