Hospital-acquired condition

Hospital-acquired condition (HAC) refers to a medical condition or complication that a patient develops during a hospital stay, which was not present at the time of admission. These conditions can be serious and can lead to significant patient harm, including prolonged hospital stays, permanent harm, or death.

Overview

Hospital-acquired conditions include a wide range of infections, complications and conditions that are considered preventable. They are a significant issue in healthcare, as they increase patient morbidity and mortality, and add to the cost of healthcare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has identified several conditions that are considered preventable and has implemented policies to reduce the incidence of these conditions.

Types of Hospital-Acquired Conditions

There are several types of hospital-acquired conditions, including:

• Infections: These are the most common type of HAC. They can occur at the surgical site, in the urinary tract, in the bloodstream, or in the lungs (pneumonia).
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE): These conditions can occur after surgery, especially in patients who are immobile for long periods.
• Pressure ulcers: These are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. They are most common in patients who are bedridden or use a wheelchair.
• Falls and trauma: These include fractures, dislocations, and head injuries that occur in the hospital.

Prevention

Prevention of hospital-acquired conditions involves a combination of patient safety practices, such as hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe injection practices, and appropriate use of antibiotics. In addition, hospitals are encouraged to implement safety protocols and checklists to prevent errors and complications.

See Also

• Patient safety
• Healthcare-associated infection
• Medical error
• Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

References

Hospital-acquired condition Resources
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