Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections Among the Neurologically Critically Ill.

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) result in excess morbidity, mortality, and resource consumption. Immobilized, ventilator-dependent ICU patients are at the highest risk of HAI.

Methods: Despite broad implementation of relevant bundles, HAI incidence in our neuro ICU remained high, particularly catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and ventilator-associated events (VAEs).

Promoting a healing environment: quiet time in the intensive care unit.

A midafternoon "quiet time" period was instituted to promote patients' recovery and healing.