How to Survey Nosocomial Infections

Abstract

Many surveillance methods for nosocomial infections (NIs) have been put forward in the literature, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Different surveillance methods are useful, depending on whether the objective of surveillance is only to increase sensitivity to infection control problems and to identify areas with possible infection control problems; to confirm a possible infection control problem through comparison with other units or departments; or to use surveillance data for identifying the sources of infections. Furthermore, time effectiveness is a major point in selecting the most appropriate method, particularly the method for case identification. In units or departments with a high level of NI, even highly time-consuming surveillance methods may be ultimately time-effective; in units or departments with a lower level of NI, the time-effectiveness depends on the time necessary for case identification. Close liaison with staff in the units is a sine qua non for the success of all surveillance activities.

Comparison of infectious complications during induction/consolidation chemotherapy versus allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

“…The rates of infections were calculated as incidence per 1000 days of neutropenia 24 and as incidence densities per 100 hospitalizations. Survival patterns were displayed using Kaplan-Meier plots of cumulative survival probabilities analyzing the probability of infection after onset of neutropenia.…”

Catheter‐related bloodstream infections in hematology

“…Recommendations for the development and planning of surveillance strategies are well described. 46,98,111 However, the statistical methods appropriate for achieving the goals of surveillance programs are not included as part of these guidelines and recommendations.…”

“…Recommendations for the planning of surveillance strategies include the requirement that risk factors be monitored, 46 and for rare events this may provide an early indication of changes in disease patterns.…”

Wide range of point prevalences of healthcare-associated infections in Western Greece

“…Prevention of HAIs requires a systematic approach based on surveillance and intervention and it is generally accepted that incidence and prevalence studies are the most appropriate means of achieving this [3,4]. The gold standard for HAI surveillance is a large, prospective, on-site, continuous and hospital-wide study, but few hospitals opt for this approach and most international agencies, including CDC, recommend targeted surveillance [5].…”