Optimization of the management system for the epidemic process of pneumonia related to medical care in intensive care units against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic

Medical care-related pneumonia is a serious problem in intensive care units, especially against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has increased the burden on the healthcare system, increasing the risks of hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance. The aim of the study was to optimize the management system of the epidemic process of CMP based on a comprehensive assessment of risk factors in intensive care units in a pandemic. A retrospective study was conducted, including an analysis of the clinical and epidemiological data of 164 cases of PSMP for the period from 2018 to 2022. Data from electronic medical records, microbiological studies, and epidemiological reports were used. Descriptive and analytical methods were used for the analysis, including microbiological monitoring, genetic sequencing, and cluster analysis. The results showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the average total burden of CMP risk factors doubled (p <0.001). The most significant factors were violations of the sanitary and epidemiological regime, exogenous factors (invasive procedures) and the formation of hospital strains of microorganisms. The cluster analysis identified three risk groups for CMP: the highest, high and medium. The developed system for optimizing the management of the epidemic process made it possible to reduce the time for the formation of risk groups from 3 days to 6 hours, increase the number of microbiological studies by 26.7 % and reduce contamination of environmental objects by 83.5 %. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the impact of CMP risk factors. The developed epidemic process management system has proven its effectiveness in reducing the incidence of CMP and can be recommended for implementation in other medical institutions. Important elements of prevention are microbiological monitoring, educational training of personnel, and monitoring compliance with sanitary and epidemiological regulations.