Does Public Reporting Prompt Hospitals to Reduce Infections? -- by Suzanne Delbanco, Ph.D.

In the U.S., exactly half of the 50 states now require public reporting of hospital-specific rates of hospital-acquired infections.  There are multiple purposes behind public reporting, including making hospitals accountable to the communities they serve, and providing information to help patients make informed decisions about where to seek care.  But does public reporting prompt hospitals to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections?

In Pennsylvania, where the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council has been reporting hospital outcomes publicly for many years, the evidence is mounting that public reporting is associated with improved outcomes over time.  The Council released a report on January 22 that analyzes data from 2007 and compares it to data from 2006.  The data submitted by hospitals was the same for both years, allowing a first year-over-year comparison.  From 2006 to 2007, the Council found an 8% decrease in the number of infections contracted by patients in Pennsylvania hospitals.

Pennsylvania hospitals must have implemented variety of measures to reduce the spread of infections between 2006 and 2007.  The spotlight shined on the problem by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council no doubt added to their vigilance.

Curious about a new approach to assuring infection control practices are implemented?  Learn about Hospital Video Auditing (HVA) by clicking here.

Suzanne Delbanco is President, Health Care Division, Arrowsight, Inc.