September 17, 2007

Brought to you by Thomas Jefferson University’s Department of Health Policy

Volume II, Number 34

Policies for Hospital-Acquired Infections

According to the Leapfrog Group, 87% of U.S. hospitals do not have all of the
recommended policies in place to prevent many of the most common hospital-acquired
infections. The Leapfrog Group represents major corporations and public agencies that buy
health benefits. The analysis was based on responses from 1,256 hospitals that participate in
the Leapfrog Hospital Quality and Safety Survey. The survey asks hospital representatives
about their practices related to prevention of four common infections; aspiration and ventilator
associated pneumonia, central venous catheter related blood stream infections, surgical site
infections, and influenza vaccination of hospital staff. Survey questions include hand-hygiene,
infection surveillance, management accountability, and the hospital’s level of investment in
infection prevention. The survey helps identify significant shortcomings in hospitals’ practices to
reduce preventable infections. Despite these findings, Suzanne Delbance, CEO of the Leapfrog
Group, believes it will be difficult to identify the best method to put an end to hospital-acquired
infections without reaching an agreement to standardized measures. (The Leapfrog Group,
PND, 9/12/07)
Employer Premiums Continue to Decrease
The average premium for family healthcare coverage rose by 6.1% in 2007 according to
an annual study by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational
Trust. This is the fourth straight year that companies’ premiums have decelerated since soaring
nearly 14% in 2003. The annual cost for family coverage through an employer health plan is
now more than $12,000, and workers pay on average $3,281 a year to cover their share of that
family policy. Based on rising hospitals costs, expensive technology and the rising prevalence
of chronic conditions, employers estimate an increase of 6.7% in healthcare costs for 2008.
(Wall Street Journal, 9/11/07, PND, 9/12/07)
Life Expectancy on the Rise
The average US life expectancy increased by 0.1 year in 2005 to a record 77.9 years
according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women are
expected to live an average of 80.4 years and men an average of 75.2 years. The increase in
life expectancy represents a continuation of a long running trend. Overall life expectancy has
risen 2.1 years since 1995 and 8.3 years since 1955. According to the author, the report
“highlights the continued reduction in deaths from heart disease, cancer and stroke, which is
most likely due to better prevention efforts and medical advances in the treatment of these
diseases.” (AHA News Now, 9/12/07, CDC)
Physician Apologies
Patient safety and transparency continue to gain traction in the healthcare market and a
recent report indicates more doctors are willing to apologize when errors occur. Experts indicate
that secrecy among doctors and hospitals can breed anger in patients, while there is evidence
to suggest that apologizing can reduce instances of lawsuits, especially if hospitals compensate
patients appropriately. As disclosures rise and patients’ awareness of the phenomenon
increases, Harvard University researchers predict medical malpractice claims will likely rise.
Observers indicate that disclosure has fostered a great deal of change in preventive methods
used by hospitals and other health care providers. (The Chicago Tribune, 8/19/2007, ACHE
News, 9/6/07)

Any questions regarding this newsletter can be directed

to Valerie Pracilio at valerie.pracilio@jefferson.edu or
Bettina Berman bettina.berman@jefferson.edu.