National Surveillance for the prevention of Healthcare Associated Infections

The National Surveillance Initiative seeks to explore options for a national surveillance system to monitor Healthcare Associated Infections and provide timely feedback to jurisdictions and clinicians. The result is an evidence-based and authoritative analysis that can promote stronger linkages between other health data systems and with policy makers, and to ensure that the messages derived from surveillance data can be turned into public health action for better health outcomes.

A report, Reducing harm to patients from healthcare associated infection: the role of surveillance, was compiled by 51 experts from across Australia. This report provides an overview of current healthcare associated infection issues and surveillance initiatives in Australia. and a review of international and Australian surveillance literature. Providing a comprehensive picture of the surveillance of HAI in Australia, the report demonstrates the costs that these infections impose upon individual Australians and the health system.

Each chapter of the report includes recommendations and a summary of key points based on the material presented. We greatly appreciate comments and your assistance in helping us ensure that this strategy is of value to those receiving health services and those working in the field.

A copy of Reducing harm to patients from healthcare associated infection: the role of surveillance and a copy of the key working document is available to download along with a list of editors and contributors (PDF 24 KB).

Submissions on the recommendations of the report, Reducing harm to patients from Health Care Associated Infections

The Commission invited comment from key stakeholders on the recommendations outlined in the report, Reducing harm to patients from healthcare associated infection: the role of surveillance after its release in July 2008. Applicants were given until 30 September 2008 to submit their comments. Thoughts, comments and suggestions were sought on the implementation of the recommendations, the priority areas for action and who would be responsibilities for the implementation of these recommendations.

Twenty nine written submissions were received in response to the Commission's invitation to provide comment. Access to the submissions on the recommendations of the report, Reducing harm to patients from Health Care Associated Infections is located on a separate web page. A list of organisations and individuals corresponding submissions is available to download.

The comments and views expressed in submissions were considered by the Surveillance Committee established to advise on National Surveillance.

In December 2008 all Australian Health Ministers agreed to a national approach to surveillance of Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infections (including MRSA) and other virulent microorganisms. All hospitals will establish healthcare associated infection surveillance and monitor and report on Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) blood stream infections and Clostridium difficile infections, through their jurisdiction, into a
national data collection.

This project has also developed consensus definitions on local and national indicators of Staphylococcal aureus blood stream infections and Clostridium difficile.

The project is overseen by the HAI Surveillance Advisory Committee who oversee the establishment of a national healthcare associated infection data collection and makes recommendations on national policy for prevention, control and outbreak management. The committee is made up of experts from around the country.

HAI surveillance data dictionary