A user evaluation of the Nosocomial Infection National Surveillance System: surgical site infection module.

The Nosocomial Infection National Surveillance Scheme (NINSS) enables hospitals in England to undertake surveillance of healthcare associated infection, compare their results with national aggregated data, and use the information to improve patient care. A surgical site infection (SSI) module was introduced in 1997, and participation has increased steadily since its inception. This survey was undertaken to assess the views of users on the current service, and how the module should be developed to best meet their needs and resources. Survey forms were sent to infection control teams (ICTs) at the 113 hospitals that had participated at any time during the first three years of the programme. The response rate was 90% (102). The views of users were generally very positive and indicated considerable support for the approach to this type of surveillance. The ability to compare hospital infection rates with national data, the availability of standardized surveillance methods, and centralized data analysis and report production were key reasons for participation for over 80% of users. Most did not wish to see any major changes made to the protocol, although more than a third of users suggested additional data items. Overall, users were satisfied with both the content and timescale for receipt of feedback reports, and 77% disseminated them to at least three groups of clinicians and managers. The majority of ICTs (89%) gave the results directly to the surgeons. For some users (29%) it was too early to assess the value of the surveillance. Of the remainder, although results provided evidence of good performance for some, 46% identified high rates of SSI in one or more groups of surgical patients. In about two-thirds of these hospitals, a review or change in clinical practice was initiated as a result. Three main areas for development were identified: an extended range of surgical procedures, post-discharge surveillance and improved local data collection and analysis systems. Users said they would also like training in handling and interpreting surveillance data. These needs should be addressed in order to ensure the continuing success of national surveillance.