Surveillance of HAI in intensive care units

Background

The information on this page is no longer being updated.

View latest ARHAI information, resources and publications.

Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) are most widespread in intensive care units (ICU). Patients in intensive care are more likely to develop an HAI because they are very ill and usually require the use of medical devices, such as endotracheal tubes to help with breathing, as well as vascular lines to support their treatment and delivery of medicines. Surveillance of HAI in ICU includes:

  • bloodstream infections
  • pneumonia
  • infections associated with vascular lines and endotracheal tubes

On this page...

In 2009, a national surveillance programme was introduced which uses the case definitions and methods set out by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). To deliver and develop this surveillance we work collaboratively with the Scottish Intensive Care Society Audit Group (SICSAG).

Guidance

Compendium of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)

The HAI Compendium contains links to:

  • current national policy and guidance on HAI
  • antimicrobial prescribing and resistance
  • decontamination
  • other related topics

Publications

Data and surveillance

Surveillance reports

View our HAI annual surveillance reports below:

Surveillance protocol