Validation of Data

HISWA serves to enhance the value of surveillance by providing high quality comparative data. For comparisons to be valid the data collection methods used by participating hospitals must be similar and definitions of infection consistently applied.

Participation in HISWA requires active, prospective surveillance which is patient-based.

Active surveillance requires trained personnel to use a variety of effective case finding methods to optimize sensitivity.

Prospective surveillance requires that methods to detect cases of infection commence from the time the patient is exposed to infection.

Patient-based surveillance requires active follow-up of patients who meet the criteria for
inclusion in the surveillance.

A series of steps have been taken by the HCAI Unit to improve the data validation process
and formal validation studies are planned in the future:

HISWA Surveillance Manual 703 Kb PDF

Outlines standardised definitions for use by HISWA contributors to ensure consistent
application.

Validation workshops

Workshops with contributors to HISWA are conducted to improve the validity of the data. Upcoming workshops will be posted on e-Bulletin.

Surgical site infection validation of data study November 2008

Surgical site infection validation of data study November 2008 (PDF 193KB)