Renewing our commitment to preventing HAIs

This past year’s COVID surge, capacity challenges and staffing shortages posed the greatest challenges our system has faced to date and commanded much of our attention. As we head into a new year, it’s time to refocus our efforts on preventing hospital-acquired infections. Here is an update on current HAI performance and upcoming actions in 2022.

The numbers above include finalized investigations. We also have a several infections still under investigation:

We know it can feel disheartening to see these numbers, but we have the power to change how we move forward. Action items related to infections include:

Bundle compliance. Audits resumed November of 2021. We will be sharing data and looking at trends to move forward. We recognize there is a new contracted labor base caring for our patients. Onboarding kits and checklists have been updated to support educating our contracted labor to support our Mission and Vision.

Case investigations at Tiger Team. At Asante we leverage the depth of experience at each hospital and share infection case investigations. This allows us to share best practice across the system.

Urinary retention protocol and policy update. Infection Prevention, in partnership with Nursing Professional Development and provider leadership are working on revamping urinary retention protocols to better prevent infection in longer-term catheter patients.

Reinvigorated hand hygiene program. Infection Prevention and operational stakeholders are working on a plan to bolster our hand hygiene program.

Thank you for your tireless work on the front lines. Your efforts keep our patients safe.