Device-Associated Infection Trend Analysis in a Tertiary Care Centre in India: A Comparative Study Before and After the COVID-۱۹ Pandemic

Background: Device-Associated Infections (DAIs) pose significant challenges in healthcare settings, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Understanding the impact of the COVID-۱۹ pandemic on DAIs and device utilization rates is crucial for optimizing infection control practices and enhancing patient safety.Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the shifts in infection rates, specifically CAUTI, VAP, and CLABSI in a tertiary care centre before and after the onset of the global pandemic.Methods: In this retrospective study, we analysed trends in DAIs and device utilization rates before (October ۲۰۱۹ - March ۲۰۲۰) and after (August ۲۰۲۱ - January ۲۰۲۲) the COVID-۱۹ pandemic. Data on urinary catheter days, central line days, ventilator days, and rates of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI), and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) were collected from medical records.Results: According to the findings of the present study, fluctuations in CAUTI, CLABSI, and VAP rates pre- and post-pandemic, with no significant difference in infection rates between the two periods (P >۰.۰۵) were observed. There was a notable increase in urinary catheter days post-pandemic, accompanied by reductions in ventilator days and central line days. The urinary catheter utilization ratio substantially increased post-pandemic, while ventilator and central line utilization ratios showed slight declines.Conclusion: This study highlights the dynamic nature of DAIs and device utilization rates in the wake of the COVID-۱۹ pandemic. Implementing evidence-based protocols and continuing research in infection control practices are essential for optimizing healthcare delivery and enhancing patient safety in the post-pandemic era.

کلیدواژه ها:

Device-Associated Infections ، COVID-۱۹ pandemic ، Infection Control ، Surveillance ، patient safety