Reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is an area in which many are identifying effective improvements and prevention strategies. IHI’s initial work in this topic focused primarily on hospital-acquired infections from MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile. Content in this section is updated regularly as both IHI’s and others’ work to reduce HAIs continues.

Try starting here:

For tips on using the Model for Improvement to reduce healthcare-associated infections — including Forming a Team, Setting Aims, Establishing Measures, and Testing Changes — see the Improvement Methods How to Improve section.

Review the comprehensive change packages in the Changes section — and pick a change to test in your organization by next Tuesday.

The Measures section has comprehensive measurement plans for various healthcare-associated infections. Read about how to collect data for the measure you choose, then begin using the Improvement Tracker to enter, save, and automatically graph your team's data over time.

Several Tools are available to help you in your improvement efforts. For example, the How-to Guide: Improving Hand Hygiene is one place to start.

If along your journey you want to interact with others working on improvements, participate in a discussion group.