A Preliminary Mathematical Analysis for Understanding Transmission Dynamics of Nosocomial Infections in a NICU

Authors

  • Taesu Cheong National University of Singapore
  • Jennifer L. Grant Emory University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2013.20.3-4.870

Keywords:

Nosocomial infections, Hospital-acquired infections, Infection control, Mathematical model, Pathogen spread

Abstract

Nosocomial infections (NIs) have been a major concern in hospitals, especially in high-risk populations. Neonates hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) have a higher risk of acquiring infections during hospitalization than other ICU populations, which often result in prolonged and more severe illness and possibly death. The corresponding economic burden is immense, not only for parents and insurance companies, but also for hospitals faced with increased patient load and resource utilization. In this paper, we attempt to systemically understand the transmission dynamics of NIs in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). For this purpose, we present a mathematical model, perform sensitivity analysis to evaluate effective intervention strategies, and discuss numerical findings of the model.

Author Biographies

Taesu Cheong, National University of Singapore

Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; Assistant Professor

Jennifer L. Grant, Emory University

Rollins School of Public Health; M.D. and Ph.D. Candidate

Published

2013-08-20

How to Cite

Cheong, T., & Grant, J. L. (2013). A Preliminary Mathematical Analysis for Understanding Transmission Dynamics of Nosocomial Infections in a NICU. International Journal of Industrial Engineering: Theory, Applications and Practice, 20(3-4). https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2013.20.3-4.870

Issue

Section

Service Engineering (Healthcare, etc.)