When you are in the hospital, you trust the facility and staff to keep you safe. One of the primary responsibilities of a healthcare provider is to prevent infection.
Unfortunately, hospital-acquired infections can happen due to medical malpractice and are extremely dangerous if not treated correctly.
Identifying how you acquired an infection can be difficult. Figuring out who is responsible for its spread is even more complex.
A Kansas City medical malpractice lawyer will evaluate your case and help you determine if you have a valid claim.
What Are Hospital-Acquired Infections?
A hospital-acquired infection is just that: an infection a patient developed while in the hospital.
These infections can be viral, bacterial, or fungal and can be extraordinarily dangerous if left undiagnosed and untreated, especially for patients with weakened immune systems.
How to Prevent Hospital-Acquired Infections?
Keeping the environment clean and ensuring the patient’s needs are adequately met are two important aspects of preventing hospital-acquired infections.
Facility Prevention
The most effective way to prevent hospital-acquired infections is to keep the facility, environment, and equipment clean.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities must comply with safety and cleanliness standards to ensure a sterile facility. Doctors and providers must use sterile and clean equipment when caring for patients and performing procedures.
For instance, using sterilized tools and wearing clean gloves is an effective way to prevent contamination and the spread of bacteria that can cause dangerous infections.
Doctor, Nurse, Caregiver Prevention
Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals involved in patient care should also care for their patients’ hygiene, especially when the patient cannot do so themselves. They should assist the patient with the following:
- Proper bathing,
- Cleaning of wounds,
- Changing of linens, and
- Care of intravenous catheters.
Advocating for yourself or your loved one is essential if you believe the hospital is not taking necessary precautions to prevent hospital-acquired infections.
Why Are Hospital-Acquired Infections so Dangerous?
Humans are exposed to hundreds of germs and pathogens daily, most of which our immune system will protect us from. So, you might be wondering, why are hospital-acquired infections so dangerous?
Infections are dangerous because they can get into your bloodstream, skin, urinary tract, lungs, or digestive system, causing you to become very ill.
For instance, bacteria’s direct path into your bloodstream via an intravenous line can accelerate and intensify the infection.
Generally, these infections can be complicated to treat and may last for an extended period, weakening your immune system.
Hospital-acquired infections tend to lengthen your hospital stay, delay your recovery, and lead to secondary infections and other complications.
What Are the 6 Most Common Hospital-Acquired Infections?
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of specific pathogens you could be exposed to, leading to hospital-acquired infection.
An infection is possible in any part of the body and can be minor, moderate, or severe. Some infections are more aggressive than others.
It is possible to anticipate a full recovery, but it is also possible that the infection will be fatal. We discuss the six most common hospital-acquired infections below.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are among the most common infections a hospital patient can develop. They are highly contagious and spread through microscope droplets in the air or on objects.
Respiratory infections can take many forms and severity levels. While pneumonia is one of the most prominent hospital-acquired respiratory infections, other common ones include upper respiratory infections such as rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Surgical Site Infections
Surgical site or post-surgical infections are prevalent because surgical incisions are highly prone to infection. These can occur on the skin’s surface, muscle, tissue, or even in an organ.
Surgical site infections have the potential to spread and cause further complications.
Staph Infections
Staph infections are highly contagious and among the most common and dangerous hospital-acquired infections.
They often present as boiling blisters on the skin and can quickly spread and worsen. They can also be antibiotic-resistant and difficult to treat.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Catheters used to drain urine from the bladder typically cause UTIs. An infection can occur in any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, kidneys, and bladder.
They are especially dangerous to patients with compromised immune systems and can also be challenging to eradicate.
Bloodstream Infections
Bloodstream infections happen when bacteria enter the bloodstream. They can be introduced by intravenous (IV) lines, unsterile surgical equipment, and any contaminated object that comes into contact with a patient’s bloodstream. Bloodstream infections can lead to sepsis and organ failure throughout the body.
Central Line Infections
Central lines are usually large, long catheters placed directly into a person’s vein. They are typically used to deliver fluids, additional blood, or medication to the patient and are larger than the average IV line.
A malfunctioning central line or one not properly cleaned, maintained, or replaced can lead to a severe infection in and around the central line.
Proving Your Hospital-Acquired Infection Case
As the plaintiff in a medical malpractice claim, you must prove that the medical professional or facility was negligent.
Although not all hospital-acquired infections result from medical malpractice or negligence, they often are.
To establish your case, you must prove that the hospital deviated from the accepted standard of medical care under the circumstances and that deviation caused an infection, resulting in your harm.
Typically, your attorney will utilize medical experts to prove the essential elements of your case.
Kansas City Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen are seasoned, skilled, and knowledgeable attorneys ready to fight for the justice you and your family deserve.
With over 100 years of combined experience advocating for those injured by medical malpractice, we have the experience to handle all aspects of your case.
If you believe you or your loved one’s hospital-acquired infection was the result of negligent conduct, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate team.
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