What is typically the first step in an infection surveillance program?

The first step in an infection surveillance program is identifying infection types. This step is crucial because it lays the foundation for the entire surveillance process. By recognizing which types of infections are prevalent or concerning within a healthcare setting, the program can tailor its efforts to collect relevant data, understand transmission routes, and prioritize interventions.

Identifying infection types enables healthcare professionals to establish specific criteria and definitions for what constitutes an infection in their facility, which is essential for consistent tracking and reporting. This step ensures that the program can effectively monitor trends, implement preventive measures, and assess the overall impact of infection control strategies.

Other options, such as assessing hospital profits or reviewing medical histories, do not directly contribute to the immediate goals of infection surveillance. Patient interviews, while potentially useful in gathering information about individual cases, come after the initial identification of infection types and require a framework that first defines what to investigate. Therefore, identifying infection types is not only the correct first step but also a fundamental component of establishing a successful infection surveillance program.