Recent analysis conducted by Consumer Reports showed not all teaching hospitals are preventing hospital-acquired infections, according to a Consumer Reports news release.
The organization compiled data from The Leapfrog Group on central line-associated bloodstream infections patient acquired in teaching hospitals. Their research showed no improvement in the number of hospitals reporting zero infections this year compared to last year, according to the news report.
In fact, three teaching hospitals received Consumer Reports' lowest ranking for bloodstream infections: Saint Louis (Mo.) University Hospital, Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., and Regional Medical Center at Memphis (Tenn.). Sixty-four other teaching hospitals receive Consumer Reports' second lowest ranking.
Since the Consumer Reports' news release, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology issued a notice to its members outlining its concerns with the study. Consumer Reports' research only provides consumers with a "partial picture of performance involving prevention of HAIs," the notice stated.
Among the study's deficiencies, APIC highlighted:
Read the Consumer Reports study on patient safety at teaching hospitals.
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The organization compiled data from The Leapfrog Group on central line-associated bloodstream infections patient acquired in teaching hospitals. Their research showed no improvement in the number of hospitals reporting zero infections this year compared to last year, according to the news report.
In fact, three teaching hospitals received Consumer Reports' lowest ranking for bloodstream infections: Saint Louis (Mo.) University Hospital, Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., and Regional Medical Center at Memphis (Tenn.). Sixty-four other teaching hospitals receive Consumer Reports' second lowest ranking.
Since the Consumer Reports' news release, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology issued a notice to its members outlining its concerns with the study. Consumer Reports' research only provides consumers with a "partial picture of performance involving prevention of HAIs," the notice stated.
Among the study's deficiencies, APIC highlighted:
- The study did not account for differing patient populations. "An urban 'safety-net' Level 1 trauma center, for example, serves a very different group of patients with a higher risk of infection than a small community hospital," the notice stated.
- The study relies on 2009 data, which may skew HAI rates since many infection prevention strategies have since been implemented across teaching facilities.
- A lack of standardized reporting methods may also skew HAI rates. A hospital, for instance, with a more "robust" reporting program may identify and report more infections. This means higher infection rates could indicate more intense surveillance rather than a lack of proper infection control practices.
Read the Consumer Reports study on patient safety at teaching hospitals.
Related Articles on Patient Safety:
Stakeholders Aim to Reduce Preventable Readmissions
Patient Safety Bills Aim for More Transparency Among Nevada Healthcare Providers
Highly Trained Nurses Key to Improving Care for Chronically Ill