The GAIHN-HAI PPS Project:

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are a significant risk to patient safety and the prevalence in hospitals is often unknown or under-characterized. Describing the burden of HAIs is critical to decrease risk and guide infection prevention and control (IPC) initiatives in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The GAIHN-HAI PPS Project reflects collaborations between the U.S. CDC, APHL, and GAIHN-HAI facilities and implementing partners to provide sustainable methods for measuring HAI burden using point prevalence survey (PPS) methodology and use data for action in resource-limited healthcare settings.

GAIHN-HAI PPS Data Collection Tools:

Point prevalence surveys can be challenging; the GAIHN-HAI PPS Project was created to develop tools that allow users to more easily conduct an HAI PPS. Both the GAIHN-HAI PPS data collection application and the GAIHN-HAI PPS REDCap tool were designed to streamline the process of manual data collection and analysis and address challenges in implementation.

What is a PPS?

An HAI point prevalence survey (PPS) is an epidemiological method to measure the prevalence of HAIs in healthcare settings. Data are collected using standardized methods at a specific point in time to measure HAI rates among hospitalized patients during the survey period.

User Roles and Management

The GAIHN-HAI data collection application and the GAIHN-HAI REDCap tool support the creation and management of:

Users with defined roles and permissions
Defined facilities and wards
Data collection surveys

Data collection

GAIHN-HAI data collection tools are responsive systems in which users are guided through the HAI PPS data collection methods by following a series of simple step-by-step patient data collection forms (pages) and questions. Built-in logic underlies the data collection steps to guide the data collector and efficiently gather necessary data.

Data output

The standardized and high-quality data output from GAIHN-HAI data collection tools can be utilized for HAI prevalence estimation to improve infection prevention and control practices to protect patient safety. These data also support classification of HAI as defined in the protocol.

Data security

The GAIHN-HAI PPS data collection application is hosted on the AIMS platform in Singapore. Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) Moderate standard with successful 3rd party audits, and successful 3rd party penetration tests are part of the robust security and compliance program. These standards and focused data security activities ensure a secure environment, access, data privacy and accountability.

Data Management and Analysis

Data can be exported from the GAIHN PPS app or REDCap tool in a CSV file format. Data analysis can then be performed using software such as SAS or R or by utilizing the automated GAIHN-HAI PPS results report generator.

Benefits of the web application solution

Device-agnostic tool can be utilized on any mobile, tablet or desktop device with a compatible web browser.
Allows for an intuitive and user-friendly interface and data collection experience.
Simple to get started and does not require downloading an app.
Web-based system allows for a secure hosting environment and data privacy, meeting proven data security standards including NIST/FISMA moderate.
In-app data visualization and report generation provide near real-time information on data quality and PPS results.

To learn more about the app and how to use it for your facility's PPS needs, refer to the user guide and trainings.