Indirect vs. direct standardization methods for reporting healthcare-associated infections: An analysis of central line-associated bloodstream infections in Maryland

摘要

Controversy exists as to whether healthcare-associated infection data should be presented using indirect (current CMS/CDC methodology) or direct standardization. We applied both methods to central line-associated bloodstream infection data from 45 acute-care hospitals in Maryland from 2012–2014. We found that the two methods generate different hospital rankings with payment implications.