Survey of infection control practices in hemodialysis units: preventing vascular access-associated bloodstream infections.

Objective: Despite surveillance, the Quebec Healthcare-Associated Infections Surveillance Program saw no improvement in vascular access-associated bloodstream infections in hemodialysis (HD). We aimed to determine the infection control measures recommended and implemented in Quebec's HD units, compliance of local protocols to infection control practice guidelines, and reasons behind the low prevalence of arteriovenous fistulas.

Methods: An online survey was elaborated on the basis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines.

A survey of preventive measures used and their impact on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in intensive care units (SPIN-BACC).

Background: The Quebec central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in intensive care units (ICUs) Surveillance Program saw a decrease in CLABSI rates in most ICUs. Given the surveillance trends observed in recent years, we aimed to determine what preventive measures have been implemented, if compliance to measures was monitored and its impact on CLABSI incidence rates.

Methods: All hospitals participating in the Quebec healthcare-associated infections surveillance program (SPIN-BACC - n = 48) received a 77-question survey about preventive measures implemented and monitored in their ICU.

Central line-associated bloodstream infection in neonatal intensive care units.

Objective: Describe the epidemiology of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) participating in a standardized and mandatory CLABSI surveillance program.

Design: Retrospective cohort. Setting.

Healthcare-associated bloodstream infections secondary to a urinary focus: the Québec provincial surveillance results.

Objective: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an important source of secondary healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (BSIs), where a potential for prevention exists. This study describes the epidemiology of BSIs secondary to a urinary source (U-BSIs) in the province of Québec and predictors of mortality.

Design: Dynamic cohort of 9,377,830 patient-days followed through a provincial voluntary surveillance program targeting all episodes of healthcare-associated BSIs occurring in acute care hospitals.