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[Incidence of hospital infections at a university hospital]
Abstract:
To evaluate the real status of the hospital acquired infection in the Hospital Clínico Universitario of Salamanca, we have carried out a study of incidence during three years, which was based on the program of continuous active infection surveillance of the Preventive Medicine Service. The overall incidence rate was 4.8%. The incidence rates for infective localizations were 2.3% for urinary tract infection, 1.0% for surgical wound infection, 0.6% for pneumonias and 0.5% for bacteremias. The most common infection was urinary tract infection, which amounted to 46.5% of the overall instances. The highest rates for services were those from Intensive Care Unit (14.4%), Hematology (10.5%) and Surgery (7.0%). In 302 patients, representing 9.8% of the infected patients, more than one infection was detected. The program of continuous surveillance of hospital acquired infection is a method that allows the acquisition of permanent information about the real status of this problem at any time, as well as the implementation of the adequate preventive measures in each case.
Insights
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) affect 4.8% of patients, with urinary tract infections being most common. Continuous surveillance is key for effective prevention and control of these infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant challenge in healthcare settings.
- Understanding the incidence and distribution of HAIs is crucial for effective control strategies.
- The Hospital Clínico Universitario of Salamanca conducted a study to assess the real-time status of HAIs.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the incidence and patterns of hospital-acquired infections.
- To identify the most common types of infections and affected hospital services.
- To determine the effectiveness of continuous active infection surveillance programs.
Summary:
- The study revealed an overall HAI incidence rate of 4.8% over three years.
- Urinary tract infections were the most prevalent (2.3%), followed by surgical wound infections (1.0%), pneumonias (0.6%), and bacteremias (0.5%).
- The Intensive Care Unit (14.4%), Hematology (10.5%), and Surgery (7.0%) departments reported the highest infection rates. Multiple infections were observed in 9.8% of cases.
Impact:
- Continuous surveillance provides ongoing data on HAI prevalence.
- This information enables the timely implementation of targeted preventive measures.
- The findings support the integration of active surveillance into routine hospital infection control practices.