In conclusion, this study is the first multicenter study to
report a substantial reduction in CAUTI rates in the ICU setting
of Lebanon, showing this kind of infection control approach to
be successful. Although the intrinsic risk in some patients was
higher during the intervention period, a multidimensional
approach including improved compliance with CAUTI prevention
measures resulted in significant reductions in the CAUTI
incidence rate. Good as it is, it is worth highlighting that the
reduction in CAUTI rates does not derive from surveillance itself.
This systematically collected data should serve to guide
healthcare professionals in their strategies for improving patient
care practices, such as performance feedback, as demonstrated
in several previous studies conducted in resource-limited
countries.14
These preventive strategies found to be effective in the INICC
ICUs of Lebanon could promote a wider acceptance of infection
control programs in hospitals, leading to significant CAUTI
reductions worldwide. Within the INICC network, investigators
are provided with training and methodological tools to perform
outcome and process surveillance, and to implement effective
infection prevention programs. Furthermore, the publication of
these findings contributes to the fostering of relevant scientific
evidence-based literature from developing countries. For this
reason, every hospital is invited to participate in the INICC project,
which was set up to respond to the compelling need in the
developing world to significantly prevent, control, and reduce
CAUTIs and their adverse effects.