Final answer:
The implementation of electronic health records and the administration of prophylactic antibiotics before surgery has shown a significant reduction in hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and associated deaths.
Step-by-step explanation:
Studies like the one mentioned in the question have indicated the importance of using electronic health records (EHR) and prophylactic antibiotics in reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and improving patient outcomes.
In the specific study referred to, the introduction of a system for physicians to enter care instructions electronically led to a significant reduction in the likelihood of death related to some procedures; specifically, it mentioned a reduction of over 35 percent.
Moreover, the study also noted the efficacy of administering prophylactic antibiotics before surgery. The data showed that the incidence of HAI was significantly lower in the group that received antibiotics compared to those who did not, with 75 per 1,000 in the antibiotic group versus 130 per 1,000 in the no antibiotic group.
This translates to a relative risk of 0.58 for those receiving antibiotics, nearly cutting the risk of an HAI by half.
Additionally, the study mentioned a checklist introduced by Dr. Peter Pronovost for inserting central intravenous lines in ICUs, which successfully decreased infection rates.
Similarly, it highlighted the potential benefits of sharing digital records among health providers for the cost-efficient improvement of health care quality.
Ultimately, these steps contribute not only to better health outcomes but also to cost savings and increased satisfaction with care, according to a trial published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.