Prevention & control of healthcare-associated infections

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are one of the most common adverse events in care delivery and a major public health problem with an impact on morbidity, mortality and quality of life. These infections also present a significant economic burden at the societal level. However, a large percentage of HAIs are preventable through effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.¹

10% of patients get an infection while receiving care.²

$35 to $45 billion
Annual overall direct cost of HAIs to U.S. hospitals²


1 in 31 hospital patients has at least 1 HAI on any given day.³

5x-10x Likelihood of ICU vs. non-ICU patients acquiring an HAI³

Impact of IPC programs

Effective IPC programs show a 30% reduction in HAIs. Many infection prevention and control measures, including hand hygiene, are simple, low-cost and effective; however, they require staff accountability and behavioral change.4


1 Source: World Health Organization’s “Guidelines on Core Components of Infection Prevention and Control Programmes at the National and Acute Health Care Facility Level,” ©2016

2 Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

3 Source: 2015 Webinar: The True Cost of HAIs: Reduce Cross Contamination & HAIs. Lynn White, M.D., Staff Anesthesiologist, Partner, Physician Anesthesia Services, PC & Chief Medical Officer with Patient Shield Concepts, LLC.

4 Source: World Health Organization

 

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