Staff-developed infection prevention program decreases health care–associated infection rates in pediatric critical care

Abstract

BACKGROUND Health care–associated infections are an international problem that occurs in an estimated 10% of all hospital admissions globally. 3 Health care–associated infections not only increase morbidity and mortality in patients but also cause a considerable economic burden on health care. 4 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of HAI is 1.7 million infections and 99 000 deaths per year. 1 Health care–associated infections cost an estimated $28 billion to $33 billion each year. 1 The mean prevalence of HAI in Europe is 7.1 per 100 patients. In England,£ 1000 million annually is budgeted by the National Health Service for HAI. 5 In Canada, the incidence of HAI is greater than 220 000 per year and results in 8500 to 12 000 deaths; the direct costs of HAI are estimated at $1 billion annually. 6 Health care–associated infections cost Thai hospitals 10% of their annual …