Researchers studied patients admitted to 24 community hospitals from 2003-2009. Data was collected on incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, healthcare-associated infections based by MRSA, employee and physician exposure to bloodborne pathogens, patient days, central-line days, ventilator days and urinary catheter days. Researchers then compared whether incidence rates of infection and exposure to bloodborne pathogens changed throughout participation in DICON.
Rates of employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infection due to MRSA and device-related infections decreased considerably during the first five years of participation in DICON. Additionally, each hospital saved approximately $100,000 every year during participation. These trends continued at the seven-year analysis, as well.
Read the study about the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network.
Read other coverage about infection prevention:
– Pennsylvania Hospitals Charged $1.25B to Treat Infection-Related Readmissions
– Language Barriers Threaten Patient Safety
– Smith & Nephew Recalls IV Prep Antiseptic Wipes
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