Infection Prevention
About HAI
HAIs are infections that patients get while receiving
treatment for medical or surgical conditions. They are among
the leading causes of preventable deaths in the world and
are associated with a substantial increase in health care
costs each year.
HAIs occur in all types of care settings, including:
• Acute care within hospitals
• Same-day surgical centers
• Ambulatory outpatient care in health care clinics
• Long-term care facilities (e.g., nursing homes and
rehabilitation facilities)
In hospitals, HAIs lead to extended hospital stays,
contribute to increased medical costs, and are a significant
cause of morbidity and mortality.
Why Are Healthcare-Associated Infections Important?
HAIs are the most common complication of hospital
care. However, recent studies suggest that implementing
existing prevention practices can lead to up to a 70 percent
reduction in certain HAIs. The financial benefit of using
these prevention practices is estimated to be $25.0 billion
to $31.5 billion in medical cost savings. ” Scott RD. The
direct medical costs of healthcare-associated infections in
US hospitals and the benefits of prevention. Atlanta:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2009”
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