Data Management

Data Import

Alert organisms are identified in the microbiology laboratory. The laboratory system prepares an output file in an agreed format for import into ICNET. This file includes patient demographic details as well as the full test results including organism identity and antibiotic sensitivities.

Data can also be imported from:

• Hospital Information System.

• Surgery and Pharmacy Systems.

All data is validated on import. A full audit trail is recorded for each ICNet user and duplicate patient records can be merged.

Data Management

Patient records can be found by searching on the patient identification number, name, date of birth or specimen number, or through linking via reports or alerts. Once in the record, infection control practitioners use the main ICNet screen for most of their daily work. This provides immediate access to all patient details, allowing records to be browsed, edited and updated, depending on security permissions set by the system administrator.

The ICNet screen has seven main sections:

1. Patient demographic details

2. Case details

3. Alert organisms

4. Alert conditions

5. Infection control practitioners information

6. Ward/Dept History

7. SSI (Surgical Site Infection) Surveillance

The web-browser front end to ICNet enables users to access the database from any workstation on the hospital network or even at the bedside, thus enabling rapid and accurate data collection.

Data Export

A key feature of ICNet is the provision of a simple data export facility for electronic transmission of mandatory reports to state and federal agencies.

Software Architecture

ICNet runs on a Windows platform and the application operates on My SQL or MS SQL databases. The system is capable of being fully networked and is web enabled. Remote access is supported via Mobile ICNet. Interfaces to information systems are built using HL7 or customised messaging, depending on the systems involved. ICNet is 100% e-GIF and HL7 compliant.