Hospital Acquired Infection or Hospital Associated Infection
Abbreviation: HAI
Definition
A Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI), also known as a Hospital Associated Infection, is an infection that a patient acquires during their hospital stay but that was not present or incubating at the time of admission. HAIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other pathogens, and can lead to complications and prolonged hospital stays. Implementing effective infection control measures is crucial to minimize HAIs and protect patient safety.