The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health Services released the 2017 Healthcare-Associated Infections ASC Report Sept. 14.
The report provides data on ASC compliance with various measures. ASCs report surgical site infections following certain breast, hernia and open reduction of fracture surgical procedures.
Here's what you should know:
1. Infection rates in New Hampshire ASCs were similar to national rates.
2. ASCs reported a total of three surgical site infections in 2017, down from four in 2016.
3. The number of surgical site infections in New Hampshire ASCs was similar to the predicted number based on national data.
4. Statewide, 98.1 percent of ASCs adhered to guidelines for timing intravenous antibiotics before surgery to prevent surgical site infections. Last year, the rate was 99 percent.
5. The healthcare personnel influenza vaccination rate generally remained stable at 81.5 percent.
6. DHHS is required to report HAI instances based on data from the state's 33 licensed hospitals and 27 licensed ASCs.
"Healthcare-associated infections are a concern across the country, but the report finds hospitals and surgical centers in New Hampshire are committed to measures to protect patients and prevent these infections from occurring," said DPHS Director Lisa Morris. "The data helps the department, hospitals and ASCs track progress and identify areas that require special attention, see where improvements can be made, and inform consumers."