{"c9374286-f051-4a4a-a20b-da25d3c319ff": "<h2>Chapter Summary</h2><p>Collaboration between public health and healthcare is essential for an effective outbreak response. While healthcare settings are responsible for disease prevention and infection control practices on their premises, public health officials are generally responsible for ensuring the health and safety of the entire population within their jurisdiction, including patients, visitors, and employees in healthcare settings. </p><p>In Chapter 5, Investigation &amp; Control, we review the key elements and steps involved in the investigation and control of outbreaks involving HAIs and AR pathogens. During an outbreak investigation, a systematic approach is necessary to determine the nature and scope of the problem, identify the etiologic agent, establish the existence of an outbreak, define the population at risk, determine risk factors and routes of transmission, implement appropriate control measures, and develop strategies to prevent future occurrences. </p><p>The chapter is arranged to follow steps typically followed in an outbreak investigation, recognizing that such steps may indeed not occur in linear order and will depend on the precise nature and needs of the response. The chapter also reviews the goals of a healthcare outbreak investigation and includes collections of resources to support and improve HAI/AR outbreak response.</p>"}