Alabama’s hospitals continue to improve quality by reducing healthcare-associated infections

For the fourteenth year in a row, Alabama’s Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI) program has been committed to protecting patients from adverse healthcare events, while promoting safety, quality and value in Alabama’s healthcare delivery.

“We publish an annual report that provides information on the number of infections per category and whether the hospital performs better than the national average, similar to it, or worse than,” said State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris. “In addition to the report, our staff members work with hospitals to improve the accuracy of the reporting, education that not only helps with public reporting, but more importantly helps hospitals collect data that is valuable in their efforts to improve care.”

Alabama’s hospitals performed better than the national performance level in three of the four important infection-related categories, according to the latest report by the Alabama Department of Public Health, which is for calendar year 2024. The annual report reveals state- and hospital-specific infection rates on catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs), and two surgical site infection measures (abdominal hysterectomies and colon surgeries). Statewide, Alabama’s hospitals performed better than the national performance level in the CAUTI, CLABSI, and colon surgery categories, while performing similarly in the abdominal hysterectomy category.

“Providing quality care and patient safety remain at the heart of everything Alabama’s hospitals do,” said Danne Howard, President of the Alabama Hospital Association. “These results reflect the dedication of frontline caregivers and hospital leaders, as well as the ongoing work of the Association’s quality and infection prevention efforts that provide education, hands-on training through infection prevention bootcamps, sharing of best practices, and direct support to hospitals across the state. By working together and continually investing in improvement, our hospitals are advancing safer quality care for the patients and communities they serve.”

Dr. Harris stresses the importance of infection prevention, as delays in recovery and the worsening of the condition caused by infections can lead to a higher economic burden. Several studies report that a simple and straightforward process, taking only a few seconds to clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub helps to prevent HAIs and save lives, reduce morbidity, and minimize healthcare costs.

The annual report is one of several tools patients can use to learn more about a hospital’s quality of care. Other measures are reported on Hospital Compare, a website operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “While these online resources can be helpful, they are just part of the picture,” added Dr. Harris. “Individuals should always talk with their healthcare provider about the care needed and the best place to receive that care.”

To view the report, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/hai/.