Background: Device-Associated Infections (DAIS) pose significant challenges in healthcare settings, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on DAIS and device utilization rates is crucial for optimizing infection control practices and enhancing patient safety.Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the shifts in infection rates, specifically CAUTI, VAP, and CLABSI in a tertiary care centre before and after the onset of the global pandemic.Methods: In this retrospective study, we analysed trends in DAIS and device utilization rates before (October 2019 - March 2020) and after (August 2021 - January 2022) the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on urinary catheter days, central line days, ventilator days, and rates of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI), and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) were collected from medical records.Results: According to the findings of the present study, fluctuations in CAUTI, CLABSI, and VAP rates pre- and post-pandemic, with no significant difference in infection rates between the two periods (P >0.05) were observed. There was a notable increase in urinary catheter days post-pandemic, accompanied by reductions in ventilator days and central line days. The urinary catheter utilization ratio substantially increased post-pandemic, while ventilator and central line utilization ratios showed slight declines.Conclusion: This study highlights the dynamic nature of DAIS and device utilization rates in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing evidence-based protocols and continuing research in infection control practices are essential for optimizing healthcare delivery and enhancing patient safety in the post-pandemic era.

Background: Device-associated infections (DAIS) like ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central-line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI), and catheter-related urinary tract Infection (CAUTI) constitute predominant healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in intensive care units (ICUs). Objectives: The study aims to elucidate their trends in an adult ICU. Methods: Over 21 months, monthly VAP, CLABSI, and CAUTI rate, and device utilization ratios were calculated in an adult ICU of a tertiary care hospital as part of routine surveillance activity. All cases of VAP, CLABSI, and CAUTI during these 21 months were included. In addition, monthly hand hygiene compliance rates were assessed during the latter period of the study by direct observation method. Results: Nosocomial DAI rate was 49. 38 DAI/1000 ICU days. CAUTI, CLABSI, and VAP rates were 17. 38, 26. 85, 21. 08 per 1000 device days, and device utilization ratios were 0. 99, 0. 61, and 0. 02, respectively. Conclusion: The institute had high DAI rates in comparison to other studies from the same city. The declining trend of CAUTI rates roughly coincided with surveillance for hand hygiene compliance in ICU. Thus, it establishes baseline data and underscores the need for focused HIC to maximize patient outcomes.