Cost improvements through the establishment of prudent infection control practices in a Brazilian general hospital, 1986-1989.

OBJECTIVES

To review procedures currently practiced in a Brazilian general hospital and to eliminate ineffective and inefficient practices. To measure the resulting cost improvements based on rigid hospital financing control.

DESIGN

Implementation of surveillance and control programs and prevalence surveys to detect ineffective and inefficient practices.

PARTICIPANTS

The study institution is a 130-bed general care facility affiliated with the Brazilian federal government. There were approximately 4,600 admissions per year during the study period (1986-1989).

RESULTS

Instituting infection control measures and eliminating ineffective practices resulted in the following: an overall decrease in wound infection rates from 24.4% in 1987 to 3.45% in 1989; a 71% reduction in the global incidence of infection in the intensive care unit; a 74% reduction in the surgical prophylactic use of antibiotics; and a total savings of approximately $2 million (US dollars).

CONCLUSIONS

During the period from 1986 to 1989, the infection control committee was able to decrease the overall wound infection rate from 24.4% in 1987 to 3.45% in 1989. This eliminated special health problems and improved patient care and cost-effectiveness for our hospital.