Nosocomial Infections

Nosocomial infections, otherwise known as HAI's are those which a person did not enter the health care system with, but acquire within the hospital or a health care setting.

Also referred to as health care associated (acquired) infections,they are costly in many ways and every health care facility, every health care worker must do their part in prevention.

Causes of nosocomial infections

These may seem obvious, and so prevention should also be obvious. Why then do these infections continue to plague our patients?

Types of infection

Clostridium difficile
also known as c. diff
a bacterium causing diarrhea, colitis or even life threatening inflammation of the colon

VRE (Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus)

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
Includes pediatric, medical and trauma ICU's

Surgical site infections
Due to cross contamination, instrument contamination, contamination by skin flora (poor aseptic and sterile technique)

Central-line associated bloodstream infections

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections

Let's not forget the many other viruses and bacteria that can be floating about in any health care setting at any moment in time

...and many more.


The costs?

Keeping the patient in hospital longer
Increase in the cost of care by thousands of dollars
Loss of life

Resources