There is no need to compromise. Why effective infection prevention saves lives and lowers costs for healthcare providers.
By Paul Girouard
Infection prevention is the cornerstone of safe and efficient healthcare, yet the U.S. pays a staggering financial price when these measures are overlooked. Each year, it is estimated that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) cost the U.S. healthcare system between $28 billion and $45 billion, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. This figure includes direct medical expenses such as extended hospital stays, readmissions, and additional treatments, as well as indirect costs like lost productivity and litigation. These figures represent not just a challenge but a significant opportunity for you to advocate for solutions that save lives and reduce costs.
ROI in prevention
There’s an upside to all of this; infection prevention doesn’t just save lives; it saves a ton of money too. The CDC says proper prevention measures can cut HAIs by up to 70%. Simple steps like hand hygiene campaigns, sterilization equipment, and environmental hygiene have a big financial payoff. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), every dollar spent on infection prevention brings back $3 to $6 in savings.
A study in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology backs this up. It found that boosting infection prevention budgets by just 10% could slash HAI rates, saving millions annually. That means fewer fines, happier patients, and stronger reputations.
Proper investment in infection prevention pays for itself many times over. For example:
- Vaccination Programs: Every $1 spent on influenza vaccines saves $6.30 by preventing hospitalizations and absenteeism. Childhood vaccination programs save the U.S. $13.5 billion annually in direct healthcare costs.
- Hand Hygiene Compliance: Increasing compliance reduces HAIs, yielding a ROI of $23 per $1 spent on alcohol-based hand sanitizer programs.
- Preparedness for Pandemics and Outbreaks: Investments in early detection and containment save up to $16 billion annually, reducing the need for emergency responses and extensive treatments.
What this means for you as a sales representative
It’s time to rethink the category of infection prevention as a salesperson. Gloves, PPE, hand hygiene, and surface wipes shouldn’t be thought of as price-driven commodity products. If you’re selling infection prevention products, you’ve got an opportunity to rethink your approach and stand out from your competition. Building programs, recommending product formularies, and driving clinical compliance will lead to saving money and improving care.
Reach out to the resources around you. Use posted CDC or other regulatory guidelines. Review manufacturers or association white papers, and trusted information to show hospitals and clinics how your products prevent costly HAIs and help them comply with regulations. Your messaging can highlight other benefits too, like reducing liability, improving staff productivity, and boosting patient satisfaction, all major pain points for your customers.
By investing in proven strategies, healthcare facilities can save billions every year while improving outcomes. For sales reps, this is your chance to align your products with the critical goals of cost-saving and quality care. In today’s tight financial environment, infection prevention isn’t just smart healthcare; it’s smart business.