Table 3

ICU infection control practices (127 respondents of 223 ICUs, response rate 57%)

No. (%) of respondents
Joint ward round with microbiology/infection control
Daily weekday round56 (44%)
 Less frequent54 (43%)
 Never17 (13%)
Chlorhexidine bed baths
 Routine19 (15%)
 If MRSA positive63 (50%)
 Never27 (21%)
 Information not given18 (14%)
Oral hygiene
 Chlorhexidine mouthwash25 (20%)
 Corsodyl gel31 (24%)
 Corsodyl mouthwash10 (8%)
 Toothpaste41 (32%)
 None of above2 (2%)
 Information not given18 (14%)
Antimicrobial-coated CVCs35 (28%)
Antiseptic-coated CVCs37 (29%)
Bionnector valve use
 Yes86 (68%)
 No26 (20%)
 Information not given15 (12%)
Three-way tap use
 Routine55 (43%)
 Sometimes or rare34 (27%)
 Never23 (18%)
 Information not given15 (12%)
Chlorhexidine-impregnated patch at CVC insertion site
 Yes21 (17%)
 No90 (71%)
 Information not given16 (13%)
  • CVC, central venous catheter; ICU, intensive care unit; MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.