Impact of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) on Patient Outcomes

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as healthcare-associated infections, represent one of the most significant challenges facing modern healthcare systems worldwide. Such infections are acquired by patients when they undergo any healthcare treatment at a hospital, long-term care facility, or any other form of care-giving institution and were not existent or under incubation when they entered the facilities. HAIs comprise a wide set of infections, such as surgical site infections, central line-related blood infections, catheter-related urinary tract infections, and ventilator- related pneumonia among others. The rate at which HAIs is propagated is incontrovertibly distressing regardless of the improvement in medical technology and infection control procedures.