Implementing an animated geographic information system to investigate factors associated with nosocomial infections: A novel approach

Abel Kho*, Kelly Johnston, Jeffrey Wilson, Stephen J. Wilson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Two million Americans acquire an infection in the hospital each year, resulting in an estimated 88,000 patient deaths per year. Objective: Our objective was to describe our initial experience using an animated geographic information system (GIS) to investigate factors associated with nosocomial transmission of resistant organisms. We used a descriptive study at a university-affiliated, county, teaching hospital. We studied all patients and nursing staff on 4 adult, general medicine wards from June through August 2004. Results: We developed and implemented GIS software. GIS-generated animations demonstrated inappropriate patient placement for 19% of patients with methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus and insufficient time for hand hygiene in 14% (6248) of health care provider-patient contacts. Conclusion: Animated GIS can uncover previously hidden factors that contribute to the spread of nosocomial infections. This technology may become a useful adjunct for the prevention of nosocomial transmission of infectious agents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)578-582
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control
Volume34
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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