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Rock D. Jensen is the Board Chairman of AHE.

Health care environmental professionals met in Dallas, Texas, from July 31 to August 2, 2023, at the AHE Exchange Conference & Solution Center. Infection Control Today® asked Rock Jensen, AHE advisory board chair and administrative director of support services for Yuma Regional Medical Center in Arizona, about AHE’s areas of emphasis for leadership in environmental services (EVS). 


AHE Exchange Conference & Solution Center 2023 Review

's) Editorial Board members—a diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing infection prevention and control practices. This series highlights each member's unique expertise and contributions to the field.

From groundbreaking research to innovative strategies, these experts are at the forefront of enhancing health care safety. Join us as we learn their insights, experiences, and visions for the future, providing valuable knowledge and inspiration to elevate infection control protocols.

In this installment, we hear from Tabrikah Mohammed, MSc, BSN, CIC, CPHQ, FAPIC, senior infection control officer, MSc, BSN, TQM, CIC, CPHQ, FAPIC. 

Tabrikah Mohammed, MSc, BSN, CIC, CPHQ, FAPIC, is an accomplished nursing professional with a diverse educational background and vast experience in infection control. She obtained a bachelor of nursing degree from Sharjah University in 2011 and a master of health care administration from the Royal College of Surgeon Ireland in 2013.

Tabrikah has furthered her expertise by obtaining certification as a CIC in 2018 and a CPHQ in 2021. She is also the founder of the IPQ Academy, where she imparts her knowledge and experience to other health care professionals. As the cofounder, head of the scientific committee, and infection control expert at the 

Middle East North Africa Federation for Hospital Sterilization Sciences

 (MENA FHSS), she has significantly contributed to the healthcare sector.

Emirates Infection Prevention and Sterilization Society

 (EIPSS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing knowledge in infection prevention and sterilization practices in the United Arab Emirates. EIPSS operates under the 

Currently, Tabrikah serves as a senior infection control officer in 

, where she applies her skills and knowledge to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers. She is also a member of the 2023 editorial advisory board for 

, a testament to her reputation as an expert in infection control.

Tabrikah's contributions to infection control have been recognized through several awards, including the 

IP Idol from Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc

 by Saudi Society for Infection Prevention and Control in 2023. She is also an international speaker at various conferences and conducts workshops.

Tabrikah sees these topics as trending right now:

These programs aim to optimize the use of antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance. They involve the proper selection, dosage, and duration of antibiotic treatment to minimize resistance and adverse effects.

: Real-time data and advanced analytics track infection trends and outbreaks within healthcare facilities, allowing quicker and more effective responses.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

: These technologies are applied to predict outbreaks and optimize infection control strategies.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Innovation

: PPE is continually being innovated, with improvements in comfort, durability, and protection levels. Reusable PPE is also being developed to address supply chain issues and sustainability concerns.

Infection Control in Nonhospital Settings

: Infection prevention in long-term care facilities has become a major focus, particularly due to residents' vulnerability to infections like COVID-19 and influenza.

: There’s increased attention to infection prevention in schools, workplaces, and other community settings.

: Online platforms for infection prevention training have expanded, making education more accessible and scalable.

: There’s a growing emphasis on interprofessional education and collaboration in infection prevention, recognizing that effective infection control requires teamwork across various healthcare disciplines.

: Educating patients and their families on infection prevention practices, such as hand hygiene and recognizing signs of infection, is becoming more prevalent.

: There is a trend towards involving patients in their care, including infection prevention measures, to improve outcomes.

: There is an increasing focus on sustainable practices in infection prevention, such as reducing single-use plastics and developing environmentally friendly disinfectants.

Infection Prevention in Nonhospital Settings:

There is a growing focus on infection prevention in long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and community settings. Tailored infection control measures are being developed for these environments.

Telehealth services have expanded significantly, reducing the need for in-person visits and thereby lowering the risk of infection transmission. Remote monitoring of patients helps in managing infections and chronic conditions more effectively.

could focus on a range of timely and impactful topics. Here are her suggestions:

1. Emerging Infectious Diseases and Global Threats

 Coverage of the latest research and developments regarding new viruses or bacteria, particularly those with pandemic potential.

 Updates on global efforts to prevent and control infectious diseases, including responses to outbreaks and lessons learned from recent events.

 New technologies, treatments, and policies to mitigate the rise of drug-resistant infections.

 Strategies for improving AMR monitoring in healthcare settings.

3. Infection Control in Special Populations

 Best practices for preventing infections in nursing homes and other long-term care settings.

 Specialized approaches to infection control in pediatric units.

4. Health Care-Associated Infections (HAIs)

 Latest strategies, protocols, and technologies for preventing HAIs, with a focus on surgical site infections, catheter-associated infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia.

 Case studies and lessons learned from recent HAI outbreaks.

5. Environmental Hygiene and Disinfection

 New products, technologies, and practices in environmental cleaning and disinfection.

Role of air quality in infection control:

 Research on the impact of ventilation and air purification in preventing the spread of infections.

 Strategies for healthcare professionals to address vaccine hesitancy and counter misinformation.

 Updates on new vaccines and vaccine delivery methods.

7. Technology and Digital Health in Infection Control

AI and machine learning in infection prevention:

 How artificial intelligence predicts and prevents outbreaks in healthcare settings.

 The role of telehealth in infection control, especially in managing patients with infectious diseases remotely.

 How the pandemic has changed infection control practices permanently.

 Future-proofing infection control protocols.

9. Infection Control in Nonhospital Settings

Infection prevention in outpatient clinics:

 Best practices for clinics, dental offices, and other non-hospital healthcare settings.

 Strategies for preventing infections in schools and workplaces, especially with the increasing focus on respiratory illnesses.

Continuing education for healthcare workers:

 New programs, tools, and certifications in infection prevention.

 How to involve patients and their families in infection prevention efforts.

Meet the experts shaping infection prevention: Infection Control Today's Editorial Board members share insights, experiences, and cutting-edge strategies to enhance health care safety and quality. Meet Tabrikah Mohammed, MSc, BSN, CIC, CPHQ, FAPIC.

Meet Infection Control Today's Editorial Board Member: Tabrikah Mohammed, MSc, BSN, CIC, CPHQ, FAPIC

In 2024, US Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW), observed from November 18–24, brings together individuals and organizations to highlight the importance of appropriate antibiotic and antifungal use and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

“Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us,”

 emphasizes a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnected health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. 

, contributing to over 1.27 million deaths annually worldwide, including nearly 48,000 in the US when 

 is included. Preventing infections and ensuring the responsible use of antibiotics and antifungals are critical to slowing resistance.

To learn more about antimicrobial-resistant infections and the USAAW, 

) connected with Michael Craig, MPP, CDC’s AMR Coordination and Strategy Unit Director.

: What are the key objectives of this year’s US Antibiotic Awareness Week, and how does the theme “Fighting AMR Takes All of Us” reflect the CDC’s broader strategy?

 (USAAW) is a nationwide effort seeking to raise awareness of the importance of appropriate antibiotic and antifungal use and bring focus to the threat AMR poses to people, animals, plants, and our shared environment. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) happens when pathogens (germs) like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the pathogens are not killed and continue to grow. Resistant infections can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat.

AMR can affect anyone, anywhere, at any stage of life. Antimicrobial-resistant infections are estimated to kill more than 1 million globally each year—more than HIV/AIDS or malaria. To protect everyone, we must slow the development and spread of AMR by preventing infections from happening in the first place. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation, vaccination coverage, and access to quality health care can prevent infections and the spread of AMR worldwide. We must also improve antibiotic and antifungal use and increase awareness and understanding of what everyone can do to fight AMR.

This year’s theme, "Fighting AMR Takes All of Us,” highlights the importance of using a 

 approach to combat AMR, which recognizes people's health is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. Working together, we can improve the global prescribing and use of antibiotic and antifungal drugs and invest in global actions to prevent the spread of AMR across humans, animals, plants, and the environment (soil, water).

: AMR is often described as a silent pandemic. What progress has been made globally since the last United Nations High-level Meeting on AMR, and how does the CDC contribute to these efforts?

 Global leaders gathered in New York City in September 2024 for the second United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-level Meeting on AMR. This important meeting provided the CDC and global partners with the platform to continue working together to identify and commit to actions needed to combat AMR. Global leaders adopted a 

 establishing global goals, commitments, and targets, including a significant goal of reducing global deaths associated with bacterial AMR by ten percent by 2030.

The political declaration also identified and highlighted the importance of specific prevention interventions in health care and communities, including:

Immunization (reduces infections and antimicrobial use)

Early and accurate detection of pathogens

Since the UNGA high-level meeting, the CDC has focused on turning these commitments into actions. US government agencies continue to lead critical activities with partners to combat AMR domestically and globally. CDC is leading efforts to tackle the threat by driving aggressive action and empowering the nation to respond comprehensively to AMR. CDC invests in national infrastructure to detect, respond, contain, and prevent antimicrobial-resistant infections through CDC’s 

. We support efforts to slow the spread of resistance in all 50 state health departments, several local health departments, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We have also invested in innovative AMR projects in more than 60 countries. These investments are highlighted online on CDC’s 

: The One Health approach plays a crucial role in addressing AMR. Can you elaborate on how this approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health, particularly during USAAW?

 AMR is a One Health problem that can affect the health of people, animals, and the environment. Antimicrobial-resistant germs can quickly spread through communities, the food supply, health care facilities, and the environment (eg, soil, water). CDC uses a One Health approach by involving experts in human, animal, environmental health, and other relevant disciplines and sectors to learn about how diseases spread so we can monitor and control public health threats and drive effective action among people, animals, plants, and the environment.

The CDC recognizes that no single group can effectively combat AMR alone. The themes highlighted during the week of USAAW champion using a One-Health approach to protect different groups impacted by AMR. USAAW is one way the CDC works with domestic and international partners to achieve optimal health outcomes. It also collaborates across the US Government and other countries to build strong partnerships with human, animal, and environmental health organizations.

: How can individuals and communities contribute to the fight against AMR, and what practical steps can they take to promote responsible antibiotic use?

 Preventing infections is our first line of defense against AMR. The CDC’s website provides ways for 

 to combat AMR. But as the USAAW theme says, fighting AMR requires all of us.

Everyone has a role in combating this public health threat. There are 

steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection

Talking with a health care provider or veterinarian about the best treatment

 when you, your family, or an animal is sick.

 if your health care provider prescribes an antibiotic or antifungal for you. Do not share your medication with others or save them for later. Talk to your pharmacist about safely discarding leftover medicines. Health care professionals should always prescribe the right antibiotic at the right dose, for the right duration, and at the right time.

Staying up to date on recommended vaccines.

 Vaccines help prevent infections and reduce the need for medicines like antibiotics in the first place.

 It is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent spreading germs to others. Soap and water or hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol do a great job.

 to prevent the spread of respiratory infections.

 to prevent foodborne illnesses. Keep surface areas and utensils clean. Cook foods to safe temperatures and chill leftovers.

Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

 the right way to lower your risk of getting a drug-resistant sexually transmitted infection. If you test positive for an STI, you and your partner should be treated right away.

If we all work to improve antibiotic and antifungal prescribing and use and take action to prevent antimicrobial-resistant infections, our collective actions can reduce the spread of AMR globally.

: As landmarks across the country light up in purple to raise awareness, what role do public engagement and the media play in combating AMR, and how can media partners best support this initiative?

One consistent challenge in addressing public health threats is raising awareness—getting people to understand and take action to protect themselves and their families. Increasing awareness and understanding of what everyone can do to combat AMR is critical to protecting everyone and slowing the development and spread of this threat.

The CDC communicates about the threat of AMR through efforts like 

. Participation from communities across the US, along with partner organizations—including US federal agencies, health departments, professional societies, corporations, and patient and family representatives—is critical to our efforts to raise awareness and inform the public. Each year, hundreds of organizations participate in USAAW in various ways—from lighting up landmarks to participating in activities and events to distributing CDC materials, graphics, and messaging.

The CDC’s US Antibiotic Awareness Week emphasizes a One Health approach, uniting humans, animals, and environmental health to fight antimicrobial resistance and promote responsible antibiotic use.

CDC Talks "Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us" With ICT 

This month’s CDC HICPAC (Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee) meeting focused on answering questions posed by CMS. The answers will serve as a guide for revising recommendations regarding controlling the spread of airborne pathogens.

One of the questions dealt with the definition of “severe illness,” which has been a prevention goal of COVID-19 interventions. “Severe Illness” was redefined as not just the prevention of “hospitalizations and deaths” but the prevention of “morbidity and mortality and other adverse outcomes.”This would include the disabling effects of long COVID and was a welcome change.

The question regarding whether source control (masking) should always be used in facilities had only one supporting vote. This was surprising because health care facilities are where sick patients congregate. Facilities will, thus, have higher rates of spread than found in communities. Not having a policy of universal masking poses a definite risk to immunocompromised patients and a 

. In many indoor settings, including infusion centers, which are crowded with patients and visitors, universal masking does not occur. 

Despite the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and a looming H5N1 epidemic, most of the Committee, except for one member, appeared to want to maintain a status quo in our approach to airborne illnesses. The committee consensus was that N95 masks had not been conclusively shown to be more effective than masks or surgical masks in all clinical settings.
 
Source control was also discussed. However, the option that appeared to have HICPAC support was to only recommend the use of N95 masks some of the time, depending upon the pathogen; otherwise, surgical masks were advised. This made little sense since surgical masks do not adequately protect against pathogens that can spread through the air. By the time you can evaluate a patient to determine what type of pathogen the patient has, it may be too late to block transmission to the health care worker.

Even if the patient just has a cold, why should the worker be exposed to an illness that would necessitate several days off of work, or if paid sick leave was not available, going to work and 

placing immunocompromised patients at risk

? I would have recommended universal N95 masks, as outlined below in strategy “Narrative B.” 

Even a clear statement that health care workers can voluntarily wear their own N95 masks failed with a 6 to 5 vote. The committee opted to follow another Federal Agency's policy that places voluntary use at the employer's discretion. If a worker was immunocompromised or had an at-risk relative at home, one might only be willing to work in health care if allowed to wear an N95 mask. In health care, unlike many other work settings, a worker never knows when one will be exposed to a dangerous airborne occupational hazard. For some, the committee’s decision appeared to be about whether a facility’s administration or a front-line nurse will decide if the treating health care provider can wear an N95 mask. Ironically, in 

 its mask guidance to allow the public to choose to wear an N95 mask.
 
Surgical masks are intended to protect the patient from droplets and spit produced by a surgeon. They have some effectiveness regarding source control but will not provide the wearer with adequate protection. Some committee members justified their decision by stating N95 masks were too burdensome to be uniformly used and that health care facilities must also focus on other major problems they face, such as health care staffing shortages and 

However, COVID-19 and long COVID are a major cause of workforce shortages. In the United Kingdom, recent research has found a 

third of health care workers have symptoms of long COVID

. In addition, the psychological stresses of the pandemic, along with viral damage of 

well be a significant driver of the violence

 we are seeing in schools, hospitals, traffic accidents, and our society as a whole.
 
The health care workforce can be exposed to sizeable biological dosages of airborne pathogens for extended periods. In this setting, research trials on masking may not always detect differences between surgical and N95 masks since exposure dosages may be far too high. Any break in the protocol of wearing an N95 mask can result in an infection. In addition, 

a worker can be infected through their eyes

.

N95 masks are currently widely available, but availability may drop as manufacturers cut back or curtail protection due to decreased demand. This may leave us exposed when we are hit with our next pandemic. H5N1 is a looming threat that we need to be prepared for. Thus, one could argue that a facility should maintain a 6-month supply of respirators at pandemic usage levels and draw from this supply for staff personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
 
One must ask, will workers have adequate protection? The answer is that masks alone do not afford optimal protection in health care settings; a layered approach is needed emphasizing optimal-safe ventilation. More facilities 

. Remember, dosage and exposure time determine your chances of infection.

Our current approach to reducing the spread of airborne pathogens must focus on reducing viral dosage. Strong evidence supports that N95 masks will reduce dosage exposure far better than surgical masks. However, this reduction may not prevent infection in all clinical settings. Instead of NOT recommending N95 masks, we must add additional layers to reduce exposure dosage. These layers include maximizing ventilation, testing, and source control. All are needed to maintain patient safety and a healthy health care workforce. 

The CDC HICPAC discussed updates to airborne pathogen guidelines, emphasizing the need for masks in health care. Despite risks, the committee resisted universal masking, highlighting other mitigation strategies


CDC HICPAC Considers New Airborne Pathogen Guidelines Amid Growing Concerns

Jenny Hayes, MSN, RN, CIC, CAIP, CASSPT, the director of infection prevention at Jefferson Health East Region in New Jersey

From groundbreaking research to innovative strategies, these experts are at the forefront of enhancing health care safety. Join us as we learn their insights, experiences, and visions for the future, providing valuable knowledge and inspiration to elevate infection control protocols. Meet Jenny Hayes, MSN, RN, CIC, CAIP, CASSPT, the director of infection prevention for Jefferson Health—East Region, in Stratford, New Jersey.

MSN, RN, CIC, CAIP, CASSPT, the director of infection prevention at Jefferson Health East Region in New Jersey, has built an impressive career dedicated to infection control. Her journey began early in nursing when she noticed critical gaps in basic hygiene practices. Starting as an LPN and eventually advancing to a master's degree, Hayes observed firsthand the severe consequences of infection in different healthcare settings, including dialysis and critical care, where patients faced high risks of bloodstream infections. Her experiences shaped her commitment to infection prevention and led her to specialize in this field.

“I always knew that I think I would like to be the infection control nurse because they would come to our orientations at hospitals, or come and, do you know, certain educational seminars, and I always highly valued everything they had to say, and thought that's what I would like to do someday,” Hayes said.

In 2005, Hayes officially entered the infection prevention field, working in large academic health care facilities and outpatient settings. Her roles have included overseeing infection control protocols across more than 200 facilities and collaborating on facility design and construction projects to ensure proper infection prevention measures, such as hand hygiene accessibility and airflow in surgery centers.

Today, at Jefferson Health, Hayes monitors emerging infectious threats like Candida auris, a highly resistant fungus increasingly common in health care. She emphasizes the importance of vigilant surveillance and isolation protocols, particularly for patients from high-risk environments like long-term care facilities. Another focus is the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, both in health care and agriculture, which she warns could lead to a return to pre-antibiotic days if unchecked.

Meet the experts shaping infection prevention: Infection Control Today's Editorial Board members share insights, experiences, and cutting-edge strategies to enhance health care safety and quality. Meet Jenny Hayes, MSN, RN, CIC, CAIP, CASSPT. 


Rock D. Jensen

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