WG2: Healthcare-Associated Infections

WG2 focuses on preventing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) in European ICUs, with particular attention to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). ICU staff play a central role in infection surveillance, prevention, and quality improvement.

The group will harmonise definitions and data collection methods across countries through a review of international guidance, enabling consistent measurement of HCAI incidence across Europe. Standardised tools will be translated and implemented to capture the true burden of infection.

WG2 will examine the care processes and organisational factors that contribute to HCAIs and use these findings to design and test innovative prevention strategies. Patient involvement is integral to the group’s work, ensuring infection prevention initiatives are informed by patient experience and priorities.