Compliance with national guidelines for the prevention of central venous catheter-associated-Infections in German intensive care units

Background and Objective: Aim of the survey was to determine the compliance with national guidelines for the prevention of central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infection in German intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: Within the pan-European PROHIBIT (Prevention of Hospital Infections by Intervention and Training) survey on infection control an online-questionnaire was answered by German ICU staff. Questions concerned insertion and handling of CVC. Continuous data are presented in median including interquartile range (IQR); categorical parameters are summarized by percentage. Results: Ninety-two percent of ICUs created local guidelines for the prevention of CVC-associated sepsis according to national guidelines. Eleven percent did not provide educational sessions for health care workers concerning sepsis prevention routinely. The subclavian vein was the favored insertion site in 17 % of ICUs. A standardized approach for daily assessment of the need of the CVC was established in 39 % of ICUs. Impregnated (antiseptic or antibiotic) CVCs were used by every fourth ICU. Single-use vials were not used as single-use vials by a third of ICUs. Conclusion: There are still many German ICUs in which national guidelines are not implemented. Training of staff is necessary to raise awareness for prevention measures and to contribute to a good quality of patient care.