Private Rooms Reduce Infection Rates

Almost one third of patients in intensive care units catch infections such as C diff, MRSA and yeast. Such infections often slow recovery and pose serious risks including death. Researchers in Montreal, Canada, initiated an experiment to find out whether isolating ICU patients in private rooms would reduce the risk of hospital acquired infections. They compared two very similar hospitals associated with McGill University Health Center. Patients who were isolated were more than 50 percent less likely to come down with one of these dangerous infectious organisms. The researchers conclude that conversion to single rooms can substantially reduce the rate at which patients acquire such infections.

[Arch. Intern. Med. Jan 10, 2011]