Significant unrest has been incited amongst the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) regarding the proposed cutbacks to contracts by the Veterans Administration (VA). These contracts are principal to essential infection prevention services, including the disinfection and sterilization of medical apparatus, proper calibration of pharmaceutical products, and air quality inspection. The services play a strategic role in minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), thus assuring safe, quality treatment for veterans.
HAIs are categorically preventable, yet remain a stubborn danger to patient safety. Everyday, one in every 31 patients in the U.S. contracts an HAI. This culminates in approximately 687,000 infections and 72,000 annual deaths. Among these infections are antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, surgical procedure related infections, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections and pneumonia. These not only pose a serious risk to patients but also exert financial pressure on the healthcare system. An estimated $28 billion annually are spent on direct medical costs and an additional $12 billion on addressing productivity loss and indirect expenses – an expenditure mostly avoidable.
Carol McLay, the President of APIC, articulated her concerns regarding the proposed cuts to VA contracts. She criticized any compromise on veterans’ health and safety by putting integral sterilization measures, safe medication preparations, and air quality control at jeopardy. APIC calls upon the White House and VA to reconsider this potential termination of contracts that undergird critical infection prevention.
The APIC, along with its 15,000 strong members of infection preventionists, remains unwavering in its dedication to helping healthcare facilities prepare for emerging infectious threats, driving cost cutting measures and protecting patients, visitors, and healthcare workers from HAIs. Its mission – to advance the science and practice of infection prevention and control – is pursued through research, advocacy, education, certification, workforce development and most importantly, patient safety. They plea for public support in their endeavor to avert needless risk to our veterans’ health.