Reducing hospital infections

posted September 4th, 2008

In 1997, the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network (DICON) was formed to advance efforts that improve quality of care and enhance patient safety. A collaboration between Duke and 35 community hospitals, DICON is focused on improving infection control programs through monitoring and education.

The latest data have shown a significant reduction in nosocomial infections in DICON-affiliated hospitals:

Reductions in nosocomial infections at hospitals in the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network

  1. Employee exposures to blood and body fluids: DOWN 18%
  2. Nosocomial infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): DOWN 22%
  3. Nosocomial blood stream infections: DOWN 23%
  4. Foley-associated urinary tract infections: DOWN 27%
  5. Ventilator-associated pneumonias: DOWN 40%
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