BD Diagnostics Launches the BD Protect Infection Surveillance and Prevention Software Portfolio

BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), announces the launch of the BD Protect™ Infection Surveillance and Data Management System, a portfolio of healthcare management software solutions that tracks infections and helps prevent their transmission at three levels -- from patient to patient, between patients and healthcare workers, and from community sources to healthcare settings.

The software provides real-time tracking and analysis of potential infection-related events to improve infection prevention workflow, communications and response time. Robust report capability enables analysis of infection rates, evaluation of patient risk factors, monitoring of preventive processes, and measurement of progress toward infection prevention and patient safety goals.

"Preventing the spread of infections is becoming more challenging each day," said Tracy Gustafson, MD, worldwide director of infection prevention software development and medical affairs for BD Diagnostics – Diagnostic Systems. "The problem is magnified by global travel, new and more dangerous microbes, overuse and misuse of antibiotics, healthcare staffing cuts, and risks to immuno-compromised patients. The BD Protect system provides actionable information that assists infection prevention professionals in making timely decisions." 

Designed by CDC-trained epidemiologists, the BD Protect system addresses multiple issues confronting healthcare administrators and public health officers, including the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare settings and escalating costs related to HAIs.

The portfolio includes three modules. BD Protect™ Infection Prevention targets reduction of HAIs in patients. BD Protect™ Healthcare Worker Safety monitors employee vaccinations, testing, in-service education, injuries and illnesses to protect both employees and patients.

BD Protect™ Syndromic Surveillance continuously analyzes emergency department patient data for reportable diseases and symptoms that could signal a possible community outbreak. It also can be used at a Health Department to collect and analyze community-wide data from multiple hospitals.

With assistance from the complete BD Protect portfolio, infection preventionists can identify, control and help prevent infections in patients, employees and the community. The software also analyzes length of stay, isolation days and infection costs and supports antibiotic stewardship, enabling hospitals to reduce expenses while providing better patient care. The BD Protect system is available in single-facility and enterprise-wide editions. Visit www.bd.com/ds/BDProtect for more information.