Surveillance of hospital acquired infections in veterinary practices

RVN Rebecca Jordan defines the critical components in the development of infection control surveillance programmes.

“The importance of surveillance of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) is often overlooked within the veterinary community, with limited research available, resulting in this vital step being overlooked. When carried out correctly, it allows a practice to accumulate data on the rates of HAIs and ascertain when further action is required.”

KEY POINTS

• Well-developed surveillance programmes can not only reduce nosocomial infections, but also prevent damage to a practice's reputation and reduce the financial costs to both the owner and the veterinary practice.

• Differing surveillance methods are often used in combination

• Infection control ambassadors should be selected to take charge of surveillance programmes within a practice

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