An investigation by Consumer Reports paints an unflattering picture
of U.S. hospitals when it comes to their rate of patient infection
and public accountability. In its March issue, the magazine reports
30,000 patients die each year because of blood infections they contract
while connected to central line IVs in hospital intensive care
units.
While hospital infections will never be eliminated, greater accountability will ensure they are kept to a minimum and it is recommended patients get more proactive and investigate hospital reporting data. Also, patients should familiarize themselves with how hospital procedures are done and speak up when they fear a mistake has been made.
Registered nurse Joann Paul, who runs the quality control program at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS, says the key to infection prevention at Wesley is communication and attention to detail. It's about nurses not being afraid to tell doctors that they've skipped a step.
For more, see For more, see kwch.com.
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