Understanding the patient experience of HAIs

Editor's Note

Though the effects of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) vary, patients recount similar experiences in this review study.

A total of 17 studies from 5 countries addressing 5 types of HAIs were analyzed: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, surgical site, Clostridium difficile, Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacterial infections.

Four interrelated themes emerged:

• the continuum of physical and emotional responses
• the response of healthcare professionals
• adapting to life with an HAI
• the complex cultural context of HAIs.

The studies graphically expressed the biosociocultural context of the contagions and their impact on social relationships and professional interactions.

This review brings together, for the first time, patient experiences of different types of HAIs, the researchers note.