Gary S Lynn

Eliminating Hospital Infections Gary S Lynn

When people go to a hospital, they go to get better, but according to the World Health Organization, one in 13 patients acquire an infection during their visit that causes them to get worse before they get better. And, that is in modern/developed countries; in developing countries, the number increases to one in ten. Every year approximately 1.7 million patients in the U. S. acquire an infection during their hospital stay. Of these, EACH YEAR, 98,987 people die; 35,967 from pneumonia, 30,665 from bloodstream infections, 13,088 from urinary tract infections, 8,205 from surgical site infections and 11,062 from other types of infections. More people die from hospital acquired infections each year than AIDS, Breast Cancer and Auto Accidents-combined! In 2015, the US Government penalized 721 hospitals for their high rates of infections and in 2016 that number grew to 758 hospitals. The average HAI penalty was approximately $520,000 per hospital, but some hospitals were fined much more. For example, Florida Hospital was fined over $3 million and Yale New Haven Hospital was fined over $2 million. Preventing HAIs is possible, but it takes a conscious and committed effort to improve care, protect patients, and save lives. This book describes best-in-class hospitals that have reduced or completely eliminated hospital acquired infections. Learn their tools, techniques and secrets.