Electronic Surveillance Systems for Infection Prevention and Control
Electronic Surveillance Systems for Infection Prevention and Control: Surveillance is the cornerstone to any successful infection control and prevention (ICP) program. At a minimum, it includes data mining for unusual microbes or clusters of pathogens, reporting public health diseases, and identifying targeted healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The ability for all ICP programs, regardless of size or complexity, to improve patient outcomes is dependent on the successfulness of their surveillance strategies. This article reviews two major approaches to surveillance: traditional manual methods and contemporary electronic methods.
Survey Reveals ESS Use and Experiences Among Infection Preventionists: ICT conducted a survey of infection preventionists regarding electronic surveillance systems (ESS). The survey found that 34 percent currently use an ESS at their facility, while 66 percent do not, and about 50 percent of survey respondents are considering the purchase of an ESS.
Industry Offers Advice on Evaluation and Purchasing of ESS: ICT asked members of industry to share pointers for evaluating and purchasing an ESS.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
A Controversial Reboot: New Vaccine Panel Faces Scrutiny, Support, and Sharp Divides
June 26th 2025As the newly appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met for the first time under sweeping changes by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the national spotlight turned to the panel’s legitimacy, vaccine guidance, and whether science or ideology would steer public health policy in a polarized era.
