Trends in point-prevalence surveys of healthcare-associated infections in acute care hospitals from the VINCat program in Catalonia, Spain (2008-2022).

Background: Point prevalence surveys (PPS) offer valuable insights into the burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antibiotic utilization. Our objective was to analyze trends of HAIs, medical device use, and antibiotic administration among hospitalized adult patients from 2008 to 2022, drawing on data from the VINCat Program in Catalonia, Spain.

Methods: The study compares aggregated data from PPS carried out over three 5-year periods (2008-2012, 2013-2017, and 2018-2022) gathered in a one-day survey carried out in May of each calendar year. Trained infection control personnel collected demographic and clinical data and information on device use and antibiotic administration. Criteria from the ECDC were used to define active HAI.

Results: Surveys were conducted at 56 acute care hospitals and included 59,454 patients: 14,914 (period 1), 19,916 (period 2) and 24,624 (period 3). Overall, 3986 patients (6.7%, 95% confidence interval: 6.5-6.9) had one or more HAIs. The trend of HAIs showed a U-shape, falling overall since 2008 but rising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there was a significant increase in the use of invasive devices, surgical site infections (SSI) were the most frequently reported HAIs across the three periods. The prevalence of antimicrobial therapy exhibited a significant rise from 33.3% of patients during period 1 to 39.2% in period 3.

Conclusions: Although there was an overall downward trend in HAIs during the study period, there was also a significant increase in antibiotic consumption. The data showed that SSI was the most prevalent HAI. This information was used to reinforce prevention activities.