Real-time surveillance and decision support: Optimizing infection control and antimicrobial choices at the point of care

As information technology has expanded into all sectors of society, the value of real-time decision support in the areas of infection control and antimicrobial management is becoming increasingly recognized. This articles discusses ideal systems of support for infection control surveillance and outbreak recognition, as well as systems for antimicrobial management. Numerous software packages have been developed and marketed that provide various components applicable to these areas. Studies published in peer-reviewed literature assessing their utility are reviewed. The number of good studies is very limited, however, and no previous study has compared various programs in a scientifically rigorous fashion. We recognize that the implementation of goals outlined by National Healthcare Information Infrastructure of “anywhere, anytime health care information and decision support,” especially as it applies to infection control and antimicrobial management, is slow in developing. The expansion of health care information technology tools, such as computer physician order entry and clinical decision support, in all health care settings remains a significant challenge.