On March 3rd, the CDC released the National and State Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) Progress Report for 2014 National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) data.  This annual report provides an update on previous reports, detailing state and national progress towards reducing, and ultimately eliminating, HAIs.   The infection types highlighted in the report include Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI), Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) after colon surgery and abdominal hysterectomy, hospital lab-identified methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia, and Clostridium difficile infections.

The HAI progress report found that Arizona reduced the rate of infections in five of the six infection types compared to 2013.  The report also indicated that Arizona observed fewer HAIs than expected in five of the six infection types compared to the national baseline.

The HAI Program at ADHS works closely with a multidisciplinary HAI Advisory Committee and subcommittees to identify and address HAI priority areas for Arizona. Arizona also has strong partnerships with organizations and healthcare facilities across the state to prevent healthcare associated infections, which supports HAI Prevention work through the Advisory Committee and through Arizona’s State Health Improvement Plan. You can visit preventhaiaz.gov to learn more about how the Arizona Department of Health Services is working to reduce HAIs.