Increased nurse workload is associated with bloodstream infections in very low birth weight infants

Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). Nurse workload considerably affects infection rates in intensive care units. However, data concerning the impact of staff workload on bloodstream infections (BSI) in VLBWI are scarce. The aim of the study was to examine the association between nurse workload and BSI in VLBWI. VLBWI admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit during 2016–2017 were retrospectively analysed. Association between nurse workload, determined by a standardized nursing score, and the BSI occurrence was investigated. A higher nurse workload was significantly associated with higher occurrence of BSI (p = 0.0139) in VLBWI. An assumed workload of 120% or higher, representing the need for additional nurses in our NICU setting, is associated with an elevated risk for BSI in this vulnerable population OR 2.32 (95% CI: 1.42–3.8, p = 0.0005). In conclusion, nurse understaffing is associated with a higher risk for BSI in VLBWI.