Sjukhuskälla

Sjukhuskälla, which translates to "hospital source" in English, refers to a medical condition or illness that originates within a hospital setting. This can encompass a range of issues, from infections acquired during a hospital stay to complications arising from medical procedures or underlying diseases exacerbated by the hospital environment.

Hospital-acquired infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), are a prominent example of sjukhuskälla. These infections can be contracted by patients, visitors, and even healthcare workers due to close contact in a facility with a high concentration of susceptible individuals and pathogens. Common HAIs include urinary tract infections, pneumonia, surgical site infections, and bloodstream infections.

Other forms of sjukhuskälla can include adverse drug reactions, falls, or the worsening of a patient's existing condition due to factors like immobility, stress, or exposure to new medical challenges. The term emphasizes that the origin of the problem is linked to the hospital environment itself, rather than a condition the patient had prior to admission or one that developed independently outside of medical care. Preventing sjukhuskälla is a major focus in healthcare quality and patient safety initiatives, involving stringent hygiene protocols, infection control measures, and careful patient monitoring.