Almost everyone will assume that healthcare organizations have taken an important step towards fighting healthcare-associated infections due to the increased focus on hygiene measures caused by the pandemic. However, a newly published study proves otherwise.
Significant increases in central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia have been reported by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“COVID-19 created a perfect storm for antibiotic resistance and healthcare-associated infections in healthcare settings,” said Arjun Srinivasan, MD, associate director of Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention Programs at the CDC, in a statement. “This information emphasizes the importance of building stronger, deeper, and broader infection control resources throughout healthcare that will not only improve our ability to protect patients in future pandemics but will also improve patient care every day.”
A press release from the CDC said that these results emphasize the need for hospitals to continue reinforcing infection prevention and control practices and continually monitor and review HAI surveillance data.
“CDC will continue to invest in healthcare infection prevention, training for all healthcare providers, and ensuring healthcare facilities and partners in state and local health departments have actionable data to ensure that individuals who need healthcare during the pandemic and beyond can receive safe care” the release stated.
Read this newly published study if you want to learn more about how you can prevent healthcare-associated infections.
