Using Modern Technology As A Tool To Enhance Infection Control In Healthcare Facilities

Abstract

The problem of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) is still a serious challenge to patient safety because human error and uneven adherence often hinder traditional control strategies. The current investigation determined the effectiveness of a combined technological intervention, which comprises electronic hand hygiene monitoring, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, and real-time infection surveillance software, in terms of the reduction of the incidence of HAI, the increase of compliance, and the analysis of cost-efficiency. The quasi-experimental design was applied in 20 hospital units (intensive care unit, general surgery department and internal medicine ward) with 500 healthcare workers and a patient-day of about 35,500. The units were assigned to either of three bundles of technology: Advanced, Intermediate, or Basic. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multivariate logistic regression were applied to data extracted using electronic logs, and hospital records as well as direct observations. The total HAI rate showed significant statistically significant improvements in terms of a decrease in the total HAI rate, which was 10.8 in the intervention period, and 6.8 per 1000 patient-days in the post-intervention period, or it represented a 37% relative change. Strongest absolute decrease was in intensive care units as this declined by 7.3 per 1,000 patient-days. Advanced technology bundle was found to be the most powerful independent predictor of a 30% or greater reduction of HAIs with an adjusted odds ratio of 18.45 (95% CI: 4.12 -82.61) and this was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The compliance in hand hygiene was over 90% in the units that used the Advanced bundle. The cost benefit analysis showed significant net annual savings and the benefit cost returns a ratio of 17:1 to 50:1. Bundled technological interventions have significant effects on the prevention of HAI and the adherence to hand hygiene in a cost-efficient way. Implementation of integrated technology bundles, particularly in high-risk environments, is a proactive, information-based strategy to improve patient safety and the burden of HAIs.