What type of infections are referred to as Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs)?

Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) are specifically those infections that are contracted by patients during their stay in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital. This can occur through various means, including surgical procedures, medical devices, or even due to extended hospital stays. Such infections may arise from a multitude of sources within the healthcare environment, where patients are exposed to different pathogens that they might not encounter in their everyday lives.

These infections often manifest after 48 hours of admission, indicating that they were not present at the time of entry into the hospital. The identification of HAIs plays a crucial role in infection control practices, as it helps healthcare professionals develop strategies to mitigate risks, enhance patient safety, and improve overall care quality. Understanding that HAIs are tied directly to an environment where the patient is receiving treatment rather than originating from home or communal settings is fundamental to grasping the scope of infection control in healthcare facilities.