Published Data Leads To Fewer Infections
By Katie Wike, contributing writer
Since data has been published online, hospital-acquired infection rates have dropped drastically in the state of New York
Mandated online reporting has led to reduced rates of hospital acquired infections in the state of New York. In fact, providers have seen rates of central line bloodstream infections cut in half since the program began in 2007.
Government Health IT reports participants have also seen a 14 percent decline in infections associated with colon surgery and a 23 percent decline in infections associated with cardiac bypass surgery. Avoided bloodstream infections alone have saved more than $18 million in avoided treatment and hospital stays.
The New York Department of Health reports there has been a 16 percent reduction in surgical site infections since 2007. “This decrease has helped to achieve estimated savings of between $12 million and $35 million due to decreased length of hospital stays and prevention of complications that require additional treatment.”
Motivation to reduce infection rates comes from the fact that hospitals, which are mandated to provide data, also know it will be reviewed by the media, public, and lawmakers. State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. says this is a good thing; as the data should be available and it is showing positive trends.
"Patients deserve the peace-of-mind of knowing the hospital they receive treatment from utilizes best practices to protect their safety," said Shah in a press release. "Preventing hospital-acquired infections is a key component of patient safety, and we will continue to proactively work with hospitals to reduce the number of these infections."
See the Annual Report HERE
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