Communicating Critical Surveillance Data for Improved Outcomes

Abstract

Prevention of Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs) requires a multi-faceted approach. Active surveillance identifies significant changes relative to a patient's condition that may result in a HAI. Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) surveillance is one example of a HAI that requires near real-time monitoring and timely communication of the findings in order to facilitate earlier interventions. A lack of standardized communication techniques of critical surveillance data was cited by the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) managers of an urban academic medical center as a potential reason for inadequate or delayed response to bedside practice. The objective of this project was to identify and test a novel method of communication that facilitated earlier identification of potential infections. Tabled 1ICU Clinical Managers Survey 1) How often do you utilize the “Vent Reviews” database? Never 0.00% Once a month 0.00% Once a week 50.00% Once a day 50.00% 2) Do you prefer the previous methods of communicating VAP details or the current database? I prefer the old way 0.00% I prefer the database 100.00% 3) Do you find the database to be user friendly? Yes 100.00% No 0.00% 4) Do you utilize the database to identify potential “at risk” ventilated patients? Yes 83.30% No 16.70% 5) Are interventions altered or increased based on information gathered from the database? Yes 83.30% No 16.70% Open table in a new tab