Table 2.
Characteristics of excluded studies
| Study | Design | Reason for exclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Dixon [19] | ITS | Does not use time-series analysis. Source and method of data collection not mentioned |
| Dryden [26] | RCT | CHG-BW was used in both groups |
| Evans [20] | ITS | Does not use time-series analysis |
| Fraser [21] | ITS | Does not use time-series analysis |
| ITS with only one data point per period | ||
| Holder [22] | ITS | No formal analysis, only descriptive data. High risk of bias (regression to the mean) |
| Munoz-Price [23] | ITS | Does not use time-series analysis. Possible regression to the mean. Risk of reporting bias (the “unblinded” preventionist reported the number of infections). Substantial non-compliance, not quantified in intervention period |
| Popovich [24] | ITS | Does not use time-series analysis |
| Ridenour [25] | ITS | Does not use time-series analysis |
| Robicsek [27] | ITS | Not suitable to assess effectiveness of CHG-BW (focus on different types of surveillance) |
CHG-BW chlorhexidine gluconate body washing, ITS interrupted time series, RCT randomized controlled trial