| Annually,
nosocomial infections affect more than 2 million persons
in the United States and cost in excess of 4.5 million
dollars. Infections account for 50% of major complications;
medication errors, patient falls, and other noninfectious
adverse events account for the rest. Healthcare associated
infections and other adverse events are recognized as
critical problems affecting the quality and cost of
healthcare.
Clearly,
health care needs to provide quality services in a
fiscally responsible manner. As capitated or other
fixed-cost compensation replaces traditional fee-for-service
reimbursement, dollars saved through prevention of
infections and other adverse events directly affect
the financial well-being of individual healthcare
organizations.
IP&MA
recognizes the impact on the financial bottom line
can create a hardship for even the most fiscally robust
healthcare facility. A catastrophic single episode
or continuous poor practice can adversely impact the
organizations financial standing quickly as costs
for accreditation sanctions, legal liability and pharmaceutical
use increase.
IP&MA
proves financial benefits from realized savings and
unrealized adverse events that pave a clear path to
safe practices.
Reference:
Gaynes,
Robert, `Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections: A
Fundamental Ingredient for Quality,' editorial Infection
Control and Hospital Epidemiology, V 18(7) July 1977
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