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.
APIC Salutes 2025 Trailblazers in Infection Prevention and Control
June 18th 2025From a lifelong mentor to a rising star, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) honored leaders across the career spectrum at its 2025 Annual Conference in Phoenix, recognizing individuals who enhance patient safety through research, leadership, and daily practice.
Building Infection Prevention Capacity in the Middle East: A 7-Year Certification Success Story
June 17th 2025Despite rapid development, the Middle East faces a critical shortage of certified infection preventionists. A 7-year regional initiative has significantly boosted infection control capacity, increasing the number of certified professionals and elevating patient safety standards across health care settings.
Streamlined IFU Access Boosts Infection Control and Staff Efficiency
June 17th 2025A hospital-wide quality improvement project has transformed how staff access critical manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs), improving infection prevention compliance and saving time through a standardized, user-friendly digital system supported by unit-based training and interdepartmental collaboration.
Swift Isolation Protocol Shields Chicago Children’s Hospital During 2024 Measles Surge
June 17th 2025When Chicago logged its first measles cases linked to crowded migrant shelters last spring, one pediatric hospital moved in hours—not days—to prevent the virus from crossing its threshold. Their playbook offers a ready template for the next communicable-disease crisis.