A study conducted by Tamia M. Dixon, MPH, an epidemiologist at ASRT, and colleagues, found that the risks for certain hospital-associated infections differ between urban and rural healthcare facilities. The research analyzed data from 14 healthcare facilities in nine regions of Louisiana collected in 2022 by the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network. The study’s findings suggest that factors related to health equity affect the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections and MRSA.
In a video explaining the study’s findings, Dixon said that the result of the study is having a better understanding of incidence rates in Louisiana associated with these certain infections and how we can better understand and provide targeted interventions for these facilities with high incidence rates. Through a better understanding of the relationship between health equity and infection risks, healthcare providers can work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system for all patients.
The study highlights the importance of addressing health equity in healthcare facilities to reduce the risk of hospital-associated infections. By analyzing data from both urban and rural settings, researchers can identify opportunities to implement targeted interventions to improve infection rates in these facilities. The findings were presented at the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Spring Conference in Houston, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to address disparities in infection rates between different types of healthcare facilities. Overall, this research offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between health equity and the incidence of hospital-associated infections.