For their study, researchers compared the effect of reporting surgical site infections, complex surgical site infections and complex surgical site infections diagnosed in inpatient settings. They calculated the incidence of each infection category across 37 community hospitals from July 2007-December 2008. Once that data was collected, the researchers assessed how the three infection reporting categories affected hospital performance rankings.
The results showed as the focus of infection reporting narrowed from surgical site infection down to complex surgical site infections diagnosed in inpatient facilities, variance in rates changed significantly. Consequently, hospital performance rankings also changed significantly as the scope of infection reporting changed.
The researchers concluded hospitals should limit the scope of infection reporting to complex surgical site infections diagnosed in inpatient settings.
Related Articles on Infection Reporting:
14 Frequently Asked Questions about CMS’ Inpatient Quality Reporting Program
HHS to Begin Publishing CLABSI Rates on Hospital Compare Site
Utah House Approve Infection Reporting Bill
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