IHC has been a pioneer in Iowa and nationally in working with hospitals in multiple quality improvement and patient safety initiatives. A national priority in which IHC has been an active partner with Iowa hospitals has been in the area of reducing infections. Since 2005, IHC has released to the public hospital-specific healthcare-associated infection (HAI) performance information in its Iowa Report.
Today’s release of HAI information updates a set of HAI reports for which Iowa hospitals voluntarily collect and report data. IHC, in collaboration with the Iowa Hospital Association and action-oriented healthcare stakeholders across the state, helped align and equip Iowa hospitals in their voluntary efforts to collect infection data, publicly report results, and work on improving outcomes related to this important set of HAI measures. “Healthcare improvement and responsible public reporting of performance are the main cornerstones of our work with hospitals,” said Tom Evans, MD, president and CEO of IHC. “We have used these data to better inform hospitals of their performance and to facilitate infection reduction in Iowa. Today’s release of hospital-specific rates to the public follows through on our commitment to performance transparency in healthcare for Iowans.”
Highlights of today’s release of data include:
- Although Central line-associated bloodstream infections due to the use of intravenous catheters placed into large veins increased slightly from 2009 to 2010, Iowa’s statewide average infection rate remains lower than the most recent national average rate. “The four-year trend for central line-associated bloodstream infections is decreasing. This type of infection is part of the national Partnership for Patients (PfP) initiative to reduce all-cause harm to patients and is a primary target for infection prevention by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We will continue to challenge their efforts in order to achieve our ultimate goal of no infections,” said Dr. Evans.
- In four years of collecting data on surgical infections, Iowa hospitals have mixed results. For example, the data suggest that the trend in infections for heart surgery (coronary artery bypass graft - CABG) is decreasing. However, the trends in infections for colon, hip, and hysterectomy surgeries are increasing. Surgical site infections are also a focus of the CMS and the PfP. The IHC continues to assist hospitals in their efforts to collect data, measure, report, and improve performance.
- The IHC has aligned and equipped hospitals to collect and report infection data for a particularly severe type of infection - Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or “MRSA” – over the past three years. The data suggest the three-year trend in MRSA surgical site infections and MRSA bloodstream infections are decreasing.
- The prevalence of healthcare workers that are vaccinated for seasonal influenza (flu) remains high in Iowa. The most recent healthcare worker (HCW) immunization rate for Iowa hospitals was 92% for the 2010-2011 flu season. Iowa hospitals’ voluntary and superior performance in this area is drawing national attention. Nationally, historic averages suggest that approximately 49-57 percent of healthcare workers are immunized against seasonal influenza. National organizations like the CDC, Association of Professionals for Infection Control and the Society of Healthcare Epidemiologists all recommend health care workers receive immunizations annually against influenza as a way to protect patients and other workers against healthcare-associated infections. Most recently, the CMS finalized rules to require hospitals to report HCW immunization data to the CMS. “Iowa’s performance far outstrips what is happening across the United States and we’ll continue our efforts with Iowa hospitals and other healthcare settings to drive this percentage even higher,” said Dr. Evans.
“According to national organizations, the performance of Iowa’s healthcare system has been ranked in the top one or two states in the country. Currently, there is an increasing national focus on continuous improvement within the healthcare delivery system. The intensity of national efforts is initially focused on hospitals. In this environment we must continue our focus on continuous improvement to ensure that Iowans receive the best care. Iowa hospitals and healthcare providers must continue their efforts to be a national model for other states,” indicated Dr. Evans.
The Iowa Healthcare Collaborative (IHC) is a provider-led and patient-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare. IHC's mission is exceptional healthcare in Iowa. IHC plays a unique role in putting healthcare providers (doctors, nurses and hospital executives) in a leadership position to drive clinical improvements and accelerate change. By encouraging communication, collaboration and transparency, IHC ultimately raises the quality, patient safety and value of healthcare in Iowa.
Contact:
Tom Evans, MD (515) 283-9330
Iowa Healthcare Collaborative (IHC)
[ PRESS RELEASE ]
