Catheter-associated bloodstream infections: essence, methods of prevention and factors influencing them

Abstract

In modern medical practice, the issue of catheter-associated bloodstream infections is becoming more and more relevant, as these infections now account for a significant proportion of all cases of bacteremia among hospitalized patients. This review offers a detailed investigation of various strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of catheter-associated infections, with particular emphasis on methods for which there is robust evidence of efficacy. The impact of changes in problem definition and health care regulation on the dynamics of incidence reduction is analyzed. Particular emphasis is placed on the period covered by the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing the vulnerabilities of some infection prevention strategies identified in the face of health system variability. The focus is on the increased prevalence of catheter-associated infections during the pandemic period. This reveals weaknesses in some existing strategies and highlights the urgent need to develop more flexible and adaptive infection prevention methods, especially in a rapidly changing health care environment. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of strategies to prevent catheter-associated infections, with attention to their applicability in the variable environment of modern healthcare. The pandemic period emphasizes the need to update the prevention system, with a focus on strategies free from human error and able to adapt to rapidly changing healthcare environments. An important recommendation is the active use of advanced technologies such as antiseptic-impregnated catheters and dressings. This not only ensures system resilience in the face of rapidly changing demands and uncertainty, but can also reduce the risk of infections. The implementation of simplified definitions and electronic automation are put forward as key measures to improve system robustness and effective control of catheter-associated infections in today's dynamic healthcare environment. Thus, this review not only provides an extensive analysis of strategies to prevent catheter-associated infections, but also emphasizes their applicability in today's variable healthcare environment, especially in a pandemic, suggesting specific measures to strengthen the prevention system and ensure stability in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.