The Patient Safety/Inpatient Domain consists of two main measures—Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers and participating in the annual Antibiotic Stewardship Survey (which is part of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Annual Survey).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has done a review of published literature and indicates that influenza vaccination of health care personnel can enhance patient safety.  Health care personnel have the potential for exposure to patients and/or to infectious materials, whether or not directly involved in patient care. 

The Antibiotic Stewardship Survey evaluates the hospitals on the strength of their Antibiotic Stewardship program with a focus on seven Core Elements.  The core elements include Leadership commitment, Accountability, pharmacist input/leadership, implement intervention to improve antibiotic use, monitor patterns, report the information to prescribers, pharmacists, and hospital leadership, and finally providing education on antibiotics to providers, nurses and patients.  There are multiple ways that each of these domains may be addressed by the healthcare facility.  More information can be found at:

The Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (cdc.gov)