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Erschienen in:
24.10.2023 | Healthcare Associated Infections (ME Doll and B Rittmann, Section Editors)
Infection Prevention in Remote or Resource-Limited Settings: Deploying Technology While Preserving the Human Touch
Erschienen in: Current Infectious Disease Reports | Ausgabe 11/2023
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Purpose of Review
Infection prevention (IP) programs face limited funding despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued threat of other novel pathogens. Healthcare epidemiologists and infection preventionists must continue to rely on technologies to support their work. This is especially true in remote or resource-limited settings where IP teams may not be physically present.
Recent Findings
Technologies to support IP and antimicrobial stewardship vary in levels of effectiveness, but many tools are available to support IP efforts. Currently, the technologies are best deployed deliberately for healthcare-associated infection surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and quality assessment. Acceptance of these technologies is increased when remote IP teams and frontline healthcare workers are engaged in the safety mission of infection prevention.
Summary
Effective remote IP still requires the ongoing human touch. Technologies cannot fully replace the consultative expertise of in-person IP personnel. Engaging frontline teams remotely needs creative solutions. Prior to adopting new IP technologies, their use must convincingly advance the primary tenet of medicine, first do no harm.