Association Between the Vulnerability to Hospital-Acquired Infection and Health Care Utilization: Evidence From the...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Management
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) represent a significant burden on healthcare systems.
• Understanding patient and hospital factors influencing HAI vulnerability is crucial for effective patient safety strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify patient and hospital factors associated with hospital-acquired infection (HAI) vulnerability.
• To examine differences in healthcare utilization among patients with HAIs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the US National Inpatient Sample (2016-2020) including over 18.9 million hospitalized patients.
• Multivariate logistic and linear regression models to assess risk factors for HAI occurrence, in-hospital death, and healthcare utilization (charges, LOS).
• Subgroup analyses by sociodemographic factors.

Main Results:

• 23.4% of over 94.6 million inpatients experienced HAIs, with a gradual increase over time.
• Older age, female sex, Hispanic ethnicity, low income, and Medicare/Medicaid coverage were associated with higher HAI risk.
• HAIs correlated with increased in-hospital death, higher hospital charges, and longer length of stay (LOS).

Conclusions:

• Sociodemographic and hospital factors significantly influence HAI vulnerability, mortality, and healthcare costs.
• Heterogeneity in HAI vulnerability across different patient populations and hospital settings is evident.
• Risk stratification can enhance patient safety efforts to mitigate HAI risks.