HAI Types

Using Infusion Therapy Standards to Enhance Prevention of Device-Associated Bloodstream Infections

August 9, 2016

As infection preventionists (IPs), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Device Associated Infections have long served as the cornerstone of much of our policy development. When the SHEA/IDSA Compendium documents were released those too served as a source of guidance. What sometimes has been overlooked have been the Infusion Nurses Society standards which were updated most recently earlier this year and currently reflect the latest evidence based recommendations for all aspects of infusion therapy across all disciplines involved. To keep moving the needle beyond the status quo we need to expand our involvement beyond just hand and skin antisepsis (an over simplification of our role!) and help with all aspects of vascular access and infusion therapy to impact the overall quality of care for these prevalent devices.

Study Examines Difference in SSI Rates Using Sterile Versus Nonsterile Gloves

August 3, 2016

Outpatient cutaneous surgical procedures are common and surgical gloves are standard practice to prevent postoperative surgical site infection (SSI).

Researchers Examine Barriers and Facilitators to VAP Guideline Compliance

July 27, 2016

Guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) provide recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Study Shows Reducing In-Hospital Patient Transports and Urinary Catheter Use Decreases HAIs

July 20, 2016

Patients treated in hospital intensive care units (ICUs) for severe neurological events such as stroke and aneurysm rupture, who require ventilator support, are at high risk of pulmonary and urinary infections that can lead to more seriou

Minimizing Operating Room Traffic May Improve Patient Safety by Lowering Rates of SSIs

July 19, 2016

A safety team at a Canadian hospital determined there was too much traffic in and out of the operating room (OR) during total joint replacement procedures. So they implemented several strategies to reduce traffic, which may have contribu

NSQIP Data Helps Hospital Reduce UTI Rates Across Surgical and Non-Surgical Departments

July 19, 2016

A systematic program for analyzing processes associated with catheter placement and removal for surgical patients decreased urinary tract infections (UTI) for all hospitalized patients.

Automated Electronic Communication System Engages Patients in Preventing SSIs

July 18, 2016

In its first test among orthopedic surgery patients as a feasible tool for enhancing care and reducing surgical site infections (SSIs), an automated text and voice messaging system improved communication about the preventive steps patient

Shorter Courses of Antibiotics are Safe for Treatment of Patients With VAP

July 14, 2016

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) – which account for 20 to 25 percent of hospital-acquired infections – should be treated with shorter courses of antibiotics than they typically are, according to

When One is Too Many: One Hospital's Strategies to Reduce CAUTI

July 11, 2016

The reporting of any type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is difficult. First, it indicates our patients have experienced a complication. Second, for an acute-care facility, we consistently have a low denominator; therefore any HAI has a significant impact on an infection rate that is publically reportable. This hospital was pleased to report an infection rate of zero for catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) for more than two years. Unfortunately, in 2015, three of our patients experienced a CAUTI which dramatically increased the reported infection rate and raised important concerns. Urinary tract infections are the most common type of HAI reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network, with more than 75 percent of those UTIs being catheter associated. The literature tells us that the impact of these infections includes increased length of stay, increased costs, unnecessary antimicrobial use, and is the leading cause of secondary bloodstream infections which results in increased mortality rates. Determining the cause for the increase in infections experienced at this facility and developing strategies to decrease these HAIs became a priority.

CDC Awards $26 Million to Academic Medical Centers, Drives Innovation to Protect Patients

June 26, 2016

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded $26 million to support applied research at five academic medical centers as part of a patient safety effort known as Prevention Epicenters Program.

HAI Types

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