Oregon Hospitals Report Reduction in HAIs, Achieve Cost Savings
Oregon hospitals reported a reduction in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) as well as a potential cost savings as a result of hospitals enhanced infection prevention activities.
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in hospital intensive care units (ICUs) have decreased 55 percent from 2009 to 2011, and the estimated healthcare cost savings for this infection ranges from $600,000 to $2.5 million during those years. In addition, Oregon has demonstrated a 10 percent reduction in surgical site infections (SSIs) from coronary artery bypass graft surgeries and a 20 percent reduction in SSIs from knee replacement surgeries since 2009.
The report highlights:
In 2011, Oregon introduced five new HAI measures and four are now below the national average.
- CLABSIs in ICUs (44 percent lower)
- Abdominal hysterectomy SSIs (21 percent lower)
- Colon surgery SSIs (20 percent lower)
- Laminectomy SSIs (31 percent lower)
However, the hip replacement SSI rate was reported to be 13 percent higher than the national average.
Oregon's HAI report can be accessed here: http://www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPR/pages/hai_report.aspx
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
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.
