Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect 1.4 million people worldwide at any given time. That’s about 1 in 31 hospital patients. In the United States, HAIs cost hospitals $28-44 billion annually. Their indirect cost to patients and the public (e.g., preventable deaths, long-term complications, and decreased productivity) is even greater.

Most HAIs are preventable. However, a low rate of compliance with prevention guidelines:

• One study found that hand hygiene non-compliance averaged 50 percent in U.S. hospitals.

• Another found that 30 percent of ICU nurses were non-compliant with CLABSI* prevention guidelines.

*CLABSIs, or central line-associated bloodstream infections, are the deadliest and most costly HAI. [1] [2]

The Solution? People + Technology

On October 21st, we attended APIC 2022, an annual conference hosted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. The theme was “Accelerating HAI Prevention.”

We presented an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solution for infection control specialists to ensure compliance with CLABSI prevention guidelines. We also had the pleasure of attending keynotes by infection control experts.

One of those experts inspired this blog: William Rutala, PhD, MS, MPH, presented on “Disinfection & Sterilization” (slides free-to-read HERE). Dr. Rutala emphasized the importance of adopting new technologies to compensate for human error in infection control. His presentation featured a powerful quote by Robert A. Weinstein, MD:

Given the choice of improving technology or improving behavior, technology is the better choice.

Hospitals can (and should) take steps to increase infection control compliance the old-fashioned way. But some degree of noncompliance is inevitable due to human error, and that’s where technology can make a huge impact.

Modern technologies like AI present an opportunity to improve patient experience and outcomes with automated compliance assurance. Dr. Rutala cited continuous room contamination as a successful case study. Self-cleaning surfaces circumvent the #1 cause of contamination: cleaning crew members.

The Way Forward for Healthcare Professionals

If you’re an infection control specialist, we recommend taking two steps.

First, explore Dr. Rutala’s resources regarding the most effective disinfection and sterilization procedures for HAI elimination. Second, reach out. We have the technology and expertise to solve your infection control problems.

We want to help. Let’s discuss.

Photo by Ricardo Resende on Unsplash

About Synaptiq

Synaptiq is an AI and data science consultancy based in Portland, Oregon. We collaborate with our clients to develop human-centered products and solutions. We uphold a strong commitment to ethics and innovation. 

Contact us if you have a problem to solve, a process to refine, or a question to ask.

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