AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE PATTERN AND INCIDENCE OF HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS (HAI) AND EVALUATE EFFECTIVENESS OF HOSPITAL INFECTION CONTROL (HIC) POLICIES.

Introduction:- Knowledge about the incidence, pattern and antimicrobial susceptibility of organisms causing healthcare associated infections (HAI) along with simultaneous assessment of effectiveness of hospital infection control policies (HIC) can help us in devising new strategies for prevention of HAI. Aim:To assess the pattern and incidence of HAI and effectiveness of HIC policies. Materials and Methods:- An observational prospective study was conducted in 39 patients with HAI meeting the inclusion criteria from January 2014 to December 2015 at Rao Nursing Home, Pune. Exposures to various invasive devices were noted in the patients. The occurrence, site, micro-organisms responsible for HAI, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, factors influencing HAI and antibiotic therapy were identified and recorded. The rates of HAI in 2014 and 2015 were compared to check the efficacy of HIC policies. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics like number and percentages. Results:- Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) was the most common device associated HAI (43.6%) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli being the most common organisms leading to it. Highest resistance was seenfor antibiotics like piperacillin (69.2%), ticarcillin (69.2%) and carbenicillin (69.2%). The major causes for HAI were prolonged hospital stay and co-morbid conditions of the patient. Incidence rates for device associated HAIdemonstrated a decline from 2014 to 2015, with achievement of target ratefor infection control. Conclusion:- The incidence of HAI can be reduced by educating patients, adequate training of the staff, special care of high risk population, and implementation of proper interventions.