need Reply to bellow post (website use in the post) Explore the CDCs Healthcare-Associated Infections-Community Interface (HAIC) site at https://www.cdc.gov/hai/eip/index.html According to the article published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] (2019) on healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and antibiotic use prevalence, 1 in 31 hospital patients and 1 in 43 nursing home residents has an HAI, and approximately half of hospital patients and 1 in 12 nursing home residents receive an antimicrobial medication. HAIs not only affects a patients outcomes, but they also have a negative impact on the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of a patient. Worth noting, is the relationship between increased antimicrobial use and the growth of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Misuse, and incorrect use of antimicrobial medications increases the likelihood of the development of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms (CDC, 2019). Healthcare professionals need to improve the practice of prescribing antimicrobial medications in healthcare facilities, to prevent HAIs. Emerging Infections Program (EPI) Hospital Prevalence Surveys are conducted to collect information of HAIs in acute care settings. In the last about 10 years, four phases of the survey have been conducted, with the most recent survey being conducted in 2015-2017. According to a publication by Magill et al. (2018), the prevalence of HAIs in 2015 was lower when compare to the prevalence in 2011. The researchers recommended that such improvements can continue to be achieved if prevention strategies against various infections such as difficile infection and pneumonia are augmented. Nurses play a crucial role in HAIs prevention. They are patient advocates, and therefore are in a unique place to promote safe and effective care. Through their knowledge and skills, nurses can demonstrate leadership in infection prevention. Also, worth noting is the importance of educating nurses on HAIs prevention (Asfaw, 2021). Continuing educational programs and in service training are crucial in sensitizing nurses on the strategic practices that can prevent HAIs in hospitals, that improving patient safety. References Asfaw, N. (2021). Knowledge and practice of nurses towards prevention of hospital acquired infections and its associated factors. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 15, 100333. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2019). HAI and Antibiotic Use Prevalence Survey. Magill, S. S., OLeary, E., Janelle, S. J., Thompson, D. L., Dumyati, G., Nadle, J., Wilson, L. E., Kainer, M. A., Lynfield, R., Greissman, S., Ray, S. M., Beldavs, Z., Gross, C., Bamberg, W., Sievers, M., Concannon, C., Buhr, N., Warnke, L., Maloney, M., & Ocampo, V. (2018). Changes in prevalence of health careassociated infections in . Hospitals. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(18), 17321744. ?Show more
