Teaching Hospitals May Have High Infection Rates
Contrary to belief, teaching hospitals, which are conventionally believed to have the highest patient safety standards, may not be that safe for patients. According to an analysis of academic hospitals, consumers who choose these hospitals may be just as much at risk of infections as any other hospital.
The analysis was conducted by Consumer Reports, and studied the rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections. Researchers were surprised to find teaching hospitals that are held up as models of the right way of doing things, may not necessarily be the safest for patients.
Of all the hospitals that were rated for central line-associated bloodstream infections, 142 hospitals or 12.7% reported a rate of zero central line -associated bloodstream infections. Most of these hospitals were small to medium size. That should be an eye-opener for people who believe that large-size hospitals always deliver on quality and safety. In fact, according to the study, many community hospitals that are smaller in size performed better on infection prevention scores.
Central line -associated bloodstream infections are typically contracted through tainted central lines which are used to deliver drugs and nutrients to the patient at a quick pace. When these central lines become contaminated because of unsterile handling practices, any infection that results can also be spread to the patient very quickly.
What makes it worse is that these infections are delivered directly into the bloodstream, resulting in serious illnesses that can quickly get worse. Indiana medical malpractice attorneys advise the use of sterile practices, especially during the insertion and removal of catheters, and training of staff in the handling of catheters to reduce infections.
