Surveillance of health care associated infections in low to middle resource countries

Abstract

Surveillance is an essential component of all infection control programme with the aim to identify outbreaks and to establish baseline rate of infections in a health care facilities. The surveillance data can be used to identify preventable health care associated infections (HCAIs) so that resources are targeted in high priority areas. Different methods of surveillance exist and the type of surveillance method depends on the local factors, i.e. the type and size of hospital, case mix and availability of resources. Targeted surveillance aimed at high risk areas, procedure directed or specific type of infections associated with high morbidity or mortality are more cost effective and are manageable in various healthcare settings worldwide. Substantial and sustained reduction of HCAIs can only be achieved if both outcome and process surveillance are used.