Implementation of a pilot surveillance program for smaller acute care hospitals

Abstract

Background: An infection control (IC) surveillance program for smaller (<100 acute beds) hospitals was piloted for 18 weeks in 14 hospitals. The aim of the pilot stage was to test a theoretical program in the context in which it was to be implemented. Method: An evaluation framework was developed, outlining the program's intended activities for data collection, management, analysis, reporting, and use. This framework was used as a reference to interview each of the 12 IC nurses participating in the pilot stage. Results: The preferred case finding methodologies were not uniformly applied. Management, analysis, and reporting of data were delayed because of infrequent and irregular IC hours and..