AHA hits back at Chicago Tribune report on infections - Infection Control Update

Healthcare Purchasing News, Sept, 2002

The American Hospital Association called a recent Chicago Tribune investigation into hospital-acquired infections "a misleading picture of infection control practices in most hospitals." Despite that, the AHA conceded that the report "does highlight the serious problem of infection control that hospitals fight every day." Don Nielsen, AHA senior vice president for quality leadership, says what's missing from the Tribune series--which he said focuses on anecdotes from the past-- is a greater focus on what's happening today. Nielsen said preventing infections is a never-ending process within hospitals. He said that hospitals are adopting new tools, such as waterless hand cleaner, and other products and techniques that enhance infection control efforts.

The Tribune said infections in hospitals in 2000 were responsible for roughly 100,000 deaths each year, with three quarters being preventable. The report says infections are attributable to unsanitary facilities, germ-laden instruments and unwashed hands. The Tribune analyzed records from 75 federal and state agencies, among other sources.