Multidisciplinary Approach to Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections: A DNP Project

Healthcare-associated infections are increasingly common in healthcare facilities due to multiple concerns, including negligence, human error, and poor conditions. According to Chuwa (2024), secondary infections are a significant threat to patient safety and wellness, reducing an organization’s ability to realize clinical objectives. The facility is a large healthcare provider operating numerous hospitals and care homes across the United States. The organization continues to report increased infection rates across its branches owing to a lack of standardized infection prevention and control protocols, reducing its efficiency and appeal. Internal audits point to inconsistencies in general sanitation, cleanliness, and hygiene. The organization also lags in antibiotic stewardship, routine checks, and postoperative care. External reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight that one in 30 hospitalized persons contracts secondary infections daily, further complicating the facilities’ functioning (Almeida, 2021). Such infections yield challenges, including more extended hospital stays, poor patient outcomes, and higher medical costs. The present analysis attempts to foster a systemic and comprehensive strategy to reduce secondary infections to bolster organizational operations and promote patient-centered care.