Colorado Hospitals Exceed National Standard for Infection Rates in 2012
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environments annual Health Facility-Acquired Infections report shows more healthcare facilities in the state met or exceeded the national standard for infection rates in 2012. There were 528 facilities that met or exceeded the standard in 2012, compared to 509 in 2011.
As part of a comprehensive reform to address HAIs, 30 states, including Colorado and the District of Columbia, have mandated public HAI reporting using CDCs National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) to create greater transparency between healthcare facilities and the public while supporting greater accountability. Colorados legislatively mandated report contains data for surgical site infections in cardiac, orthopedic and abdominal operative procedures; central line-associated bloodstream infections in adult and neonatal critical care units and long-term acute care hospitals; and dialysis related infections in outpatient dialysis treatment centers. Data provided in the report are self-reported by each facility.
To assess the validity of reported data, the departments Patient Safety Program has conducted three validation studies to date on central line associated bloodstream infections, hernia surgical site infections and dialysis infections. All three validation studies provided the opportunity to identify areas of misunderstanding about infection surveillance and reporting and provide focused education to health facility staff about surveillance definitions, rules and practices. A fourth validation study for hip/knee procedures is currently underway.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
