Health care-associated infections studies project: An American Journal of Infection Control and National Healthcare Safety Network data quality collaboration

This case study is part of a series centered on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) health care-associated infection (HAI) surveillance definitions. This specific case study focuses on the definitions and protocols used to make HAI infection determinations, such as the infection window period and secondary bloodstream infection attribution period. The case reflects the real-life and complex patient scenarios that infection preventionists (IPs) face when identifying and reporting HAIs to NHSN. The intent of the case study series is to foster standardized application of the NHSN HAI surveillance definitions among IPs and encourage accurate determination of HAI events. An online survey link is provided where participants may confidentially answer questions related to the case study and receive immediate feedback in the form of correct answers and explanations and rationales. Details of the case study, answers, and explanations have been reviewed and approved by NHSN staff. We hope that participants take advantage of this educational offering and thereby gain a greater understanding of NHSN HAI surveillance definitions. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.