1. Use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in United Kingdom intensive care units.
- Author
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Bastin AJ and Ryanna KB
- Subjects
- Attitude of Health Personnel, Critical Care methods, Cross Infection prevention & control, Decontamination methods, Drug Resistance, Bacterial, Health Care Surveys, Humans, Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated prevention & control, Professional Practice statistics & numerical data, United Kingdom, Antibiotic Prophylaxis statistics & numerical data, Decontamination statistics & numerical data, Digestive System microbiology, Intensive Care Units
- Abstract
The use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) remains controversial despite several large randomised-controlled trials and meta-analyses. A postal survey of intensive care units in the United Kingdom was conducted to document current use of SDD, and to identify factors influencing this practice. The response rate was 71%. The vast majority (182 units, 95%) do not use SDD mainly because practising clinicians do not believe it works or that there is not enough evidence (51%), and because of concerns about antibiotic resistance (47%). Of the 10 units using SDD, three apply it to all intubated patients and five do not use intravenous antibiotics in their protocol.
- Published
- 2009
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