Infection Control

Infection control refers to activities performed to reduce the risk of infections. Although infection control is a long-standing activity for hospitals, it does not have well-established comparative indicators. We follow CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines for the identification and public reporting of infections. Like other hospitals, we practice universal precautions to reduce infections.   Information on how well we do with measures to prevent infection are included in other areas such as Surgery.

We voluntarily participate in the Institute For Healthcare Improvement’s measures, AHRQ measures, and other measures to reduce infections. 

We track our infection rates, and we know they are low, however because we are a small facility we do not track infections exactly the same as other facilities do. 

Because our volume is low, we are reporting our overall infection rates, including all infections from any source or device, while most hospitals track infection related to specific devices such as urinary catheters. 

We are looking at different ways to track infections and ways to compare our rates with others, however it is not possible at this time.  Based on the information below, it is regarding:

• Any patient admitted to the hospital to Med-Surg or ICU. It does not include OB or newborns. It includes any infection that was deemed associated with hospitalization. The definition is complicated, but generally means any new diagnosis of infection made while the patient was in the hospital or within 30 days of discharge.
• Any patient who had a surgical procedure of any kind at our facility. Many other hospitals divide “clean cases” such as orthopedic procedures which have less risk on infections, from “dirty” cases which generally involve opening of the abdominal cavity or repair of a wound and have a much higher risk of infection. Because our numbers are small, we include any infection deemed associated with surgery. The definition is complicated, but generally means any new diagnosis of infection within 30 days of the procedure.
• Any patient admitted to our long term care facility (nursing home). It includes any infection that was deemed associated with being a resident at our facility. The definition is complicated, but generally means any new diagnosis of infection made while the resident was in the facility or within 30 days of discharge.