Introduction to Infection Prevention in the ICU Setting

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant challenge to patient care, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. In the intensive care unit (ICU), where critically ill patients are particularly vulnerable, the risk of HAIs is heightened due to the use of medical devices and underlying patient conditions. Despite infection prevention measures, such as hand hygiene and environmental cleaning, HAIs remain prevalent in ICUs worldwide. This book aims to address current recommendations for infection prevention in the ICU, covering basics, device-associated infections, fungal infections, and outbreak identification. Special attention will be given to unique challenges in neonatal, pediatric, and immunocompromised patient populations, as well as in trauma, surgical, and burn units. By enhancing awareness and understanding, this book seeks to facilitate the development of effective strategies to reduce the incidence of HAIs in the ICU and improve patient outcomes.