Reducing Nosocomial Infections: A User-centered Approach to Developing an eHealth system for Sri Lankan ICUs.

ABSTRACT

Nosocomial infections are a health concern in hospitals both in developed and developing countries. Immuno-compromised patients in intensive care units (ICU) have been identified as being particularly vulnerable. However, despite numerous interventions, infection rates remain high and antibiotic resistance is now of global concern. In Sri Lanka, higher than anticipated infection rates appear linked to a range of factors including hierarchical work flow, poor surveillance feedback and health staff attitudes and awareness. By deploying a user-centered approach to understanding these factors this research-in-progress will develop and evaluate the capacity of an eHealth system to contribute to reduction of nosocomial infections in Sri Lankan ICUs.