Abstract

Purpose: The pattern of HAIs (Healthcare Associated Infections) [device associated infections such as Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Ventilator Associated Event (VAE), Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) & Surgical Site Infection (SSI)] is analysed and their occurrences are compared to review benchmarks for HAIs in a tertiary care hospital for a period of 4 years. Methods: Passive surveillance data is collected by infection control nurses from the microbiology lab following reporting of culture specimens Active surveillance data is collected by the infection control nurses during their daily rounds in wards and ICUs. The data is compiled and analysed by the microbiologist and infection control officer. The data collection forms are prepared and updated as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) guidelines. Results: Over a four year period, the average of CAUTI rate is 0.31, VAE is 1.38, CLABSI is 1.29 & SSI is 1.1%. Following annual analysis of rates of healthcare associated infections, the benchmarks have been revised to 0.5 for CAUTI, 1.5 for VAE, 1 for CLABSI and 0.5% for SSI. Conclusions: Analysing institutional data periodically to establish in-house benchmarks enables scope for improvement in infection control practices, thereby, contributing to patient safety.

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