Philip L Russo1, Allen C Cheng2, Michael Richards3, Nicholas Graves1, Lisa Hall1. 1. Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Qld 4059, Australia. Email:. 2. Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Prahran, Vic. 3181, Australia. Email. 3. Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia. Email.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance programs are critical for infection prevention. Australia does not have a comprehensive national HAI surveillance program. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of established international and Australian statewide HAI surveillance programs and recommend a pathway for the development of a national HAI surveillance program in Australia. METHODS: This study examined existing HAI surveillance programs through a literature review, a review of HAI surveillance program documentation, such as websites, surveillance manuals and data reports and direct contact with program representatives. RESULTS: Evidence from international programs demonstrates national HAI surveillance reduces the incidence of HAIs. However, the current status of HAI surveillance activity in Australian states is disparate, variation between programs is not well understood, and the quality of data currently used to compose national HAI rates is uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to develop a well-structured, evidence-based national HAI program in Australia to meet the increasing demand for validated reliable national HAI data. Such a program could be leveraged off the work of existing Australian and international programs.
OBJECTIVE: Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance programs are critical for infection prevention. Australia does not have a comprehensive national HAI surveillance program. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of established international and Australian statewide HAI surveillance programs and recommend a pathway for the development of a national HAI surveillance program in Australia. METHODS: This study examined existing HAI surveillance programs through a literature review, a review of HAI surveillance program documentation, such as websites, surveillance manuals and data reports and direct contact with program representatives. RESULTS: Evidence from international programs demonstrates national HAI surveillance reduces the incidence of HAIs. However, the current status of HAI surveillance activity in Australian states is disparate, variation between programs is not well understood, and the quality of data currently used to compose national HAI rates is uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to develop a well-structured, evidence-based national HAI program in Australia to meet the increasing demand for validated reliable national HAI data. Such a program could be leveraged off the work of existing Australian and international programs.
Authors: Philip L Russo; Andrew Stewardson; Allen C Cheng; Tracey Bucknall; Kalisvar Marimuthu; Brett G Mitchell Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2018-11-08 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Septimiu Voidazan; Sorin Albu; Réka Toth; Bianca Grigorescu; Anca Rachita; Iuliu Moldovan Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-01-25 Impact factor: 3.390