Status of hospital infection prevention practices in Thailand in the era of COVID-19: Results from a national survey

Background: A 2014 study assessed infection prevention (IP) practices in Thai hospitals for catheter -associ-ated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), and ventilator -associated pneumonia (VAP). This study compares current IP practices to results obtained in 2014. Methods: Between February 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021, we resurveyed Thai hospitals regarding practices to prevent CAUTI, CLABSI, and VAP. We also assessed COVID-19 impact and healthcare worker burnout and coping strategies. We distributed 100 surveys to a convenience sample of infection preventionists. Results: Response rate: 100%. One-third (31%) of hospitals reported excellent leadership support for infection control (ie, responses of good or excellent to one survey question). Some prevention practices increased between 2014 vs 2021 (CAUTI: catheter reminder/stop-order/nurse-initiated discontinuation [50.0% vs 70.0%, P < .001]; condom catheters [36.3% vs 51.0%, P = .01]; ultrasound bladder scanner [4.7% vs 12.0%, P = .03]; CLABSI: chlorhexidine gluconate insertion site antisepsis [73.6% vs 85.0%, P = .03]; maximum sterile barrier precautions [63.2% vs 80.0%, P = .003]; VAP: selective digestive tract decontamination [26.9% vs 40.0%, P = .02]). Antimicrobial catheter use decreased since 2014 (10.4% vs 3.0%, P < .001). Many other practices remain suboptimal. COVID-19 challenges: staff shortages (71%), financial hardships (67%). Only 46% of infec-tion preventionists felt safe working during COVID-19.Conclusions: More national strategic support is needed for IP programs to prevent CAUTI, CLABSI, VAP and healthcare worker well-being in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.

Automated summary

This study assessed infection prevention practices in Thai hospitals for CAUTI, CLABSI, and VAP and compared them to previous results. The findings showed improvement in some prevention practices, but many areas still need improvement. COVID-19 has presented challenges such as staff shortages and financial hardships. The study emphasizes the need for national strategic support to prevent infections and promote healthcare worker well-being during the pandemic.