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Let Airflow Show Pathogens the Door (or Window or Vent)An integrated air management system requires proper engineering and not a pile-up approach of unproven products. One concern is that decision makers will fall into the nearsighted trap of selecting piecemeal products that require frequent maintenance.
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Study Highlights Successes and Challenges in Implementing Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing HomesResearch finds Enhanced Barrier Precautions reduce MDRO transmission in nursing homes, though challenges persist with gown usage, education, and comfort during high-contact care activities.
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A Spectroscopic Solution for Strain Typing and DiscriminationInfrared (IR) spectroscopy demonstrates promise for rapid strain typing of yeast and bacteria, which could help improve proactive infection control strategies in health care settings.
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An Infection Preventionist Considers Why Manufacturers Need to Update IFUsKatharine J. Hoffman, MPH, CIC, LSSGB: It’s time to take the devil out of the details in interpreting and successfully following manufacturers' instructions for use; why do manufacturers need to update IFUs?
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Ultrasound in Percutaneous Procedures: One Size Does Not Fit All for ReprocessingAccurate device information and proper sterilization or disinfection are crucial to ensure safety during ultrasound procedures.
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Surface Disinfection Incompatibility Does Not Support Effective Cleaning and DisinfectionThe surface material and product damage caused by new advances in disinfection technology must be addressed for patient safety.
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CDC Advises on Limited Nirsevimab Supply and RSV Protection OptionsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising providers to prioritize 100 mg doses of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody FDA-approved to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), for infants at the highest risk of severe RSV disease.
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Focus on 4 Foundations of Patient SafetyHealth care-associated infection-reducing initiatives are vital to keeping patients safe.
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How Infection Control Policies Shape Laboratory Billing: Compliance, Reimbursement, and Coding UpdatesInfection control policies significantly impact laboratory billing, from coding and documentation to reimbursement rates. Labs must adapt to remain compliant, streamline billing, and ensure accurate compensation.
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How This Vascular Access Nurse Relies on an Infection PreventionistAlthough both vascular access and infection prevention have their own focus, our commonality is in ensuring patients get the care they need while minimizing their chances of nosocomial infections.
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Infection Prevention Is Key in a Neonatal Intensive Care UnitThe smallest hospital patients need extra care to be protected from infectious disease. This article series examines the NICU from both a physician and infection preventionist perspective.
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The Shifting Responsibilities of Infection PreventionistsThe role of infection preventionists (IPs) has evolved significantly over 75 years, from early surveillance of nosocomial infections to becoming data-driven experts navigating pandemics like COVID-19.
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Can Brushing Teeth Before Surgery Prevent Postoperative Pneumonia?Postoperative pneumonia (POP) is a common surgical complication that increases hospital stay, costs, and mortality. Oral hygiene before and after surgery can significantly reduce the risk of POP.
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Closing the Gap: Maximizing the Potential of UV-C Technology to Reduce Health Care-Associated InfectionsEffective implementation of UV-C disinfection is crucial to reducing HAIs. The Providence Holy Cross Medical Center achieved a 19% reduction in multidrug-resistant HAIs and saved $1.2 million through strategic deployment, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovative management.
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How to Successfully Plan for Space, Equipment, Staff, and Workflows in Sterile Processing DepartmentsA well-organized SPD not only keeps the surgical schedule on track but also minimizes backlogs and ensures the timely removal of bioburden—a crucial factor in preventing infections. To achieve this level of efficiency, attention to 5 pivotal areas is essential.
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Effective Change Management for Infection Preventionists in a Constantly Evolving Health Care LandscapeInfection preventionists (IPs) leverage change management techniques to overcome resistance, build momentum, and implement infection prevention strategies to safeguard patient health and organizational efficiency in health care settings.
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PPE Standardization Practices and Key TakeawaysExperts in infection prevention review PPE standardization practices and Heather Saunders, MPH, RN provides her key takeaways for other healthcare practitioners on best practices related to PPE.
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Inpatient and Outpatient Clinics Must Monitor Fomites as Part of IPC ProtocolsThorough cleaning and disinfection reduce the role fomites play in the spread of disease.
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When Should Universal Masking in Health Care Settings for COVID-19 Be Discontinued?A comprehensive look at whether mask wearing is beneficial for both SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses spread by airborne particles and respiratory droplets.
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Health Care-Associated Burkholderia multivorans Infections Traced to Contaminated Ice MachinesContaminated ice machines caused Burkholderia multivorans infections at hospitals in California and Colorado. Health officials recommend stopping ice machine use during clinical care to prevent further outbreaks.
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During COVID, Telehealth Can Be an Infection Preventionist's FriendA telework-ready infection preventionist is an IP who continues to support their facility if they also end up in quarantine. Teleworking like so many other aspects of nursing is something we just needed to jump into. No training, no guidebook, no manual.
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Strengthening Defenses: Integrating Infection Control With Antimicrobial StewardshipUse this handout to explain the basics of why infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship are essential and how the 2 fields must have a unified approach to patient and staff safety
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AHE Exchange Conference & Solution Center 2023 ReviewHealth 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).
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Rockingham County Rehabilitation Center's Infection Control Fair: An Engaging Approach to Education and ReinforcementAt the Rockingham County Rehabilitation Center's Infection Control Fair, innovative and interactive approaches, including demonstrations, quizzes, and engaging activities, significantly promoted infection prevention education, making learning a fun and informative experience.
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Considerations for Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producers in Nursing HomesInformation for infection preventionists to manage ESBL-producers even while fighting against COVID-19.
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First Responders Tackle Infection Control and Prevention ChallengesHow did first responders and firefighters navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath? Two firefighters/EMTs describe what that time was like for them.
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Pharmacists Have Delivered During the COVID-19 PandemicGetting to know community pharmacists—in fact developing a professional rapport with those pharmacists—should be on an infection preventionist’s to-do list.
