MikeDotta / Shutterstock.com

Hospitals Struggle with Accurate COVID-19 Data

Some hospitals have not been able to track the number of patients who might have contracted COVID-19 during a stay


Controlling the spread of COVID-19 is difficult enough in hospitals, given the many variables at work, including screening procedures, sanitizing practices, air filtration measures and the outside activities of doctors, nurses and staff. In some cases, however, hospitals also are having difficulty gathering accurate data on the spread of the illness among patients.

For example, how many patients enter a Connecticut hospital with a broken leg or some other type of emergency and then contracting COVID-19 while hospitalized? It’s impossible to say because officials with the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH) have not been able to track the number of patients who might have contracted COVID-19 during a hospital stay, according to CT News Junkie. But when people do test positive for the novel coronavirus after being admitted for other reasons, the state is counting those patients as COVID-19 hospitalizations, says a DPH spokesman.

It’s easier to trace COVID-19 infections in nursing homes since most residents have been at the facility for longer than two weeks, officials said. But in a hospital setting where most patients only stay a short time, it’s difficult to tell where a person contracted the disease, according to CTNewsJunkie.

Click here to read the article.



December 10, 2020


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

A 'Superbug' Is on the Rise in Hospitals

CDC data on C. auris in New York, Illinois, California, Florida and Nevada found more than 1,000 reported cases each in 2023.


The Next Generation of Security Tech in Healthcare Facilities

Manufacturers discuss how AI-powered CCTV and touchless weapon detection are redefining how hospitals protect patients and staff.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Petersburg Opens

This marks the opening of Encompass’ twenty-fifth location in Florida.


Why More Facilities are Adding Gender Neutral Restrooms

Gender neutral restrooms help avoid controversy in public facilities.


Massachusetts Hospital Cyberattack Reflects Growing Vulnerability in Healthcare Systems

As outages disrupt patient care and emergency services, facility leaders are reminded that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.


 
 


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.