Presenting Surveillance Findings:

Developing an Interpretive Surveillance Report

When presenting surveillance findings, infection preventionists and others should routinely provide an interpretation of those findings. Providing an oral report during a presentation is not enough--an interpretation of the findings should be included in a written surveillance report. This helps to ensure that those who read the report understand the significance of the information in it.

The outline below provides a guideline for developing an interpretive surveillance report.

I.  Identify those who should receive report

A.  Tailor report to those who receive it (i.e., ensure that report can be understood by those who need to use it)

II.  Components of the report

A.  Methods: list the methods used (the 5 W's)

1.  Who - define the population studied (e.g., neonates, dialysis patients, children, adults)

2.  Where - define the setting (e.g., intensive care unit, dialysis center, pediatric unit, long term care unit, ambulatory surgery center)

3.  When - define the time period (e.g., month, quarter, year)

4.  What - state:

a)  event studied (e.g. central line-associated bloodstream infection)

b)  protocol used (e.g., NHSN methodology)

c)  criteria used for inclusion (e.g. NHSN definitions)

5.  Why - state the purpose for doing surveillance (e.g., reduce rate or numbers of an occurrence)

B.  Data: Present the findings

1.  Show raw numbers of events (numerator) so that occurrence is evident

2.  Show number in population studied (denominator) so sample size is evident

3.  Show rates/ratios (including calculations used) as appropriate

a)  Note: the number in the population at risk is not always known and it may not be possible or necessary to calculate rates, e.g., when reporting occurrences of a community-acquired disease

4.  Use visual displays as appropriate (e.g., frequency table, line listing, pie chart, line graph)

a)  Ensure that tables, charts, and graphs are properly constructed and labeled

C.  Discussion: Explain and interpret findings (i.e., what conclusions can be made)

D.  Recommendations

1.  State what actions are recommended

E.  Identify stakeholders

1.  Identify who prepared report

2.  List who receives report

F.  Date: Note the date reported

Source: Kathleen Meehan Arias, MS, CIC. Used with permission.

1