Economics of infection control surveillance technology: cost-effective or just cost?

Jon P Furuno; Marin L Schweizer; Jessina C McGregor; Eli N Perencevich

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2007.06.002

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Economics of infection control surveillance technology: cost-effective or just cost?

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Economics of infection control surveillance technology: cost-effective or just cost?

Jon P Furuno, Marin L Schweizer, Jessina C McGregor and Eli N Perencevich

American journal of infection control, Vol.36(3 Suppl), pp.S12-S17

04/2008

DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2007.06.002

PMCID: PMC2423204

PMID: 18374206

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http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2007.06.002View

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Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that informatics tools, such as automated alert and decision support systems, may increase the efficiency and quality of infection control surveillance. However, little is known about the cost-effectiveness of these tools. We focus on 2 types of economic analyses that have utility in assessing infection control interventions (cost-effectiveness analysis and business-case analysis) and review the available literature on the economics of computerized infection control surveillance systems. Previous studies on the effectiveness of computerized infection control surveillance have been limited to assessments of whether these tools increase the sensitivity and specificity of surveillance over traditional methods. Furthermore, we identified only 2 studies that assessed the costs associated with computerized infection control surveillance. Thus, it remains unknown whether computerized infection control surveillance systems are cost-effective and whether use of these systems improves patient outcomes. The existing data are insufficient to allow for a summary conclusion on the cost-effectiveness of infection control surveillance technology. All future studies of computerized infection control surveillance systems should aim to collect outcomes and economic data to inform decision making and assist hospitals with completing business-cases analyses.

Automatic Data Processing - methods

Costs and Cost Analysis

Cross Infection - prevention & control

Humans

Treatment Outcome

Automatic Data Processing - economics

Infection Control - methods

Infection Control - economics

Sentinel Surveillance

Cross Infection - epidemiology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Economics of infection control surveillance technology: cost-effective or just cost?
Creators: Jon P Furuno - Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
Marin L Schweizer
Jessina C McGregor
Eli N Perencevich
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: American journal of infection control, Vol.36(3 Suppl), pp.S12-S17
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2007.06.002
PMID: 18374206
PMCID: PMC2423204
NLM abbreviation: Am J Infect Control
ISSN: 0196-6553
eISSN: 1527-3296
Publisher: United States
Grant note: R01 CI000369 / NCPDCID CDC HHS 1 R01CI000369-01 / NCPDCID CDC HHS K12 RR023250 / NCRR NIH HHS K01 AI071015-01A2 / NIAID NIH HHS K01 AI071015 / NIAID NIH HHS 1K12RR023250-01 / NCRR NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 04/2008
Academic Unit: Epidemiology; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9983779288302771

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