Healthcare-Associated Infections Have Decreased in the U.S.

A 2015 repeat of a 2011 point-prevalence survey found a lower prevalence of healthcare-associated infections.

The last decade has seen an increased national focus on preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Has this attention been effective? To address this question, in 2015 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention undertook a repeat of a 2011 1-day point-prevalence study of HAIs in hospitals in 10 states (prioritizing previous survey participant hospitals) plus up to 25 hospitals total in each of the 10 states.

In 2015, 12,299 patients in 199 hospitals were surveyed, compared with 11,282 patients in 183 hospitals in 2011. Using the same definitions for HAIs, 3.2% of patients had one or more HAIs in 2015 versus 4.0% of patients in 2011, a significant decline. After adjustments for patient age, time from admission to survey, presence…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Healthcare-Associated Infections Have Decreased in the U.S.

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Reviewing Author