Which of the following is essential for risk stratification in surveillance steps?

Collecting data on infection events is essential for risk stratification in surveillance steps as it provides the necessary information to identify patterns, trends, and the overall incidence of infections within a facility. This data serves as the foundation for understanding the specific infection risks faced by residents and helps in evaluating the effectiveness of existing prevention strategies. By tracking and documenting infection occurrences, health care providers can discern which particular infections pose the greatest threat to the patient population, thereby enabling targeted interventions and resource allocation. This process is key to enhancing the quality of care and improving outcomes for residents in nursing homes.