An Introductionto Epidemiology and Infection Control Practice, Part III: Brief Overview Of Serveillance For Nosocomial Infection

Abstract

A brief oveview of the basic concepts of epidemiology methodology were covered in parts 1 & 2 of this series. These included validity, reliability, causation and study design. Surveillance is an integral component of an effective Infection Control programme. This paper will discuss some of the recent efforts internationally, and in Australia to undertake surveillance for two distinct and important types of nosocomial infection: surgical site infection (SSI) and intravascular device related bacteraemia.