HAIs can cause social, emotional pain

Many patients described 'feeling like a leper'


The consequences of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) include souring social relationships, and leading some healthcare providers to distance themselves from affected patients, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.

In a review in the American Journal of Infection Control, researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland looked at 17 studies from five countries addressing five common types of HAIs, focusing on patient experiences.

According to the review, many patients experienced an emotional response to their diagnosis and described “feeling dirty,” “having the plague,” or “feeling like a leper.” 

Patients with nearly all infection types reported a fear of transmitting their infection to others, which affected their personal and workplace relationships. 

Read the article.

 



August 24, 2018


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Fire Protection in Healthcare: Why Active and Passive Systems Must Work as One

Sprinklers, smoke compartments and firestopping can form an interdependent safety strategy.


Cleveland Clinic Hits Key Milestones for Palm Beach County Expansion

These include plans to begin demolition of current structure and hospital site preparation in 2026 and open the outpatient center and ambulatory surgery center in 2027.


Emanuel Medical Center Caught Up in Data Breach

The breach occurred in May 2025.


Assisted Living Facility Violated Safety Standards: OSHA

Fire at Gabriel House killed 10 residents died and injured and displaced dozens of others.


McCarthy Completes Construction of Citizens Health Hospital in Kansas

The facility is among the nation’s largest hospitals funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Critical Access Hospital program.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.