Surveillance analysis and microbiological profiles of nosocomial infections in a palliative care center

Abstract

Objective: The growing geriatric population and increasing prevalence rates of chronic diseases increase the need for palliative care globally. Despite the wide availability of palliative care units in several countries, they have been founded in our country recently. This study aimed to contribute to the development of appropriate treatment protocols by determining the causes of hospitalizations, comorbidities, infection rates, and causative microorganisms in a palliative care center.
 Material and Method: A total of 457 patients admitted to palliative care were evaluated. Blood cultures were taken from the patients suspected to have developed nosocomial infections. Samples for cultures were taken from the foci that were thought to be the origin of infection. Identification of isolates was performed using automated systems and standard manual methods. The numbers of patients and patient days, and the numbers and rates of nosocomial infections were retrieved from the infection control unit data records and were analyzed. The rates and incidences of nosocomial infections in our hospital and the palliative care unit were calculated. 
 Results: Of the patients, 51% were men and 49% were women. The mean age was 72±12.6 years. Nosocomial infection rates were 6.3% in 2019, 9.1% in 2020, and 3.3% in the first six months of 2021. Urinary system infections ranked first with a rate of 58.6%. The most common cause of hospital admissions was malignancy with a rate of 25.9%. The most commonly isolated microorganism was Klebsiella spp with a rate of 27.5%.
 Conclusion: Palliative care is a multidisciplinary practice requiring strong coordination and collaboration. Palliative care aims to improve symptoms and the quality of life of patients. Our study has contributed to developing practical solutions by documenting prognostic factors, infections, causative microorganisms, and issues experienced in palliative care patients.