Implementation of a pilot surveillance program for smaller acute care hospitals

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Hospital Administration

Background:

• A pilot infection control (IC) surveillance program was implemented in 14 small hospitals (<100 acute beds) for 18 weeks.
• The pilot aimed to evaluate a theoretical program within its intended real-world setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the practical implementation and effectiveness of a new infection control surveillance program in smaller healthcare facilities.
• To identify discrepancies between the planned program design and its actual execution.

Main Methods:

• An evaluation framework was developed to guide the assessment of the program's data handling processes.
• Interviews were conducted with 12 infection control nurses involved in the pilot program.

Main Results:

• Inconsistent application of preferred case-finding methods was observed.
• Delays in data management, analysis, and reporting occurred due to limited IC hours and laboratory reporting schedules.
• Reports were not consistently distributed to key personnel, and actions were primarily reactive to process reports rather than outcome-based.

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps exist between the theoretical infection control surveillance program and its practical implementation in smaller hospitals.
• Program revisions are essential prior to broader implementation across eligible hospitals in Victoria.