Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
Strains of Staphylococcus aureus that are resistant to many of the antibiotics commonly used to treat infections. Epidemic strains can spread easily from person to person.
M
Microorganisms
Most infectious agents are microorganisms. These exist naturally everywhere in the environment and not all cause infection – e.g. the ‘good’ bacteria present in the body’s normal flora. Parasites, prions and several classes of microorganism – including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa – can be involved in either colonisation or infection, depending on the susceptibility of the host.
Multi-resistant organisms (MROs)
Organisms that have become resistant to multiple medications that are usually used to treat them.
Numerator
The upper portion of a fraction used to calculate a rate or ratio. In surveillance, it is usually the number of cases of a disease or adverse event being studied
N
Nursing home
The previous name for residential aged care homes.
One Health
<p>The principle of applying a collaborative and coordinated effort across multiple sectors- working locally, nationally and globally - to attain optimal health for people, animals and the environment. </p>
O
Outbreak
An increase in the number of a certain infection above what is considered normal for that setting over a set period of time.
Outcome surveillance
Surveillance used to measure client/patient/resident outcomes (changes in the resident’s health status that can be attributed to preceding care and service). An example of outcome surveillance related to infection prevention and control is surveillance of HAI rates.
Point Prevalence Study
A data collection methodology commonly used to measure the prevalence of infections and antimicrobial use at a point in time. They aid in estimating disease burden and risk factors.
P
Policies
Statements of intent, providing guidance related to expected standards to be achieved, based on regulatory and contemporary practice
Process surveillance
Surveillance used to assess or measure resident processes (things done to or for a resident during their encounter with the healthcare system). An example of process surveillance related to infection prevention and control is planned audits to verify that procedures and/or standards of practice are being followed.