On-Demand Learning Lab: Updates in Infection Prevention and Control - A View from CDC-Slide Deck March 2024 Learning Lab

Slide Deck March 2024 Learning Lab

Pdf Summary

The document summarizes CDC updates on infection prevention and control, highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted U.S. progress on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AR), and outlining current priorities in stewardship, sepsis programs, and vaccination.<br /><br />Using national standardized infection ratios (SIRs) from NHSN (2019 Q1–2023), trends show mixed recovery. Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) rose sharply during the pandemic (peak SIR 1.06 in 2021 Q3) and, although improved, remained higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2023 Q2 (0.72). Ventilator-associated events (VAE) showed the largest sustained increase (peak 1.65 in 2021 Q3; 2023 level still above baseline at 1.15). In contrast, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and MRSA bacteremia declined to below pre-pandemic levels by 2023 Q2 (CAUTI 0.56; MRSA 0.74). C. difficile SIRs continued declining, reaching a low of 0.40 in 2023 Q2, while surgical site infection SIRs (colon and hysterectomy) returned to near pre-pandemic levels.<br /><br />The pandemic’s increases were attributed to higher patient acuity, longer stays, more ICU care and invasive devices, staffing shortages, and reduced capacity to focus on non-COVID prevention. Resistant infections increased notably in 2019–2020, including major rises in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter and Candida auris.<br /><br />Hospital antibiotic stewardship adoption improved markedly: by 2022, 96.7% of hospitals met all seven CDC Core Elements, though gaps remain in tracking/reporting and expertise. Starting in CY 2024, eligible hospitals must report Antibiotic Use and Resistance (AUR) data to NHSN for CMS Promoting Interoperability (attestation only; data not shared with CMS).<br /><br />The document also introduces CDC Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements, emphasizing leadership, accountability, multidisciplinary coordination, standardized workflows, tracking/reporting, and education—explicitly linking sepsis work with stewardship to ensure rapid appropriate antibiotics and avoid unnecessary exposure. Finally, it notes declining healthcare personnel influenza vaccination (2022–23) and low COVID vaccine uptakes, stressing vaccination as a key patient-safety tool and concluding that strong leadership and robust systems are essential.

Keywords

CDC infection prevention and control updates

healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) trends

antimicrobial resistance (AR) increase during COVID-19

National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) standardized infection ratio (SIR) 2019-2023

central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) SIR

ventilator-associated events (VAE) sustained increase

catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) decline

MRSA bacteremia and C. difficile infection SIR decline

hospital antibiotic stewardship CDC Core Elements and AUR reporting to NHSN (CY 2024)

CDC Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements and vaccination of healthcare personnel (influenza, COVID-19)