Improving cleanliness in ICUs to reduce antibiotic-resistant infections
Official title: Environmental hygiene strategies to decrease the burden of antibiotic-resistant organisms in Intensive Care Unit SINKs (ICU SINK)
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10873210 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make intensive care units cleaner to help protect patients from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs, by figuring out where these germs are most commonly found and how they spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $474,732 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HS027621-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873210 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised patients, particularly those receiving treatment in intensive care units.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not hospitalized or those with robust immune systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how environmental hygiene in intensive care units (ICUs) can be improved to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs). The team will analyze samples from various surfaces and patient sources within the ICU to identify where AROs are most prevalent. By understanding the connection between these organisms and their environment, the research aims to develop effective cleaning strategies to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections in vulnerable patients. The study employs microbiological techniques and genomic sequencing to track the transmission of AROs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the incidence of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms in critically ill patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that improving environmental hygiene can effectively reduce healthcare-associated infections, suggesting a promising approach in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwon, Jennie H — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kwon, Jennie H
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Phthalate Exposure and How It Affects Newborns in the NICU
This grant looks at how chemicals called phthalates in the NICU environment may affect the health and development of newborns, especially those born prematurely.
-
Improving care for opioid use disorder in the ICU
This project helps hospital staff in intensive care units provide better care for patients with opioid use disorder.
-
Juggling Work and Family for Parents of Very Preterm Babies
A study to understand how work and family demands affect parents of very preterm infants and how this shapes their ability to support their baby’s development.
-
Implementing SDOH screening and referrals in the NICU to support fragile newborns
A NICU-based program to screen newborns and families for social needs and connect them to services that can improve health and development.
-
Attenuating Depression with Internet CBT to Slow Cognitive Decline in Older ICU Survivors
A new online cognitive behavioral therapy program is being tested to help older ICU survivors who are experiencing depressive symptoms and may be at risk for cognitive decline.
-
Multisensory care to boost development in preterm babies in the NICU
A program called SENSE uses gentle touch, sounds, and parent bonding in the NICU to support brain development for very preterm infants and help families stay involved.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.