What is the purpose of conducting surveillance in infection prevention?

The purpose of conducting surveillance in infection prevention is fundamentally to identify trends and outbreaks. Surveillance allows infection preventionists to systematically collect, analyze, and interpret data related to infections within a healthcare setting. By doing so, they can recognize patterns over time, detect potential outbreaks, and monitor the effectiveness of interventions aimed at controlling infection rates.

Identifying trends is crucial as it helps in early detection of increases in infection rates, which may signal an outbreak or a failure in infection control practices. This proactive approach enables healthcare facilities to swiftly implement necessary measures to mitigate risks, protect patients and staff, and improve overall safety in the environment.

The focus of surveillance aligns with the primary goals of infection control, which prioritize patient safety and quality of care. While financial performance, workload management, and equipment maintenance are also important aspects of healthcare operations, they do not directly relate to the primary functions and outcomes of infection surveillance.