Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the total annual costs for the 5 major hospital acquired infections were $9.8 billion (95% CI, $8.3-$11.5 billion), with surgical site infections contributing the most to overall costs (33.7% of the total), followed by ventilator-associated pneumonia (31.6%), central line–associated bloodstream infections (18.9%), C difficile infections (15.4%), and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (<1%). In order to estimate costs associated with the most significant and targetable HAIs, The researchers conducted a systematic review of the literature using PubMed for the years 1986 through April 2013. For HAI incidence estimates, they used the National Healthcare Safety Network of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The research concluded That while quality improvement initiatives have decreased HAI incidence and costs, much more remains to be done. As hospitals realize savings from prevention of these complications under payment reforms, they may be more likely to invest in such strategies.
Read abstract: Health Care–Associated Infections A Meta-analysis of Costs and Financial Impact on the US Health Care System
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