Key Objectives:
- Gauge the usefulness of the 2014 and 2015 NHSN data validation toolkits based on input from state health departments participating in validation activities.
- Identify challenges or gaps within the current NHSN data validation guidance.
- Develop ways to improve the NHSN data validation guidance and toolkit with proposed 2015 changes.
Brief Summary:
Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance data quality varies across institutions reporting to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and can be improved by external validation activities. NHSN has released the External Validation Guidance and Toolkits for 2014 and 2015. The primary aims for the toolkits are to: (1) provide implementation-ready technical guidance for validation of HAI data reported to NHSN, (2) foster further development and specification of standard validation methods based on field experience and best practices, and (3) support ongoing efforts to assure that HAI surveillance data are as complete and accurate as possible. The toolkits provide standard methods for validating data reported to NHSN for six HAIs: Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) among intensive care unit (ICU) patients; Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) among ICU patients; Surgical Site Infections following colon and abdominal hysterectomy operative procedures; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Bacteremia Laboratory-identified Events; and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) Laboratory-identified Events. CDC intends to continue to update and expand the validation toolkits, incorporating lessons learned from state health department HAI data validation activities and input from data validators. An increasing number of states, in partnership with healthcare facilities, have used the toolkits to design, execute, and complete HAI data validation activities. This session will be used to discuss the usefulness, gaps, implementation challenges, and potential for improvements to current guidance with the intent of informing the structure, content and layout of the proposed 2016 validation guidance.