of snapshot must be supplemented by repeated surveys to provide a reliable basis for interpreting the situation at each clinic and hospital. Given that patient mix impacts outcomes, comparisons between hospitals should be interpreted cautiously. Figure 8 compares the results of the survey in spring 2012 with autumn 2011. The overall percentage of patients with healthcare associated infections decreased. Incidence ranged from less than 6 per cent to greater than 13 per cent depending on the country. The higher frequency of healthcare associated infections at regional hospitals affects the outcomes of the counties in which they are located. Supplementary information about compliance with dress codes and basic hygiene procedures are also presented. The data reflect the percentage of observed caregivers who complied with all seven requirements. Although the focus is on inpatient medical care as was the case with healthcare associated infections, the statistics for dress code and hygiene also include primary caregivers and psychiatrists working at hospitals. A total of 27 000 county employees took part in the spring 2012 survey, as opposed to 14 000 in autumn 2010. Doctors accounted for the greatest increase. Each healthcare associated infection is estimated to extend the period of hospitalisation by an average of four days. In addition to the actual suffering involved, extra beds and other resources are utilised.
Compliance with dress codes and hygiene procedures 60.3 69.4 79.4 63.3 74.2 52.3 56.1 83.9 68.1 54.5 61.8 64.8 79.6 64.0 71.4 68.1 78.9 75.9 55.9 66.9 73.9 57.3
Halland 6.0 Värmland 6.0 Västmanland 6.3 Gotland 6.7 Norrbotten 6.8 Sörmland 7.2 Blekinge 7.4 Jönköping 7.9 Jämtland 8.1 Dalarna 8.2 Örebro 8.2 Västernorrland 8.4 Kalmar 8.6 Kronoberg 8.8 Västra Götaland 8.8 SWEDEN 8.9 Östergötland 9.2 Skåne 9.2 Stockholm 9.8 Västerbotten 9.8 Uppsala 11.1 Gävleborg 13.2 0
5
10
Autumn 2011
Figure 8
15
20 Percent
Healthcare associated infections, 15–31 March 2012. Percentage of all patients in inpatient care. Source: Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions
QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY IN SWEDISH HEALTH CARE 2012
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