Adoption of infection surveillance technology linked to better infection control practices

A recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control looked at the relationship between the use of automated surveillance technology (AST) and the depth of implementation of evidence-based infection prevention and control practices.  The study analyzed survey responses from 241 acute care hospitals in California on questions related to the adoption of AST, the breadth and depth of implementation of HAI and process specific infection control practices. 

The study found a positive relationship between AST adoption and the adoption of infection control practices.  Although it’s unclear whether adoption of AST leads to better implementation of infection control practices or vice versa, it is clear that hospitals using AST are doing a better job implementing evidence-based infection control practices compared with hospitals that still rely on manual surveillance.    

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