Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections: A Pathway to Improved Patient Satisfaction

and Safety

Jennifer L. Barton

Chamberlain University College of Nursing

NR562: Leadership and Management within the Complex Healthcare Systems

Dr. Valerie DeVaughn

February 2nd, 2025

Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections: A Pathway to Improved Patient Satisfaction

and Safety

In the contemporary healthcare environment, ensuring patient safety and enhancing the

patient experience are critical for providing high-quality care. Patient-centered care, which

emphasizes the active involvement of patients in their own care processes, serves as a

foundational principle in achieving these goals. The National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs)

established by The Joint Commission represent key benchmarks aimed at minimizing harm and

improving health outcomes across diverse healthcare settings. This essay focuses on the NPSG

of reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), articulating its significance for

healthcare systems. Furthermore, the discussion will highlight how this goal promotes person-

centered care, propose a strategy to support its achievement, and evaluate the impacts of the

strategy on healthcare workflows and patient experiences.

Selected National Patient Safety Goal: Reducing the Risk of Healthcare-Associated

Infections

Healthcare-associated infections pose a significant threat to patient safety and are of

considerable concern for healthcare systems globally. According to the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one

healthcare-associated infection on any given day (CDC, 2021). These infections can lead to

prolonged hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates (World Health

Organization [WHO], 2022). The emphasis on reducing HAIs is a response to these alarming

statistics, as healthcare systems strive to prevent infections that can complicate patient recovery

and diminish the overall quality of care.

Reducing HAIs is not only a matter of safeguarding patients but also a responsibility of

healthcare organizations to uphold ethical and legal standards of care. The implications of HAIs

extend beyond individual patients, affecting public health, healthcare costs, and the reputation of

care facilities. As such, the NPSG related to HAIs is a vital benchmark for measuring the

efficacy of safety protocols and ensuring compliance with established best practices in infection

control.

Implications for Person-Centered Care

The NPSG addressing HAIs fundamentally supports the principles of patient-centered care

by prioritizing patient welfare and safety. Patient-centered care seeks to honor patient

preferences, needs, and values in the planning and delivery of care. By focusing on minimizing

infection risk, healthcare providers can foster an environment that demonstrates respect for each

patient’s health concerns and promotes more favorable outcomes.

A direct impact of addressing HAIs on patient experience outcomes is evident in patient

satisfaction surveys. Research has shown that patients who perceive that their healthcare

providers are actively working to prevent infections report higher levels of trust and satisfaction

(Braun et al., 2020). Moreover, effective infection control practices contribute to shorter hospital

stays and decreased rates of readmissions due to complications stemming from HAIs. This not

only increases patients' confidence in their healthcare providers but also aligns treatment with

patient-centered care outcomes, ultimately enhancing their experience within the healthcare

system.

Proposed Strategy for Achieving the Benchmark

To support the achievement of the NPSG related to reducing HAIs, a multi-faceted strategy

that includes implementing a comprehensive infection prevention and control (IPC) program is
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proposed. This program would involve continuous training for healthcare staff, regular audits of

hygiene practices, and the use of advanced technology such as electronic monitoring systems to

ensure compliance with infection control protocols.

The introduction of an IPC program would influence workflows significantly. By

embedding infection prevention practices into daily routines and leveraging technology to

monitor compliance, healthcare providers can create seamless connections between various

departments such as nursing, housekeeping, and pharmacy (Bhattacharjee & Bhattacharya,

2025). Such integration encourages a culture of safety where the entire healthcare team shares

the responsibility for infection control and patient safety, thereby enhancing communication and

collaboration across disciplines.

Moreover, the proposed strategy would likely enhance the patient experience by reducing

the risk of contracting HAIs during hospitalization. Patients would feel more secure knowing that

their health and safety are prioritized, which serves to improve their overall satisfaction with the

care they receive. The greater trust built through transparent communication about infection

prevention measures can significantly contribute to a positive patient experience.

Conclusion

In summary, the relationship between person-centered care and patient experience

outcomes in healthcare systems cannot be overstated. The National Patient Safety Goal focused

on reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections serves as a critical benchmark that shapes

the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care. By adopting a comprehensive infection

prevention and control program, healthcare organizations can strengthen patient safety, enhance

communication across systems, and improve patient experience outcomes. Ultimately, the

continuous pursuit of these benchmarks will foster a healthcare environment that affirms the
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importance of patient-centered care, leading to better outcomes and increased trust between

patients and healthcare providers.

References

Bhattacharjee, S., & Bhattacharya, S. (2025). Leveraging AI-driven nudge theory to enhance

hand hygiene compliance: paving the path for future infection control. Frontiers in public

health, 12, 1522045. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1522045

Braun, B. I., Chitavi, S. O., Suzuki, H., Soyemi, C. A., & Puig-Asensio, M. (2020). Culture of

Safety: Impact on Improvement in Infection Prevention Process and Outcomes. Current

infectious disease reports, 22(12), 34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-020-00741-y

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hai/index.html

World Health Organization. (2022). WHO guidelines on hand hygiene in health care. Retrieved

from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241597906