WEBINAR - Real-time Whole Genome Sequencing Surveillance for Healthcare Outbreak Detection and Investigation

Traditional methods of infection prevention to detect healthcare-associated outbreaks have remained unchanged for many years. Investigators often rely on examining infection trends for increased incidence and then use reactive whole genome sequencing (WGS) to confirm or refute its presence. This method frequently misidentifies transmission and misses transmission where it has occurred. More recently, WGS surveillance has emerged as an alternative approach for infection prevention. By sequencing pathogens regardless of the suspicion of an outbreak, investigators can ideally detect transmission early and implement interventions before pathogens spread further. This webinar will discuss the background and emergence of WGS surveillance as well as infection prevention considerations for healthcare facilities. Moreover, the webinar will discuss recent cost-benefit analyses of WGS surveillance and potential barriers to implementation.

 

Learning Objectives