As hospitals across the country grapple with significant financial pressures, infection prevention programs are increasingly at risk of cuts — a move that public health leaders warn could jeopardize patient safety.
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has received multiple reports of hospitals laying off infection prevention staff or slashing program budgets, according to APIC CEO Devin Jopp. “We have heard and gotten confirmed reports of some hospital systems going through that,” Jopp said.
Such cuts could have serious consequences for hospitals’ ability to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which are already among the leading causes of patient harm and extended hospital stays. The Leapfrog Group, an organization that tracks hospital safety, echoed concerns that reductions in infection control spending could roll back years of progress in patient safety.
“Cutting back on infection prevention not only puts patients at risk but also can cost hospitals more in the long run,” warned a Leapfrog Group spokesperson. HAIs often lead to more extended hospital stays, expensive treatments, and worse patient outcomes.
Infection prevention teams have also reported significant reductions in funding for critical activities, such as staff education, pathogen surveillance, and the adoption of advanced technology. These resources are crucial for identifying and controlling outbreaks of harmful pathogens, such as MRSA and C. difficile.
Epidemiologists and infection control specialists emphasize that, while hospitals face undeniable financial challenges, maintaining a robust infection prevention infrastructure should remain a top priority. They argue that while these programs may seem like easy targets for budget cuts, the long-term costs — both human and financial — are far greater.
As hospitals navigate tightening budgets and increased demand, healthcare leaders face tough decisions about how to protect patients while staying financially afloat.