3. Data protection

The measures implemented within the study (introduction of surveillance with feedback) take place at intensive care unit level and aim to obtain data regarding the frequency of infection events and MRP in COVID-19 patients. The data should be used by the intensive care units for internal self-assessment of hygiene management. However, the collecting of data from a large number of facilities at national level will also allow us to obtain comparable data (reference data) and gives us the opportunity to analyse the development of the frequency of infection over time (prevalence).

All data is submitted to the trial centre, pseudonymised from the participants side, and evaluated in aggregated form. This means that the study team cannot draw any conclusions about individual patients and there are no risks with regard to data protection. In addition to the authorised users from the ward itself, only the study team has access to the results. The participation can be revoked at any time and will make any further use of the data inadmissible. A consultation for data protection has already been provided by the Charité Berlin.