Uniform national denominator definitions for infection control clinical indicators: surgical site and health care associated blood stream infection

Abstract

The National Advisory Board (NAB) to the Australian Infection Control Association (AICA) is a multi-disciplinary group representing all regions of Australia. The group comprises infection control practitioners (ICPs), infectious disease physicians, microbiologists, epidemiologists and representatives of other stakeholder groups. Currently, there is wide variation in surveillance practices in Australia. In response, the NAB has developed standard definitions and terminology for surveillance of surgical site (SSI) and health care associated blood stream infection (BSI). Following review of overseas surveillance systems, achievement of consensus among NAB members regarding indicator terminology and methodology, and consultation with end users and stakeholder groups, consensus numerator definitions have been published. In similar fashion, denominator definitions have now been developed and are presented in this article, together with suggestions for evaluating infection outcomes (signal infections) in facilities where rate calculations are not appropriate. These definitions provide Australian ICPs in all health care facilities with a standardised strategy for surveillance. National standardisation of data collection methodology is essential if Australia is to identify acceptable national thresholds for infection rates.