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Inpatient infections costs hospitals $14.5 billion

Case Management Weekly, October 2, 2007

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A common inpatient infection could be costing hospitals $14.5 billion every year. In a six-year study, researchers looked at the impact of Staphylococcus aureus (known as staph), an infection that can cause anything from a minor skin disease to life threatening problems, such as meningitis.

During the study period, from 1998 through 2003, the rate of infection increased annually by 7% for all inpatient stays, and by 8% for surgical stays. By 2003, the number of reported infections accounted for 1% of all hospital stays.

Although the authors said that the well-publicized rise in the antibiotic-resistant staph MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) may be a factor, they also revealed that improved reporting techniques could be behind the rise.

Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases

Other articles of interest:
Healthcare system honored for MRSA reduction efforts
How two medical centers reduced MRSA rates

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