Explanation of the Status of Nosocomial Surveillance System in Iran: A Qualitative Study

The national nosocomial surveillance system has been newly developed in Iran; therefore, it is necessary to investigate its different aspects in order to improve the quality of this system. Thus, the aim of this study was the explanation of the status of the nosocomial surveillance system in Iran.
This qualitative study was conducted through qualitative content analysis. The study participants were selected through purposeful sampling method. Data collection was carried out through 17 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders. Data were analyzed using content analysis method. In order to assess the accuracy and validity of the study, validity, confidentiality, and confirmability criteria were evaluated.
Through the analysis of interviews, 9 main themes (planning and policy making, human resources, infection control committee, quality and quantity of resources, protocols, software, surveillance, coordination and education) and 42 subsidiary themes concerning the status of the national nosocomial surveillance system were extracted. According to the participants’ opinions, the planning and algorithm of the program are acceptable. However, some issues exist in components such as applicability, priority, comprehensiveness of the definitions, attitude and behavior of the human resources,and ambiguity of the roles and responsibilities.
This qualitative study showed that numerous factors influence the improvement of the nosocomial surveillance system. The interviews indicated that its design pattern is acceptable. Nevertheless, some of its components are not executed uniformly in all domestic hospitals.