Montgomery, AL – Alabama hospitals outperformed the national average in three key infection prevention categories in 2024, according to a newly released report from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).
The report is part of the state’s Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI) program, which has worked for 14 consecutive years to reduce preventable infections and improve patient safety across Alabama’s healthcare system.
“We publish an annual report that provides information on the number of infections per category and whether the hospital performs better than the national average, similar to it, or worse than,” said State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris. “In addition to the report, our staff members work with hospitals to improve the accuracy of the reporting, education that not only helps with public reporting, but more importantly helps hospitals collect data that is valuable in their efforts to improve care.”
The 2024 report evaluates infection rates statewide and by hospital in several key categories of healthcare-associated infections. These include catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), and surgical site infections related to abdominal hysterectomies and colon surgeries.
According to the report, Alabama hospitals performed better than the national performance level in three of the four tracked categories. Statewide results showed stronger performance than the national average in CAUTI, CLABSI, and colon surgery infection rates. Infection rates related to abdominal hysterectomy procedures were reported as similar to the national average.
Healthcare leaders say the results reflect ongoing collaboration among hospitals, caregivers, and healthcare organizations focused on improving patient safety.
“Providing quality care and patient safety remain at the heart of everything Alabama’s hospitals do,” said Danne Howard, president of the Alabama Hospital Association. “These results reflect the dedication of frontline caregivers and hospital leaders, as well as the ongoing work of the Association’s quality and infection prevention efforts that provide education, hands-on training through infection prevention bootcamps, sharing of best practices, and direct support to hospitals across the state. By working together and continually investing in improvement, our hospitals are advancing safer quality care for the patients and communities they serve.”
Dr. Harris also emphasized that preventing infections remains a critical component of improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Healthcare-associated infections can delay recovery and worsen a patient’s condition, creating additional medical and economic burdens.
One of the most effective prevention measures remains simple hand hygiene. Studies have shown that cleaning hands with an alcohol-based hand rub—an action that takes only seconds—can significantly reduce the spread of infections, save lives, and lower healthcare costs.
The annual HAI report is intended to help patients better understand hospital safety and quality measures when making healthcare decisions. Additional information about hospital performance can also be found on Hospital Compare, a website operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“While these online resources can be helpful, they are just part of the picture,” Harris added. “Individuals should always talk with their healthcare provider about the care needed and the best place to receive that care.”
