Tori Whitacre Martonicz, MA, is the lead editor of Infection Control Today. She has been a writer and editor for over 30 years and has an MA and BA in English Composition/Literature from the University of Akron in Akron, OH. She lives in Ohio with her husband, Eric; son, Drake; 2 tiny dogs, Selena Brigid Sophia and Doctor Danger Dog; and a big black cat, Freya. She loves reading, writing, gardening, and spending time with her loved ones.
Contact her through her email: tmartonicz@mjhlifesciences.com.
Patient safety is as important as staff safety. Yet, how do health care instructors get others to remember their lessons? One presentation, given by Michael Sinnott, MBBS, FACEM, FRACP, at the AORN International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024, had a unique suggestion.
At the AORN’s International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024, a team from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) showcased their transformative project, "Becoming Smoke-Free in the OR." This initiative underscored the critical need for smoke evacuation in surgical settings.
As explained on a poster at AORN 2024, perioperative nurses and infection preventionists unite in a proactive campaign to elevate hand hygiene within the operating room, resulting in improved adherence, decreased infections, and fortified patient outcomes.
Do operating room personnel understand the complexities of the sterile processing department? They rely on the sterile processing department for surgical instruments, but are they aware of its complexities and requirements?
Amidst the complex dance of scalpels and sterile fields in surgical theaters, a silent guardian stands vigilant—the surgical infection preventionist. Poster author, Charles Vickery, Jr, BSN, RN, CIC, CRST, of AdventHealth Central Florida, unveils the indispensable role of this health care sentinel at AORN's International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024.
At the AORN’s International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024, a presentation on surgical smoke drew applause and strong emotion about the continuing fight for legislation on removing surgical smoke from operating rooms. Infection Control Today was there to tell you what happened.
In the dynamic world of infection prevention and control (IPC), Erica Smith knows perioperative nursing and infection prevention. With a passion for supporting surgery centers and independent ASCs, her upcoming presentation dives deep into the common mistakes and challenges faced in IPC practices.
Explore the enigmatic world of prions with insights from Ryan A. Maddox, PhD, from the CDC, as ICT® delves into handling, risks, and precautions for these rare, formidable proteins.
Step into the diverse and poignant world of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter" with editor Lorraine Ash, MA. In this insightful Q&A, learn about the origins of this remarkable anthology, the challenges faced in capturing raw, unfiltered narratives of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lasting impact of these stories on readers and communities alike.
Matthew Pullen, MD, explains rare infectious diseases, including Nipah, Scarlet Fever, Blastomycosis, and Dengue, that should be on the radar of every healthcare worker despite their rarity in the US.
Despite the severity of a measles diagnosis, outbreaks continue. Health care workers should encourage their patients to receive the vaccine and explain its safety.
Health care workers must stay vigilant against rare pathogens. Saskia v. Popescu, PhD, MPH, MA, FAPIC, an expert in infection prevention, emphasizes the importance of robust measures and preparedness.
VR training is a game-changer in PPE skills for health care amidst COVID-19. Study shows superiority over traditional methods, revolutionizing safety education, according to a study published today.
Stephanie Alice Baker, PhD, delves into the surge of antivaccine influencers during COVID-19, highlighting their impact on vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
A senior microbiologist gives audiences of sister brands, Infection Control Today and Contagion, an insight into leishmaniasis, a potentially fatal disease.
Gain invaluable insights on merging personal and professional growth with the APIC Competency Model, presented by the upcoming president of the Greater Los Angeles APIC Chapter, focusing on her PROACTIVE approach for infection preventionists.
Discover insights from Cindy Gaines on health care challenges, including rising costs, workforce shortages, and perioperative care transformation in 2024.
A new study examines how monitoring and reducing operating room traffic can significantly lower the risk of surgical site infections, enhancing patient safety and infection prevention protocols.
Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly's "It Takes 2" campaign, featuring a remix by hip-hop artist Rob Base, promotes early diagnosis and testing for chronic kidney disease, aiming to reduce complications, including infections.
Ski Chilton, PhD, renowned health expert, shares his transformative journey and unveils the 4-step CAST process for happiness and health in challenging times through his latest book, There is Another Way to Happiness: The Four Step CAST Process that Will Transform Your Life.
Continuing the round table discussion, experienced IPs continue their discussion on recognizing and preventing burnout, emphasizing leadership roles, peer support, and fostering open conversations in health care settings.
Frontline infection preventionists (IPs) face burnout due to challenges in public health. This Round Table on IP Burnout discusses strategies to prevent and address this critical issue. The IPs emphasize the importance of understanding burnout, recognizing signs, addressing stigma, and implementing multilayered prevention strategies for both individuals and organizations.
Jill E. Holdsworth, MS, CIC, FAPIC, NREMT, CRCST, prevention manager, discusses the challenges of balancing work, family, and volunteering, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing self-care and personal interests.
A study led by Lucy S. Witt, MD, investigates hospital bed's role in C difficile transmission, emphasizing room interactions and infection prevention.
Pediatric health system discontinues MRSA contact precautions with sustained infection control success, supporting broader consideration while emphasizing horizontal prevention measures' importance.
In the dynamic realm of infection prevention, professionals face both the potential for impactful contributions and the risk of burnout. The delicate balance between the highs and lows prompts an exploration into factors influencing the well-being of infection preventionists.
Clorox Pro's Clean Index Survey uncovers burnout and confidence challenges in cleaning professionals. The insights guide the industry towards solutions, emphasizing support and training for a resilient cleaning workforce.
Explore diabetic foot care insights with Gary M. Rothenberg, DPM, Director of Medical Affairs at Podimetrics. Learn about prevention, remote monitoring, and the multidisciplinary approach to mitigate the risks of amputations.
Explore eco-friendly cleaning with a focus on EPA certifications and eco-friendly cleaners' efficacy. Uncover real-world research insights and a review of an ISSA thought leader session.
In this final of 3 segments of an interview with ICT, Thomas Rademacher, Emergex co-founder, delves into T cell-based vaccines for chikungunya, likening immune programming to software, emphasizing the urgency of prevention in endemic regions.