Leapfrog: HAIs increased during COVID-19 pandemic

Editor's Note

The Leapfrog Group, on May 3, announced that its new Hospital Safety Grade shows a significant increase in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, spiking to a 5-year high and remaining high.

Their analysis found that the average:

• Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) ratio increased 60%
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection ratio increased 37%
• Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) ratio increased 19%.

At the same time, Clostridioides difficile (C Diff) infections improved 15%, and there was no significant change in surgical site infections (SSIs).

“The dramatic spike in HAIs reported in this Safety Grade cycle should stop hospitals in their tracks—infections like these can be life or death for some patients,” says Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group.