Improving patient safety through prevention of healthcare associated infections

Abstract

Prevention of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is an essential part of patient safety. HAIs are associated with significant mortality, morbidity, and increasing healthcare cost. Major HAIs include urinary tract infection, pneumonia, surgical site infection, bacteremia, and C. difficile colitis. Surveillance for HAIs is essential to prevent these infections. Active strategies, such as the 'bundle' approach, should be implemented for the effective prevention of HAIs. The Korean regulatory certification system for hospitals is a powerful driver in the maintenance of the infection surveillance, control and prevention process. Additional driving forces for the reduction of HAIs include financial incentives and convincing clinical practice guidelines. Therefore, there is a need for solid regulatory and financial support and a suitable cultural environment for the prevention of HAIs.