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[Registration and prevention of hospital infections in a general hospital]
H A Verbrugh1, A J Mintjes-de Groot, R P Verkooyen
1Diakonessenhuis, Medisch Microbiologisch Laboratorium, Utrecht.
Abstract:
Active surveillance in a 270-beds general hospital in the period 1984-1988 yielded 1,547 episodes of hospital-acquired infections among 26,079 patients admitted, i.e. 5.9 infections per 100 admissions (5.1 infections/1,000 days in the hospital). Infections of the urinary tract (3.0/100 admissions), surgical wounds (1.0%), the respiratory tract (0.8%) and bloodstream infections (0.5%) predominated. The incidence of infections was highest among patients of 75 years and older (13.0%), lowest in the age group 1-14 years (1.2%). Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, enterococci and coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated most frequently. Specific measures to limit the occurrence of urinary tract infection resulted in a decline in the rate of hospital-acquired infections, from 7.6% in 1984 to 4.9% in 1988 (35.5%). We conclude that active surveillance of hospital-acquired infections contributes to our awareness of these infections and provides the basis for preventive action. (Micro)computers constitute important aids for these activities.
Insights
Active surveillance identified hospital-acquired infections, with urinary tract infections being most common. Targeted interventions reduced infection rates, highlighting surveillance
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Public Health Surveillance
Context:
- A 270-bed general hospital conducted active surveillance for hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) between 1984 and 1988.
- Over 26,000 patients were admitted during this period, with 1,547 HAI episodes recorded.
Purpose:
- To assess the incidence and types of HAIs in a general hospital setting.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of targeted infection control measures, particularly for urinary tract infections.
- To demonstrate the value of active surveillance in identifying and mitigating HAIs.
Summary:
- The study identified 5.9 HAIs per 100 admissions (5.1 per 1,000 patient-days).
- Urinary tract infections were the most prevalent (3.0/100 admissions), followed by surgical wound, respiratory, and bloodstream infections.
- Infection rates were highest in elderly patients (≥75 years) and common pathogens included Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Implementation of specific measures targeting urinary tract infections led to a significant reduction in overall HAI rates from 7.6% to 4.9%.
Impact:
- Active surveillance enhances awareness of HAIs and provides crucial data for implementing effective preventive strategies.
- The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions in reducing healthcare-associated infections.
- Computerized systems can significantly aid in the surveillance and management of HAIs.