CDC reports decreases in some healthcare-associated infections
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported
in February 2013 that the incidence of some healthcare-associated infections
decreased between 2010 and 2011. The CDC
has a tracking system called the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN),
which gathers data from over 11,500 healthcare facilities across the U.S. According to a recent analysis of NHSN data,
hospitals in the U.S. have seen decreases in central line-associated bloodstream
infections and some surgical site infections. However, rates of catheter-associated urinary
tract infections did not change between 2010 and 2011. More specifically, the rate of
catheter-associated urinary tract infections improved in general medical
patients but no reduction was reported in critical care locations.
In 2008, the National Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections was established and goals to reduce these infections were set for December 2013. Since that time there has been a 41% reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections (goal 50% reduction), 17% reduction in surgical site infections (goal 25% reduction), and 7% reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (goal 25% reduction). Central line-associated bloodstream infections and surgical site infections are making progress toward reaching the 2013 goals. Although reductions in catheter-associated urinary tract infections are progressing more slowly, the CDC believes that the goal for 2013 is still achievable.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/p0211_health_care_infections.html
For the CDC’s full report, please visit: