Prevalence surveys are common tools to determine the prevalence of and determinants for healthcare-associated infections (HAI). However this only incorporates patient-related variables. Willemsen and Kluytmans (2013) developed a new method, the infection risk scan, which includes outcome variables, patient-related variables as well as ward-related variables. This should provide a holistic view on the infection risk profile of a ward or a hospital.
Two outcome variables were investigated, prevalence of HAI and rectal carriage of Extended Spectrum B-Lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria. Two patient-related risk variables -- use of indwelling medical devices and antimicrobial therapy, and two ward-related variables, environmental contamination and hand hygiene non-compliance (according to the WHO guideline). Results of all investigated variables were categorised as low risk, medium risk and high risk, based on the literature or expert opinion, and presented in a spiderplot. The infection risk scan was performed in four different general nursing wards.
Large differences were found in outcome variables and risk factors, with a distribution across all three risk categories (low, medium and high). This resulted in different risk-plots for the different wards. Hand hygiene non-compliance and the environmental contamination were a cause of concern in all wards. Prevalence of ESBL carriage was low in all wards, and the ESBL isolates were genotypically not related.
The researchers concluded that the infection risk plot demonstrated substantial differentiation. The plot gives an overview that can easily be understood by healthcare workers and managers. The problem areas are shown at a glance. Based on the findings a tailor-made, targeted quality improvement project can be executed and the results can be measured in a repeated measurement. They say this makes the infection risk scan a management tool that can be used to determine the scope and focus of an infection control program.
Reference: Willemsen I and Kluytmans J. Oral abstract O024 presented at 2013 ICPIC: New holistic approach to determine the infection risk profile of a hospital; visualized in a easy-to-read plot. Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control 2013, 2(Suppl 1):O24.
Â
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.