What is considered the "gold standard" for displaying surveillance trends in infection rates?

The "gold standard" for displaying surveillance trends in infection rates is the use of line charts. Line charts are particularly effective for showcasing changes over time, which is essential in infection control settings where monitoring trends in infection rates is critical. They allow for the visualization of data points connected by lines, making it easy to identify patterns, fluctuations, and overall trends over a specified timeframe. This is crucial for facilities to assess the effectiveness of their infection prevention measures, detect outbreaks, or identify any unusual spikes in infection rates.

In contrast, bar graphs are useful for comparing quantities across different categories but may not clearly show trends over time. Pie charts provide a snapshot of proportions within a single time point rather than trends, making them less effective for longitudinal data analysis. Scatter plots are typically used to show relationships between two variables rather than tracking changes in infection rates over time. Thus, line charts stand out as the most suitable choice for effectively communicating surveillance trends in infection rates.