Preventing Infection

New Hanover Regional Medical Center's focus on preventing hospital acquired infections (HAI) - those that arise 48 hours after admission to the hospital - is evident in hip and knee replacement infection rates that are lower than most other hospitals in the country. Working toward eliminating infections is a constant effort because infections may lead to complications for patients already in a vulnerable state, possibly causing serious illness and leading to longer stays in the hospital for management and treatment of the infection. NHRMC continually studies and adopts best practices and recommendations from national agencies to reduce the risk of these types of infections and promote the best possible outcomes for our patients.

The infection rate charts below compare New Hanover Regional Medical Center's overall quality performance in Knee and Hip Arthroplasty to the regional and national benchmarks. In all charts below a lower percentage score is better.

Although the charts represent overall infection rates, your risk may be higher or lower depending on your individual risk factors. Because each patient has specialized and individual needs, NHRMC works with each and every patient to help minimize the risks of infection by following specific protocols and addressing specific needs. You play an active role in your care by following procedures and staying involved in your treatment - including addressing any issues with your healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcomes. Every patient plays a role in the prevention of infection by frequently washing their hands, encouraging visitors who are ill not to visit but to call and by talking to their doctor about risk factors.

NHSN (National Benchmark) = National Healthcare Safety Network is a voluntary, secure, Internet-based surveillance system that integrates patient and healthcare personnel safety surveillance systems managed by the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The most recent data available for a National Benchmark is data reported by NHSN in 2009.

DICON (Regional Benchmark) = Duke Infection Control Outreach Network is a collaboration between Duke, NHRMC and 38 community hospitals focused on improving infection control programs by compiling data on nosocomial infections at member hospitals, identifying trends and providing ongoing education to improve outcomes for patients.

Overall Knee Replacement Infection Rate Comparison (lower percentage score is better)	Overall Hip Replacement Infection Rate Comparison (lower percentage score is better)
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