Automating the monitoring of surgical site infections using variable life-adjusted display charts

Summary We describe a software tool specifically developed to support the monitoring and reporting of the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSI) in hospitals. The tool uses data collected routinely by a London teaching hospital as part of its infection surveillance system, which includes post-...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of hospital infection 2011-10, Vol.79 (2), p.119-124
Main Authors: Vasilakis, C, Wilson, A.P.R, Haddad, F.S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
General aspects
Hospitals, Teaching - statistics & numerical data
Human infectious diseases. Experimental studies and models
Humans
Infectious Disease
Infectious diseases
London - epidemiology
Medical sciences
Orthopaedics
Orthopedic Procedures - adverse effects
Orthopedics
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Population Surveillance - methods
Quality Assurance, Health Care
Quality-Adjusted Life Years
Software
Surgical site definitions
Surgical site infection
Surgical Wound Infection - epidemiology
Surgical Wound Infection - prevention & control
Surveillance
Variable life-adjusted display charts
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Description
Summary:Summary We describe a software tool specifically developed to support the monitoring and reporting of the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSI) in hospitals. The tool uses data collected routinely by a London teaching hospital as part of its infection surveillance system, which includes post-discharge follow-up. Based on these data, the tool is used to generate graphs showing cumulative infections over time and variable life-adjusted display (VLAD) charts that account for the expected specialty average infection risk. The user can select, along with other options, the definition of infection used in the preparation of the graphs. Using an illustrative example of SSI monitoring in orthopaedic surgery, we demonstrate the tool and its intended use to trigger further scrutiny rather than draw firm conclusions. We show that the tool has the ability to generate departmental debate, which should ultimately lead to the increased safety of surgical patients. We recommend adopting the tool and VLAD charts wherever surgical site surveillance is continuous.
ISSN:0195-6701
1532-2939
DOI:10.1016/j.jhin.2011.05.015