Hospital Data Systems and Infection Control: The Mediating Role of Surveillance Accuracy

Abstract

The increasing integration of digital technologies into healthcare has transformed the management of clinical information and public health monitoring. Hospital data systems have become essential tools for collecting, storing, processing, and analyzing healthcare information to support clinical decision making and operational efficiency. One of the most critical applications of hospital data systems is infection control, which aims to prevent, detect, and manage healthcare associated infections that threaten patient safety and healthcare quality. Effective infection control requires timely identification of infection patterns, monitoring of outbreaks, and implementation of preventive interventions. Hospital data systems facilitate these functions by providing accurate and accessible information for healthcare professionals. However, the effectiveness of hospital data systems in improving infection control may depend on the accuracy of surveillance processes. Surveillance accuracy refers to the precision, completeness, timeliness, and reliability of infection monitoring activities conducted within healthcare organizations. Accurate surveillance enables early detection of infections, effective response strategies, and evidence based decision making. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between hospital data systems and infection control while examining the mediating role of surveillance accuracy. Drawing upon Information Systems Success Theory and Epidemiological Surveillance Theory, the study proposes that hospital data systems positively influence infection control through enhanced surveillance accuracy. A quantitative research design was employed using survey data collected from healthcare professionals working in hospitals and healthcare institutions. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS SEM) through SmartPLS software. The findings reveal that hospital data systems significantly improve surveillance accuracy and infection control performance. Furthermore, surveillance accuracy significantly mediates the relationship between hospital data systems and infection control. The study contributes to healthcare informatics, infection prevention, and hospital management literature by explaining the mechanisms through which digital information systems improve infection control outcomes. Practical implications are provided for healthcare administrators, policymakers, and technology developers seeking to strengthen infection prevention strategies.