Cullman Regional, Alabama report better hospital infection rates than national average

Published 5:30 am Friday, November 24, 2017

Alabama’s hospitals performed better than the national performance level in four important infection-related categories, according to an Alabama Department of Public Health report.

The recently released report on 2016 healthcare-associated infections reveals state and hospital-specific infection rates on catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs) and two surgical site infection measures (abdominal hysterectomies and colon surgeries).

“Our hospitals have not only performed better than the nation, but over time they have shown significant improvement in the state average,” said Dr. Donald E. Williamson, president of the Alabama Hospital Association. “For example, since the program began in 2011, the statewide rate for CAUTIs has been cut in half; other categories have also seen decreases. While much progress has been made, hospitals are constantly working with staff, patients, and their families to prevent infections.”

Healthcare-associated infections can delay care and sometime contribute to negative side effects for patients. That’s why Cullman Regional says it consistently strives to meet and exceed industry standards because it is better for its patients.

The hospital participates in reporting of infections to the ADPH and CMS, with the goal being quality patient care, transparency and the prevention of infections, said Cullman Regional Infection Control Nurse Marti Smith, RN.

“We partner with the Healthcare Research and Education Trust (HRET) and the Alabama Hospital Association’s CMS sponsored initiatives to reduce hospital-acquired infections and improve patient care through monitoring,” said Lindsey Dossey, Cullman Regional’s marketing and public relations director.

“Cullman Regional is proud to achieve good or better when compared to hospitals across the nation in all categories as outlined in the ADPH report,” Dossey said. “Reducing healthcare-acquired infection is the best way to improve patient quality of care, and a top priority at Cullman Regional because it correlates to better outcomes for the patients we serve.”

Cullman Regional’s established numerous protocols and initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare-associated infection including:

Hand Hygiene: Cullman Regional staff uses soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers before and after patient interactions in order to prevent the spread of bacteria and/or infections.

– Patient skin is cleaned using disinfectants prior to performing procedures such as drawing blood, inserting intravenous lines, etc.

– Specialized infection prevention processes and protocols for specific processes, i.e., inserting intravenous lines that go into the heart.

– Detailed procedures and protocols for cleaning of all equipment.

– Detailed process and procedure for thorough cleaning of patient rooms.

– Staff uses gowns, gloves and various isolation procedures when caring for patients with known infections to decrease the spreading of harmful bacteria.

Dr. Scott Harris, acting state health officer, noted the importance of infection prevention due to the delays in recovery or the worsening of the condition caused by infections. A report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimates $1,000 of additional cost for each CAUTI and $17,000 in additional cost for each CLABSI.

“We publish an annual report that provides information on the number of infections per category and whether the hospital performs better than the national average, similar to it, or worse than,” Harris said. “In addition to the report, our staff members work with hospitals to improve the accuracy of the reporting, education that not only helps with public reporting, but more importantly helps hospitals collect data that is valuable in their efforts to improve care.”

The hospital infection report is one of several tools patients can use to learn more about a hospital’s care. Other quality measures are reported on Hospital Compare, a website operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“While these online resources can be helpful, they are just part of the picture,” Harris said. “Individuals should always talk with their physicians about the care needed and the best place to receive that care.”

Tiffeny Owens can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 135.