After successfully leading a statewide initiative to reduce pressure ulcers in healthcare settings, the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community has been contracted by the Indiana State Department of Health to oversee a similar effort against another preventable health scourge.
The new Indiana Healthcare Associated Infection Initiative targets common infections that occur in medical settings, such as those that arise from catheter use or as side effects of antibiotic use. UIndy’s CAC will lead a consortium of service agencies and advocacy groups in providing training and educational materials to help healthcare staffers reduce the frequency and severity of such infections, which occur in 5 percent of all acute care admissions nationwide. Each year in the United States, these preventable illnesses are linked to 99,000 deaths and approximately $30 billion in excess healthcare costs.
The 15-month Indiana program will begin in July and is expected to include at least 80 hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies. CAC’s involvement will continue through December 2011 under the $433,834 state contract.The Indiana Healthcare Associated Infection Initiative is modeled after the Indiana Pressure Ulcer Initiative, which CAC also is overseeing under a state contract. The first round of the pressure ulcer initiative reduced the incidence of ulcers by 30 percent among the more than 160 hospitals, long-term care centers and home healthcare providers that participated. A second round of the pressure ulcer initiative is now under way, with approximately 80 participating providers.
About CAC
The University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community is one of Indiana’s leading centers for aging studies, developing partnerships among higher education, business organizations and the community to improve the quality of life for older adults. CAC offers graduate-level education in aging studies as well as research and consultation services to civic, philanthropic, business and community organizations that serve older adults. More information is available at cac.uindy.edu.
