Practical Recommendations for Implementation of Semi-Automated Healthcare-Associated Infection Surveillance in a Healthcare Facility

In semi-automated surveillance an algorithm assigns a high or a low probability that the targeted infection occurred within the surveillance period. Subsequently, cases can be ascertained by the infection prevention and control (IPC) department. 1 Over the last two decades, a number of algorithms have been published to automate HAI surveillance, 2 and – recently – a framework for the development of semi-automated surveillance algorithms for application in the local setting in a healthcare facility was validated. 3 The advantages of AS include increased standardization and reduced workload. This offers the potential to survey an increased number of HAI targets for purposes such as healthcare quality improvement or research, and IPC resources of can be directed towards interventions for infection prevention.

However, despite the numerous publications regarding the development of surveillance algorithms, successful implementation of semi-automated surveillance in practice is tedious and requires thorough preparation and sufficient knowledge of surveillance methodology to guide decision making. This document provides recommendations to guide healthcare facilities with an intention or interest to implement AS.