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Questions and Answers
What defines a nosocomial infection?
What defines a nosocomial infection?
What is a significant consequence of nosocomial infections for hospitals?
What is a significant consequence of nosocomial infections for hospitals?
Which federal program currently incentivizes hospitals to reduce nosocomial infections?
Which federal program currently incentivizes hospitals to reduce nosocomial infections?
Which two states have laws mandating annual disclosure of nosocomial infection rates?
Which two states have laws mandating annual disclosure of nosocomial infection rates?
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What is a primary factor hindering the control of nosocomial infections?
What is a primary factor hindering the control of nosocomial infections?
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What hygiene issue is commonly observed among some healthcare providers?
What hygiene issue is commonly observed among some healthcare providers?
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How many patients are estimated to be affected by nosocomial infections each year?
How many patients are estimated to be affected by nosocomial infections each year?
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Which of the following is considered a major carrier of bacteria in hospitals?
Which of the following is considered a major carrier of bacteria in hospitals?
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Nosocomial infections are infections that were present in the patient at the time of hospital admission.
Nosocomial infections are infections that were present in the patient at the time of hospital admission.
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Approximately 2 million patients are affected by nosocomial infections annually in the United States.
Approximately 2 million patients are affected by nosocomial infections annually in the United States.
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Financial incentives are irrelevant in motivating hospitals to implement solutions for nosocomial infections.
Financial incentives are irrelevant in motivating hospitals to implement solutions for nosocomial infections.
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Training new employees is prioritized over training current staff in combating nosocomial infections.
Training new employees is prioritized over training current staff in combating nosocomial infections.
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Cell phones have been identified as the biggest carriers of bacteria in hospitals.
Cell phones have been identified as the biggest carriers of bacteria in hospitals.
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States such as Ohio and New York have passed laws mandating annual disclosure of nosocomial infection rates.
States such as Ohio and New York have passed laws mandating annual disclosure of nosocomial infection rates.
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The annual costs incurred by patients due to nosocomial infections amount to approximately $5 billion.
The annual costs incurred by patients due to nosocomial infections amount to approximately $5 billion.
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Staff members often fail to sterilize trays before using them for new patients in hospitals.
Staff members often fail to sterilize trays before using them for new patients in hospitals.
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Study Notes
Nosocomial Infections
- Definition: Infections acquired during a hospital stay, not present or incubating at admission. Occurring 72 hours post-admission. Not related to the original reason for hospitalization.
- Prevalence: Approximately 2 million patients annually are affected, resulting in 80,000 deaths annually.
- Cost: Adds approximately $5 billion annually to patient costs requiring additional treatment.
- Reporting/Monitoring: The JCAHO (Joint Commission) releases yearly reports to discuss data and solutions. The CDC and JCAHO track and monitor this issue. Political figures also address the issue.
- Implementation Challenges: Hospitals often lack consistent implementation of published solutions despite collecting the data. A lack of consistent staff training and responsibilities to enforce training/orientation procedures is a significant factor.
- Solution Strategies:
- Improved training for current staff, not just new employees.
- Sterilization of equipment/supplies (e.g., food trays).
- Increased use of antimicrobial medications.
- Reduction in invasive procedures
- Better hygiene including hand hygiene.
- Importance of cleaning/sterilization of instruments and medical equipment.
- Financial Incentives: Medicare requires hospitals using their funding to not treat patients with nosocomial infections, potentially incentivizing hospitals to reduce nosocomial infection rates.
- Transparency and Accountability: Illinois and Pennsylvania are the only two states that have mandates for hospitals to disclose their nosocomial infection rates annually to the public, often publicized through local media.
- Key Infection Carriers: Cell phones are among the most common carriers of bacteria.
- Outpatient Risks: Infections can occur in outpatient facilities as well, where there may be less preventative accountability for the infection-carrying surfaces.
Specific Examples
- Lack of appropriate sterilization protocols: Example mentioned is that food trays used for patients aren't consistently sterilized causing cross contamination.
- Inadequate Sterilization Practices and Infection Control in a Dental Office (Fort Worth): An example of insufficient policies and lack of infection control in a dental office, resulting in five deaths.
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Description
This quiz explores nosocomial infections, their definition, prevalence, and associated costs. It also discusses monitoring efforts by organizations like the JCAHO and CDC, along with challenges and solutions for effective implementation in hospitals. Test your knowledge on this critical healthcare issue.
