59 - Dedicated Infection Preventionist in Surgical Service-Return on Investment Argument

Description: This poster advocates for the allocation of a dedicated Infection Preventionist (IP) for the Perioperative Services team. This role would significantly enhance patient outcomes, reduce costs associated with preventable infections, and ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
-SSIs account for up to 20% of all HAIs and are the most costly, averaging $20,000–$30,000 per case.
-Each SSI adds approximately 7–11 days to a hospital stay.
-Hospitals with proactive infection prevention programs demonstrate up to a 30–50% reduction in SSIs.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Estimated Cost:
-Annual salary + benefits: $100,000–$130,000 (based on regional average)
Potential Savings:
-Reduction of SSIs by 30%: If the hospital has 50 SSIs annually, reducing that by 15 would save $300,000–$450,000.
-Avoidance of CMS reimbursement penalties (e.g., Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program).
-Shortened length of stay and reduced readmissions, leading to operational efficiency.
-Lowered litigation risk and improved patient satisfaction scores (HCAHPS).
Net Benefit:
In many scenarios, the dedicated IP position pays for itself within the first year through cost avoidance and revenue preservation.
Conclusion
Investing in a dedicated Perioperative Infection Preventionist aligns with the hospital's commitment to patient safety, quality care, and regulatory excellence. Given the complexity and risk profile of surgical services, this position is not just desirable but necessary. The measurable benefits in infection reduction, cost savings, and compliance far outweigh the cost of investment.