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Public reporting of health care-associated infection data in Australia: time to refine

Leon J Worth, Ann L Bull and Michael J Richards
Med J Aust 2013; 198 (5): . || doi: 10.5694/mja12.11317
Published online: 18 March 2013

National health care-associated infection indicators require validation, stakeholder input and risk adjustment to reflect quality improvement adequately

In December 2011, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) launched the MyHospitals website, allowing national reporting of safety and quality indices for Australian hospitals, including health care-associated infection (HAI) indicators.1 Unlike approaches taken in the United States and United Kingdom, public reporting initiatives have lagged in Australia, with challenges being identified in the design and implementation of reporting strategies.2 Specific avenues for improving HAI indicators are now emerging.


  • Victorian Hospital Acquired Infection Surveillance System Coordinating Centre, Melbourne, VIC.


Correspondence: leon.worth@mh.org.au

Acknowledgements: 

The Victorian Hospital Acquired Infection Surveillance System Coordinating Centre is fully funded by the Victorian Department of Health.

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

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