We examined the impact of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) guidelines in Québec adult hospitals from January 1, 2006, to March 31, 2015, by examining the incidence rate reduction (IRR) in healthcare-associated MRSA bloodstream infections (HA-MRSA), using central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) as a comparator.

In this study, we utilized a quasi-experimental design with Poisson segmented regression to model HA-MRSA and CLABSI incidence for successive 4-week surveillance segments, stratified by teaching status. We used 3 distinct periods with 2 break points (April 1, 2007, and January 3, 2010) corresponding to major MRSA guideline publications and updates.

Over the study period, HA-MRSA incidence decreased significantly in adult teaching facilities but not in nonteaching facilities. Prior to MRSA guideline publication (2006–2007), HA-MRSA incidence decrease was not significant (P=.89), while CLABSI incidence decreased by 4% per 4-week period (P=.05). After the publication of guidelines (2007–2009), HA-MRSA incidence decreased significantly by 1% (P=.04), while no significant decrease in CLABSI incidence was observed (P=.75). HA-MRSA and CLABSI decreases were both significant at 1% for 2010–2015 (P<.001 and P=.01, respectively). These decreases were gradual rather than sudden; break points were not significant. Teaching facilities drove these decreases.

During the study period, HA-MRSA and CLABSI rates decreased significantly. In 2007–2009, the significant decrease in HA-MRSA rates with stable CLABSI rates suggests an impact from MRSA-specific guidelines. In 2010–2015, significant and equal IRRs for HA-MRSA and CLABSI may be due to the continuing impact of MRSA guidelines, to the impact of new interventions targeting device-associated infections in general by the 2010–2015 Action Plan, or to a combination of factors.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:840–847

Following implementation of bundled practices in 2009 in Quebec and Canadian intensive care units (ICUs), we describe CLABSI epidemiology during the last 8 years in the province of Québec (Canada) and compare rates with Canadian and American benchmarks.

CLABSI incidence rates (IRs) and central venous catheter utilization ratios (CVCURs) by year and ICU type were calculated using 2007–2014 data from the Surveillance Provinciale des Infections Nosocomiales (SPIN) program. Using American and Canadian surveillance data, we compared SPIN IRs to rates in other jurisdictions using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs).

In total, 1,355 lab-confirmed CLABSIs over 911,205 central venous catheter days (CVC days) were recorded. The overall pooled incidence rate (IR) was 1.49 cases per 1,000 CVC days. IRs for adult teaching ICUs, nonteaching ICUs, neonatal ICUs (NICUs), and pediatric ICUs (PICUs) were 1.04, 0.91, 4.20, and 2.15 cases per 1,000 CVC days, respectively. Using fixed SPIN 2007–2009 benchmarks, CLABSI rates had decreased significantly in all ICUs except for PICUs by 2014. Rates declined by 55% in adult teaching ICUs, 52% in adult nonteaching ICUs, and 38% in NICUs. Using dynamic American and Canadian CLABSI rates as benchmarks, SPIN adult teaching ICU rates were significantly lower and adult nonteaching ICUs had lower or comparable rates, whereas NICU and PICU rates were higher.

Québec ICU CLABSI surveillance shows declining CLABSI rates in adult ICUs. The absence of a decrease in CLABSI rate in NICUs and PICUs highlights the need for continued surveillance and analysis of factors contributing to higher rates in these populations.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–9

Despite surveillance, the Quebec Healthcare-Associated Infections Surveillance Program saw no improvement in vascular access–associated bloodstream infections in hemodialysis (HD). We aimed to determine the infection control measures recommended and implemented in Quebec’s HD units, compliance of local protocols to infection control practice guidelines, and reasons behind the low prevalence of arteriovenous fistulas.

An online survey was elaborated on the basis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. The questionnaire was validated (construct, content, face validity, and reliability) and sent to all HD units in Quebec (n = 40). Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression, and Poisson regression.

Thirty-seven (93%) of 40 HD units participated. Thirty (94%) of the 32 centers where central catheters are inserted have written insertion protocols. Compliance with practice guidelines is good, except for full-body draping during catheter insertion (79%) and ointment use at insertion site (3%). Prevention measures for catheter maintenance are in accordance with guidelines, except for skin disinfection with at least 0.5% chlorhexidine and 70% alcohol (67% compliance) and regular antiseptic ointment use at the insertion site (3%). Before fistula cannulation, skin preparation is suboptimal; forearm hygiene is performed in only 61% of cases. Several factors explain the low rate of fistulas, including patient preference (69%) and lack of surgical resources (39%; P = .01).

Improvement in standardization of care according to practice guidelines is necessary. Fistula rate could be increased by improving access to surgical resources and patient education. Strategies are now being elaborated to address these findings.