Tackling Infections Acquired in Healthcare Settings

The provided content sheds light on the risks patients face for healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) during their time in healthcare facilities. HAIs, also known as nosocomial or hospital-associated infections, are recognized as a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality. The content emphasizes the definition of HAIs as infections acquired by patients while receiving care in healthcare facilities.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely monitors the rates of HAIs. The content highlights the CDC’s estimate of 687,000 reported HAIs in acute care hospitals in 2021, with approximately 72,000 HAI-related deaths during hospitalizations in that year. It further identifies common types of HAIs, including catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and central line-associated bloodstream infections.

The primary cause of HAIs is attributed to the introduction of specific bacterial strains, such as C. difficile, MRSA, Enterococcus, and various Pseudomonas species. The content encourages readers to delve into the accompanying resource for more information on HAIs and the crucial importance of proper cleaning practices in healthcare facilities.

The Importance of Cleaning Equipment in Healthcare Facilities from Empire Cooler, a provider of ice machine services