SALEM, OR — Oregon ranks better than the national average on health care-acquired infections, according to a report released by the Oregon Health Authority. Officials said this is a good sign, but also shows that there is room for improvement. The State aims to continue to reduce incidents of infections that sometimes people contract after being treated by health care providers.
Heath care-acquired infections are among the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. In Oregon, the cost per stay for patients that experience health care-acquired infections increases an average of $32,000.
Preventing these types of infections has become a key element to improve patient care and lower costs in the healthcare system. Patients can reduce the risk of health care-acquired infections by following any pre- and post-hospitalization infection steps their doctor recommends such as:
- Not shaving before surgery.
- Stop smoking.
- Take antibiotics and other medications exactly as directed by their doctors.
- Ask their visitors to stay home if they are sick.
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