Program Seeks to Reduce ICU Infections

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When the safety program was tested in more than 100 Michigan intensive care units, infection rates dropped dramatically -- over three months, more than 50 percent of the participating hospitals saw their ICU infection rates drop to zero.

"Far too many people suffer preventable harm, suffering and death, and excess costs as a result of our health care system," Pronovost said. "The public deserves much safer health care than they are currently getting."

Using the program in Michigan has saved 1,500 to 1,800 lives a year and $200 million in costs, Pronovost said. "We now have the bold idea to spread the program throughout the rest of the country," he said.

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The program is designed to survey and improve ICU safety by changing the "culture" of the ICU. It includes tools to help identify opportunities to reduce infections and policies to make care safer.

The grant program will involve hospitals in 10 states, with at least 10 hospitals in each state participating, Pronovost and Clancy said.

More information

For more on patient safety, visit the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

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