Objective:

Describe the scientific evidence of the implications Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) in health management.

Method:

Systematic review in electronic database using DeCs descriptors.

Results:

Thirteen articles were analyzed, resulting in ten categories of analysis. HAIs contribute to higher mortality rate and financial costs of hospitalization related to higher: average number of days of hospitalizations; increased spending on antimicrobials, diagnostic and complementary tests and invasive devices or procedures; length of hospital stay in intensive care units (ICU); possibility of readmission and development of other complications.

Conclusions:

HAIs have direct and indirect repercussions on patients’ lives as they represent a threat to the safety and quality of care. Prevention programs and infection control measures are considered effective in reducing the incidence rate of HAIs and consequently in reducing costs.

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