Healthcare Associated Infections

A healthcare associated infection (HAI) is an infection developed at a hospital or health care facility that was not present in the patient during admission. According to health.gov, about 1 in 25 hospital inpatients have an infection related to their hospital care, and people who contract a healthcare associated infection typically spend 2.5 times longer in the hospital.

Who is at risk of contracting a healthcare associated infection?

All patients at a hospital or health care facility are at risk of contracting an HAI. However, premature babies, sick children, elderly people, people with diabetes, and people with low or compromised immunity are in the highest risk group.

What are the most common forms of healthcare associated infections?

There are many types of healthcare associated infections, but the most common are:

• 1. Central line-associated bloodstream infections
• 2. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections
• 3. Surgical site infections
• 4. Ventilator-associated pneumonia

How can providers prevent healthcare associated infections?

A clinician taking the time to adequately wash their hands with an alcohol based-rub before and after treating every patient is the #1 way to prevent HAIs. Healthcare providers should also wear hair covers, gowns, gloves, and masks when appropriate. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are one of the most common HAIs, and a healthcare provider removing a catheter as soon as possible significantly reduces the risk of infection. Additionally, all surgical sites should have consistent adequate cleaning. By putting HAI prevention at the forefront of healthcare, clinicians can save lives, reduce morbidity, and minimize overall health care costs.

How can you be proactive in preventing healthcare associated infections?

You can lessen your risk of contracting a healthcare associated infection by being proactive in your health care.

• 1. Make sure your health care clinician is adequately washing their hands - and don’t be afraid to ask them to wash their hands in front of you!
• 2. Be proactive in asking your doctor when your catheter can be removed. Leaving a catheter in place too long is a common source of healthcare associated infections.
• 3. Ask your clinician about their practices for safe injections.
• 4. Ask your physician before any surgery about actions you can take to lessen the risk of surgical site infection.
• 5. Know the signs and symptoms of infection and alert your physician immediately if you are exhibiting any signs, whether you notice the symptoms during your hospital stay or if they start to occur after your hospital discharge.

How does home health affect your risk of contracting a healthcare associated infection?

Home health care does not eradicate your risk of healthcare associated infections - urinary catheter and intravenous (IV) catheter infections are still prevalent in the home health care setting. However, home health and its contribution to reduced hospital readmission rates leads to a lower risk of contracting the flu, meningitis, pneumonia, and other viral and bacterial infections. Healthcare associated infections are caused by a variety of germs, but when you are homebound and receiving home health care, the germs you are exposed to are limited to what already exists in your home.