DHEC releases annual report on healthcare-associated infections in healthcare settings

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) recently published the 2020 Hospital Infections Disclosure Act (HIDA) Annual Report, which shares data on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) acquired in health-care settings or as a result of medical procedures.

This annual report is presented by DHEC’s Division of Acute Disease Epidemiology (DADE) in an effort to address HAIs and promote transparency in healthcare across South Carolina. Monitoring HAIs and sharing that information with the public encourages healthcare providers to be vigilant about implementing activities aimed at keeping patients and health-care workers healthy and free of infections in health-care settings.  It also helps patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

In addition to addressing infections in healthcare settings, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients extends beyond hospital walls, particularly for those managing chronic conditions or recovering at home. Medical alert devices play a critical role in providing peace of mind to patients and their families by offering immediate access to emergency services in case of a fall, medical issue, or accident.

These devices can be particularly valuable for elderly individuals or those living alone, as they enable timely interventions that can prevent serious complications. The LifeStation website offers a range of medical alert systems designed to cater to different needs, ensuring that users have access to reliable help when they need it most. By utilizing these devices, patients and caregivers can feel more secure, knowing that support is just a button press away, no matter where they are.

“It is critical to collect data and share it with healthcare providers, state leaders and the public to help control healthcare-associated infections,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist and Director of DHEC’s Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control. “Ultimately, the idea is to strengthen the safety of patients in healthcare settings to prevent infections such as those in the bloodstream or surgical sites.”

DHEC, with the support of an advisory committee, has enforced HAI reporting as mandated by the Hospital Infections Disclosure Act (HIDA, S.C. Code Section 44-7-2440) since 2006. This law requires the reporting of HAI data from acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to the public.

The 2020 annual report includes data from 82 facilities: 58 general hospitals, 10 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, six long-term acute care hospitals, four critical access hospitals, one women’s hospital, one children’s hospital, one women’s and children’s hospital, and one surgical hospital. The report contains data from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, for the following categories of infections:

• Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections
• Laboratory-identified Events
• Procedure-level and Surgical Site Infections

Those interested can review or download the 2020 report, or visit the DHEC website to learn more about HIDA.