Methodological framework for the surveillance of healthcare-associated infections in high-risk infants: the NeoIPC surveillance core module protocol

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections pose a significant risk to high-risk infants, particularly those with very low birth weight (< 1500 g) and those born very preterm (< 32 weeks gestation). The burden of healthcare-associated infections, contributing risk factors, and efficacy of prevention strategies in the neonatal population remain underinvestigated, with few national and international networks. METHODS: To address this gap, an international team of experts in neonatology, epidemiology, and infection prevention and control from diverse healthcare settings collaborated as consortium partners within the NeoIPC Project to design a surveillance program focused on healthcare-associated infections and multidrug-resistant organisms in neonatal units. Data collection includes the most prevalent neonatal healthcare-associated infections (primary and secondary bloodstream infections, clinical sepsis, pneumonia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and surgical site infections), the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and associated risk and protective factors for healthcare-associated infections. DISCUSSION: By providing standardized methods and reference data for benchmarking, the NeoIPC Surveillance aims to support infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship programs, improve neonatal care outcomes and foster international collaboration. This article outlines the methods of the NeoIPC Surveillance Core Module (Version 1.2), details data collection, management, and analysis, and serves as a comprehensive reference for healthcare professionals and researchers worldwide aiming to implement effective surveillance for healthcare-associated infections in neonatal units.