The Need to Understand Infection Risk Sources and Pathways to Mitigate HAIs

Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) remain a significant source of concern for healthcare facilities of all types and sizes, and the physical environment is often a leading source of these infection-causing pathogens. Data from the CDC indicates that each year, about 1 in 25 U.S. hospital patients are diagnosed with at least one infection related to hospital care alone, and approximately 97,000 Americans die from hospital-related fungal infections each year. While there are many factors that contribute to the prevalence of HAIs, the environment plays a significant role in their transmission.

Industrial hygienists and public health professionals typically rely upon a Source-Pathway-Receptor approach to understanding the infection transmission process. This approach can prove valuable to infection control practitioners as well.