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The infection control IT implementation and evaluation project

  • Document type:
    Publication
  • Author:
    Health Protection Agency
  • Published date:
    22 December 2005
  • Primary audience:
    Professionals
  • Publication format:
    Electronic only
  • Gateway reference:
    5950
  • Pages:
    4
  • Copyright holder:
    Crown copyright

This project was commissioned by the Department for Health and we would like to thank the Health Protection Agency, the three companies and the participating Trusts for taking part in this valuable project and for working hard to overcome the practical difficulties. Infection control software has been shown to enhance the performance of Infection Control Teams (ICT) and save time. However, this cannot be achieved without the appropriate expertise to achieve timely implementation and training. Inadequate communication, availability of IT expertise and pressure on ICTs delayed the completion of this project by six months in 8 of the 9 sites and the following lessons were learnt.

The three software products investigated are all capable potentially of achieving the required functionality. Thus, there is no single recommendation for a 'best buy'.

Support from senior management and IT is essential for effective  implementation.

Communication between the Trust and supplier is key to this process.  Matching user requirement to software specification is vital to make it user friendly and acceptable.

Requirements for purchase and implementation of any of the systems:

  • Detailed project planning by the Trust
  • Assessment and scoping of the suitability criteria for matching to Trust IT systems and expertise
  • Dedicated sessions for training

The following must be considered when selecting an IT system for infection control for the Trust:

  • Compatability with Trust Laboratory Information and Management System (LIMS) and Patient Administration system (PAS)
  • Security
  • Adapatability and compliance for future developments eg:
    - Connecting for Health
    - electronic-Government Interoperability Framework

All three systems appear to have a heightened level of functionality if interfaced to, or receiving batch downloads from PAS records. Resources and time prevented evaluation of a second interface.

The Trusts that volunteered for the project recorded lead times for implementation of between 2 weeks and twelve months. Two are still on-going 18 months after the start of the project. Broadly, both trust and company issues contributed to the excessive implementation times in 8 of the nine pilot Trusts. Trusts and suppliers need to agree on a timetable, the roles and availability of key players.

A regular cycle of feedback is required to ensure an effective system. Trusts made changes to their support and training procedures as a result of the feedback received from their Trusts and the project Board. 

Local modification to LIMS systems can preclude the use of software that interfaces only to the original specification of the system as specified, supplied and tested by the software house. It took 12 months for one pilot site and their LIMS system supplier to establish that local modification to the laboratory system prevented interfacing with the trial infection control software.

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