Hospital infections, which patients contract while admitted to a health center, are responsible for an average of 18 deaths per day in Spain, according to a recent study presented at the congress of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases held in Barcelona. The research estimates that a total of 6,393 deaths occur annually in the country due to these infections, causing patients to require almost 2,000 million additional euros in healthcare costs.
Dr. Mireia Cantero, one of the authors of the study and a doctor at Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda Hospital in Madrid, points out that hospital infections pose a significant challenge to the health system, with preventable infections accounting for more than half of the cases. The study, based on data from the EPINE surveillance system, includes information from over 300 hospitals and nearly 100,000 patients.
One of the key findings of the study is that 7.8% of patients contract infections in hospitals, with a 10.9% mortality rate among those patients. The study also highlights that healthcare-related infections increase the risk of death by 60% and prolong hospital stays by an average of 9.2 days, resulting in significant financial implications for the healthcare system.
Experts emphasize the importance of implementing effective infection control measures in hospitals, such as disinfection of surfaces, sterilization of materials, and hand hygiene. They point out that even bacteria that are harmless outside of the hospital environment can be lethal in healthcare settings, especially among patients with weakened immune systems.
Resistance to antibiotics is another major concern, with pathogens evolving to become resistant to available treatments. Active surveillance of resistant bacteria in hospitals is crucial to prevent outbreaks and effectively manage infections.
Success stories in infection control were also highlighted at the congress, with hospitals implementing measures to reduce incidences of infections related to catheter use. Experts stress that most hospital infections are preventable with proper training, resources, and protocols in place.
Overall, the study underscores the need for hospitals to prioritize infection control measures to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections and mitigate the impact on patient outcomes and healthcare costs.