Patient Safety Authority Supports 'International Infection Preven...( The Authority continues to work w...),Health

The Authority continues to work with federal and state health agencies to increase infection reporting in Pennsylvania and encourages consumers to educate themselves on MRSA and C. diff prevention

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority supports "International Infection Prevention Week," October 19-25, 2008 to raise awareness of the need to protect patients and the public from healthcare-associated infections.

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is sponsoring this year's effort with the theme "Infection Prevention is Everyone's Business."

While the Authority has collected infection data from Pennsylvania hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities since June 2004, nursing homes will begin reporting in 2009 to increase efforts to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

"The Authority continues to work with the Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to implement Act fifty-two to reduce the number of infections in Pennsylvania's hospitals and nursing homes," Mike Doering, executive director of the Patient Safety Authority said. "The data we currently collect continue to provide us with information to help educate healthcare facilities and the public on how to prevent healthcare associated infections in Pennsylvania."

Since June 2004 the Authority has collected infection data from healthcare facilities through the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS). The data are reviewed and analyzed with guidance given through the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory -- a quarterly publication. While the Advisory is geared toward healthcare professionals and facility administrators, the Authority develops consumer tips when possible to encourage the public to participate in their healthcare and help reduce the likelihood of a medical error.
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