Decrease in Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals

Core Concepts

Healthcare-associated infections in acute care hospitals have decreased, but ongoing efforts are needed to further improve patient care practices.

Abstract

The recent annual progress report from the CDC highlights a significant decrease in healthcare-associated infections in acute care hospitals from 2021 to 2022. Despite this improvement, the report emphasizes the ongoing need for enhanced patient care practices and infection prevention initiatives. Key highlights include:

1 in 31 patients and 1 in 43 nursing home residents contract infections daily.
Collaboration among public health agencies and healthcare partners is crucial to eliminate healthcare-associated infections.
Healthcare providers must reinforce infection prevention practices, review surveillance data, and address gaps in prevention strategies.
Data from various healthcare facilities show decreases in central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and ventilator-associated events.
The report also covers hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infections and provides data on other infections by facility and state.

Stats

Each day, approximately 1 in 31 patients and 1 in 43 nursing home residents contract at least one infection associated with their care.
In acute care hospitals, there was a 9% decrease in central line–associated bloodstream infections from 2021 to 2022, a 12% decrease in catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and a 19% decrease in ventilator-associated events.
There was a 3% decrease in hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile from 2021 to 2022 in acute care hospitals.

Quotes

"Under the leadership of healthcare epidemiologists and infection preventionists, acute care facilities have made substantial progress in shifting attention that was understandably focused on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic back to broader infection prevention initiatives that protect our patients from a wide range of infections." - Deborah Yokoe, MD, MPH

Key Insights Distilled From

Infections Down in Acute Care Hospitals

by Laura at www.medscape.com 12-18-2023

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/infections-down-acute-care-hospitals-2023a1000vpk

Deeper Inquiries

How can healthcare facilities ensure sustained improvements in infection prevention practices?

Healthcare facilities can ensure sustained improvements in infection prevention practices by implementing a comprehensive approach that involves continuous reinforcement of infection control protocols, regular review of surveillance data to identify areas for improvement, and addressing any gaps in prevention practices. It is crucial for healthcare providers to prioritize infection prevention efforts, invest in necessary resources, and collaborate with local, state, and federal public health agencies to implement and monitor prevention initiatives effectively. By following guidelines such as those outlined in the SHEA's Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals, facilities can establish a strong foundation for sustained improvements in infection prevention practices.

What challenges might arise in implementing the prevention initiatives to eliminate healthcare-associated infections?

Several challenges may arise in implementing prevention initiatives to eliminate healthcare-associated infections. These challenges include resistance to change among healthcare staff, limited resources for infection prevention programs, varying levels of compliance with infection control protocols, and the need for ongoing education and training to ensure staff adherence to best practices. Additionally, the complexity of healthcare systems, high patient turnover rates, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens can pose significant challenges to infection prevention efforts. Overcoming these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that involves strong leadership, staff engagement, continuous monitoring, and adaptation of strategies based on evolving trends and best practices.

How can the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic be applied to enhance infection prevention efforts in healthcare settings?

The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic can be applied to enhance infection prevention efforts in healthcare settings by emphasizing the importance of preparedness, rapid response, and the implementation of evidence-based infection control measures. Healthcare facilities can leverage the experience gained during the pandemic to strengthen their infection prevention protocols, improve communication strategies, and enhance collaboration among healthcare providers. Lessons such as the critical role of hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, and environmental cleaning can be integrated into routine infection prevention practices to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections. By incorporating these lessons into ongoing training programs and quality improvement initiatives, healthcare settings can create a culture of safety and resilience that protects both patients and healthcare workers.