When you are admitted to any hospital for a procedure, one of the primary concerns for patients and healthcare providers alike is the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). These infections can occur in any healthcare setting, particularly where patients often have extended stays and complex medical conditions. However, the risk of acquiring HAIs is significantly lower in day hospitals due to the following possible reasons:
1. Shorter Patient Stays
– Patients at day hospitals typically undergo minor procedures and are discharged on the same day. This short stay reduces the time patients spend in the healthcare environment, limiting their exposure to potential sources of infection. Patients are not exposed to other patients with more serious conditions, often requiring prolonged stays. The longer a patient remains in the hospital, the greater the chance of encountering pathogens that can lead to HAIs.
2. Healthier Patient Population
– Day hospitals generally treat patients who are in better overall health and require less invasive procedures. These patients are less likely to have compromised immune systems, making them less susceptible to infections. Patients are not exposed to other patients with severe, chronic, or multiple health issues that weaken their immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections. Generally we can say day hospitals are for a healthier population profile.
3. Focused and Streamlined Care
-Day hospitals specialize in specific types of surgeries and procedures, allowing them to develop highly efficient, standardized processes. This focus minimises the potential for infection as procedures are performed in a controlled, predictable environment.
4. Day hospital set up
– With a focus on same-day surgical cases, day hospitals are smaller in structure – often 20-30 beds and 3-4 theatres, unlike a traditional hospital with over 100 beds and other specialised services. This limits the number of patients in a given time in a day hospital and therefore reduces the potential for cross-contamination between patients.
5. Enhanced Infection Control Protocols
– Due to their specialised nature and the need to maintain a high standard of care, day hospitals often have stringent infection control protocols. Staff are well-trained in maintaining sterile environments, and the streamlined nature of the care provided allows for meticulous adherence to these protocols.
6. Reduced Use of Invasive Devices
– Day Hospitals: In day hospitals, procedures are often less invasive, and there is typically less need for devices like catheters or ventilators, which are common sources of infections.
Day hospitals offer a safe environment with a reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections. The combination of shorter stays, a healthier patient population, focused care, and stringent infection control measures all contribute to this lower risk. While acute hospitals are essential for treating severe and complex conditions, day hospitals provide an excellent option for patients requiring minor surgeries or procedures, offering peace of mind with a significantly lower chance of infection. When choosing a facility for your procedure, considering a day hospital can be a smart decision for your health and safety.
Source: https://www.performancehealthacademy.com/how-does-infection-risk-differ-by-healthcare-setting.html