Implementing an animated geographic information system to investigate factors associated with nosocomial infections: a novel approach.
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 Staphylococcus aureus and insufficient time for hand hygiene in 14% (6248) of health care provider-patient contacts.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Kho
Abel
A
Regenstrief Institute, Inc, USA. abel.kho@nmff.org
Johnston
Kelly
K
Wilson
Jeffrey
J
Wilson
Stephen J
SJ
D003196:Computer Graphics; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000592:standards; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D016106:Methicillin Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D010356:Patient Isolation / Q000592:standards; D012984:Software; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000472:pathogenicity