Healthcare-Associated Infections
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients can get while receiving medical treatment in a healthcare facility. They can be serious, but many HAIs are preventable through strong infection control practices. The South Dakota Department of Health partners with healthcare providers statewide to track HAIs, share best practices, and improve patient safety. Together, we’re working to reduce the risk of infections and protect the health of all South Dakotans.
Be a Safe Patient (CDC) Infection Control Guidance Library (CDC)
Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship
Learn about antimicrobial stewardship and how to measure exposure to antibiotics.
Carbapenemase-producing Organism (CPO)
Carbapenemase-Producing Organism (CPO) is a reportable disease in SD. Find more info.
Training and Resources
Find HAI training and resources from the CDC, National Healthcare Safety Network, and more.
Request HAI/AR Training and Resources
Fill out the Infection Prevention Education Request Form to receive information on training and resources.
The national goal is to prevent, reduce, and ultimately eliminate healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). South Dakota is actively engaged, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in working to address the issue of HAI prevention.
Subscribe to SD’s HAI ListServ
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HAIs are infections that patients get while receiving treatment for medical or surgical conditions. They are among the leading causes of preventable deaths in the U.S. and are associated with a substantial increase in healthcare costs each year. HAIs occur in all types of care settings, including:
- Acute care within hospitals
- Same-day surgical centers
- Ambulatory outpatient care in healthcare clinics
- Long-term care facilities (e.g., nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities)
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are some of the most common HAIs.
In hospitals, HAIs lead to extended hospital stays, contribute to increased medical costs, and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Common HAIs patients get in hospitals include:
- Central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)
- Clostridium difficile infections
- Pneumonia
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections
- Surgical site infections
- Urinary tract infections
Infection Prevention Networking Opportunity
Association for Professionals in Infection Prevention and Epidemiology (APIC)
APIC South Dakota #136 serves infection prevention needs throughout South Dakota and the bordering areas of neighboring states. Members are dedicated to improving health by serving the needs and aims common to all disciplines united by infection prevention and epidemiology activities. This chapter represents members from diverse healthcare settings.
The APIC SD chapter was formed in 2023 and is committed to providing networking and educational opportunities to members.
APIC SD Chapter Website: https://community.apic.org/southdakota/home
Contact us: apicsouthdakota@gmail.com
APIC SD Conference
APIC SD hosts an annual conference in the first week of October in Sioux Falls. Continuing education credits are available, along with great networking opportunities with infection prevention professionals and clinicians in the state. Anyone with a role or interest in infection prevention is invited to attend.
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