The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology has expressed concern over a recently published article in the Journal of the American Medical Association titled "Quality of Traditional Surveillance for Public Reporting of Nosocomial Bloodstream infection Rates," according to an APIC news release.
The study found significant variation among medical centers regarding surveillance of bloodstream infections and concluded that such variations "may complicate inter-institutional comparisons of publicly reported central line-associated bloodstream infection rates." Findings in a separate report published in the American Journal of Infection Control are consistent with the JAMA report, which concludes "the inter-institutional variability introduced by surveillance techniques warrants further scrutiny."
APIC stated there are some aspects of these studies that prompt follow-up questions. For example, "Is the computerized algorithm used to detect central-line associated bloodstream infections able to discern whether the infection could be attributed to another source, such as a urinary tract infection?" APIC calls to attention other factors that could lead to such variances, such as ruling out contaminants from true infections. Inconsistencies in data review may reflect the differences used in case finding and healthcare-associated infection identification.
Although there are inherent challenges in ferreting out variances in such investigations, the inconsistencies may also indicate incomplete or inaccurate surveillance efforts or different ways of applying the same surveillance criteria, which brings to light the need for data validation. The most accurate healthcare-associated infection rates can be calculated by establishing a robust infection prevention infrastructure comprised of electronic surveillance technology, appropriate staffing for infection prevention and an engaged leadership, APIC said.
Read the APIC news release about its comment on "Quality of Traditional Surveillance for Public Reporting of Nosocomial Bloodstream infection Rates."
Read other coverage about infection control:
- APIC Announces Infection Prevention and Control Film Festival
- 7 Steps Spine Surgeons Should Take to Prevent Infections
- Researchers Identify Major Barriers to Adherence to Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines
The study found significant variation among medical centers regarding surveillance of bloodstream infections and concluded that such variations "may complicate inter-institutional comparisons of publicly reported central line-associated bloodstream infection rates." Findings in a separate report published in the American Journal of Infection Control are consistent with the JAMA report, which concludes "the inter-institutional variability introduced by surveillance techniques warrants further scrutiny."
APIC stated there are some aspects of these studies that prompt follow-up questions. For example, "Is the computerized algorithm used to detect central-line associated bloodstream infections able to discern whether the infection could be attributed to another source, such as a urinary tract infection?" APIC calls to attention other factors that could lead to such variances, such as ruling out contaminants from true infections. Inconsistencies in data review may reflect the differences used in case finding and healthcare-associated infection identification.
Although there are inherent challenges in ferreting out variances in such investigations, the inconsistencies may also indicate incomplete or inaccurate surveillance efforts or different ways of applying the same surveillance criteria, which brings to light the need for data validation. The most accurate healthcare-associated infection rates can be calculated by establishing a robust infection prevention infrastructure comprised of electronic surveillance technology, appropriate staffing for infection prevention and an engaged leadership, APIC said.
Read the APIC news release about its comment on "Quality of Traditional Surveillance for Public Reporting of Nosocomial Bloodstream infection Rates."
Read other coverage about infection control:
- APIC Announces Infection Prevention and Control Film Festival
- 7 Steps Spine Surgeons Should Take to Prevent Infections
- Researchers Identify Major Barriers to Adherence to Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines
