A hospital-acquired infection (HAI), also known as a nosocomial infection, is an infection that a patient gets while or soon after receiving medical treatment. It happens in a healthcare setting. When negligence is involved in how a patient is being handled, the chances of contracting an HAI can be high.
So, what are its causes, and what can you do when you develop an infection in a hospital?
Causes of HAIs
HAIs are caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens, which are spread by:
- Unclean hands
- Contaminated surfaces and equipment
- Long-term use of equipment
A healthcare provider who fails to clean their hands using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer can transfer germs from one patient to another or from a contaminated surface to a patient.
A patient who is treated with equipment that breaks the body’s natural defenses, such as the skin or mucous membrane, can be highly susceptible to HAIs. For instance, when a catheter is used to treat urinary retention or heart blockages, or a ventilator is used to treat respiratory illnesses.
The long-term usage of such equipment can lead to the formation of biofilm ( a matrix of microorganisms that attaches to a surface, forming a protective community). Pathogens in a biofilm are highly resistant to antibiotics and the immune system. This increases the risk of them migrating from the equipment into the body.
Examples of HAIs acquired in this way are catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
A patient whose treatment involves surgery can contract surgical site infections if instruments are inadequately sterilized or healthcare providers fail to clean their hands properly.
What can you do?
If you develop an HAI, you can hold the respective hospital or healthcare provider liable for their negligence. Legal guidance can help you understand the steps to take.