Why carry out this study?

Nosocomial infections (NIs) continue to be a major source of iatrogenic harm in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) worldwide.

A recommended strategy to interrupt the transmission of pathogenic organisms and prevent NIs is to hospitalise infants in single-patient rooms; however, evidence regarding the influence of the infrastructure of NICUs on NIs remains inconclusive.

This study aimed to examine the effect of single-room units (SRU) versus open-bay units (OBU) on the incidence of NIs, including central-line-associated bloodstream infections, and overall antibiotic use in preterm neonates.

What was learned from the study?

SRUs are not associated with significant reduction in NIs in the NICU.

This study therefore does not provide sufficient support for single-room care as an infection-control strategy. Further investigation regarding the influence of NICU room-privatisation on the burden of NIs is needed.