Enacting policy to use administrative data for surveillance of cardiac implantable electronic device infections in Alberta, Canada
Elissa Rennert-May, Derek Chew, Madelyn Knaub, Andrew Frank-Wilson, Stephen Wilton, John Conly, Jennifer Ellison, Stephanie Smith, Kathryn Bush, Evan Martow, Dustin Johnson, Claude Oppenheim, Jenine LealAbstract
Objective:
Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantations are common and expensive. Tracking post-surgical infections of these devices is a key component of monitoring health system performance and ensuring high quality care. Given human resource constraints with traditional infection prevention and control (IPC) programs, CIED infections cannot be systemically monitored in many jurisdictions. This project endeavored to implement a policy change in Alberta, Canada, using administrative data for tracking CIED infection trends over time.
Methods:
Prior work validated the use of administrative data to track CIED infections. The current work focused on exploring policy options to optimize this use of administrative data and elicit feedback from knowledge users/operational leaders via a workshop and electronic communications. Options for presentation and communication modalities of data including quarterly reports or Tableau dashboards were explored.
Results:
Based on consensus from the workshop and subsequent electronic communications, three policy options were provided along with a recommended choice as well as preferred reporting options. The final options were all included in a policy brief provided to operational leadership. Ultimately, the recommended approaches of using administrative data for surveillance were accepted resulting in a policy change for CIED infection surveillance in Alberta that is currently being implemented and evaluated.
Conclusions:
CIED infections are a devastating complication following implantation. Administrative data may offer an alternative to traditional IPC surveillance given constrained resources. Engagement and presentation of evidence-based policy options resulted in the adoption of a novel data driven policy in Alberta for CIED infection surveillance.