Healthcare-associated Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (HA-SABSI) per 10,000 occupied bed-days 

Rationale

Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection is a serious infection that may be associated with the provision of health care. Staphylococcus aureus is a highly pathogenic organism and even with advanced medical care, infection is associated with prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs and a marked increase in morbidity and mortality (SABSI mortality rates are estimated at 20-25%).

HA-SABSI is generally considered to be a preventable adverse event associated with the provision of health care. Therefore, this KPI is a robust measure of the safety and quality of care provided by WA public hospitals.

A low or decreasing HA-SABSI rate is desirable and the WA target reflects the nationally agreed benchmark.

Target

The 2023 target for HA-SABSI is ≤ 1.00 per 10,000 occupied bed-days. Improved or maintained performance is demonstrated by a result below or equal to target.

Results

Commentary

EMHS remains committed to minimising the occurrence of HA-SABSI.

During 2023, EMHS achieved the target for HA-SABSI, with a result equating to 31 infections from 377,471 bed-days.

EMHS participates in a state-wide surveillance program and has robust processes in place that involve the review of all cases of HA-SABSI by infection control specialists and treating clinicians. These processes are designed to identify the factors that contributed to the individual cases and closely monitor infection rates. 

In 2023, EMHS also expanded the Vascular Access Service as an additional strategy to reduce the chances of HA-SABSIs. The service, which provides expert and specialist care in the insertion and management of invasive devices, now includes ward based peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) rounding at Armadale Kalamunda Group (AKG) with the purpose of:

• early detection of PIVC complications
• removal or replacement of high risk PIVCs
• removal of non-indicated PIVCs
• education.