Impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) multidimensional approach on rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units of two hospitals in Kuwait.

Objective: To analyse the impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) multidimensional approach (IMA) on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates in three intensive care units (ICUs) from two hospitals in Kuwait City from January 2014 to March 2015.

Design: A prospective, before-after study on 2507 adult ICU patients. During baseline, we performed outcome surveillance of VAP applying CDC/NHSN definitions. During intervention, we implemented the IMA through the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS), which included: (1) a bundle of infection prevention interventions; (2) education; (3) outcome surveillance; and (4) feedback on VAP rates and consequences. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the effect of the intervention on VAP, controlling for potential bias.

Results: During baseline, 1990 mechanical ventilator (MV)-days and 14 VAPs were recorded, accounting for 7.0 VAPs per 1000 MV-days. During intervention, 9786 MV-days and 35 VAPs were recorded, accounting for 3.0 VAPs per 1000 MV-days. The VAP rate was reduced by 57.1% (incidence-density ratio = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.28-0.93; p = 0.042). Logistic regression showed a significant reduction in VAP rate during the intervention phase (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.18-0.83), with 61% effectiveness.

Conclusions: Implementing IMA through ISOS was associated with a significant reduction in the VAP rate in Kuwait ICUs.