Infection Control Interventions to Improve Hospital-Acquired Infection Rates in Adult- Geriatric Patients

Alyssa Camille Caparros, Mary

Abstract

Introduction: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are one of the leading preventable healthcare issues. HAIs have a negative impact including increased length of stay, morbidity, mortality, and healthcare cost. The project goal was to implement infection control interventions to reduce HAI rates and improve infection control compliance by the healthcare workers with hand hygiene, routine fomite disinfection, and environmental decontamination. Methodology: A repeated measures design was used. The project was implemented at a Magnet Hospital in California in a high acuity step down-telemetry unit. Results/Discussion: There was a statistically significant improvement in infection compliance by the healthcare workers. There was also a marked improvement in HAI rates with 70% reduction. Limitations: There were various limitations, including Hawthorne effect, utilizing float pool staff, and conflicting IC practices among staff. There were also possible confounding variables that may have contributed to HAIs. Additionally, there was limited data in evaluating fomite disinfection. Conclusion: Infection control practices are strategic methodology to reduce the risk of HAIs. Initiation of HAI protocols with ongoing data collection would determine the true impact of infection control interventions on HAIs. This has major implications in healthcare since HAIs can have a tremendous negative impact on patient safety.