Implementing automated surveillance of healthcare-associated infections

Most automated surveillance (AS) methods to detect healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have been developed and implemented in research settings. Information about the feasibility of large-scale implementation is therefore scarce. In this talk, key aspects of the design of AS systems and implementation in European institutions and hospitals are presented. Also, the results of an online survey among 1) PRAISE (Providing a Roadmap for Automated Infection Surveillance in Europe) network members; 2) corresponding authors of peer-reviewed European publications on existing AS systems; and 3) the mailing list of national infection prevention and control focal points of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, will be discussed. We show that AS in Europe is characterized by heterogeneity in methods and surveillance targets. Suggestions for reporting on AS systems for future publications are provided, to allow for comparisons and encourage homogenization.