INFECÇÕES HOSPITALARES ASSOCIADAS À ASSISTÊNCIA À SAÚDE NA UNIDADE DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA

Introduction: This study addresses Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) or Hospital Infections (HIs) that affect patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), particularly among adults and the elderly with chronic diseases. Objective: To understand the types of hospital infections that predominate in adults and the elderly during hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, utilizing articles published in the following databases: Virtual Health Library (BVS), SciELO, Lilacs, Medline, and PubMed. The period covered includes publications from 2019 to 2024. The results were filtered to include only full-text articles in Portuguese and English, totaling 15 reviewed studies. Results: The variables present in this study address various types of hospital infections, such as bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, surgical site infections, and risk factors such as advanced age and prolonged hospitalization, synthesizing the importance of prevention to minimize the risk and morbidity and mortality. Final Considerations: The importance of hand hygiene and the continuous education of healthcare professionals in preventing infections is emphasized. It concludes that preventive practices and training are essential to reduce infections and ensure patient safety.