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Onboarding Infection Preventionists? Some Questions to AskSuccessful onboarding of candidates requires an orientation that includes all aspects of the position. What are the responsibilities of an IP? Their main function is to identify and mitigate infection risks.
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Norovirus: An Old Virus Seeking New Public Health ActionsNorovirus, discovered in 1972, causes millions of gastroenteritis cases yearly. Learn prevention methods, symptoms, and updates on vaccine development.
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Oral Care to Prevent VAP and NV-HAP: Where Art Thou?Non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is a prevalent, preventable infection. Improved oral care protocols and provider education are essential to reducing NV-HAP rates and improving patient outcomes.
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Infection Control: Making Informed Choices for Patient ProtectionGail Dewald, BS, RN, CNN and Tanya Scott MSN, RN, CNN, VA-BC™ delve into the crucial role of nurse managers, doctors, and administrators in making informed choices about infection control products in healthcare settings. They emphasize the need for collaboration and highlight the importance of data and statistics in supporting these decisions.
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5 Overlooked High-Touch Hospital SurfacesWith inadequate disinfection practices, healthcare workers are much more likely to acquire pathogens on their hands after touching these surfaces, potentially passing them on to patients.
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The Unbridled Potential of Electronic Hand Hygiene Monitoring SystemsIn the fight against health care-associated infections, EHHCM systems are a key weapon.
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The Basics: Best Practices for the Effective Use of Disinfectants and Sterilization TechniquesLearn the basics of the critical role of proper disinfection and sterilization in health care settings, addressing key considerations, best practices, challenges, and future trends.
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Make Personal Protective Equipment Fit Sterile ProcessingThe successful combination of products and the adoption and application of science-based practices will help the sterile processing profession rise above challenges to protecting frontline technicians.
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Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Bioluminescence Testing and PerformanceIn 2003, the CDC recommended hospitals to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Later, they advised hospitals to closely supervise cleaning procedures near patients. This article explains what IPC personnel need to know about ATP testing.
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Latest Update on Antimicrobial Resistant Gonorrhea: Challenges and Control MeasuresComplicated and untreatable gonococcal infections due to antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhea are outpacing the advancements and development of novel antibiotics and testing technologies.
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I’m Not Just an Infection PreventionistInfection preventionists (IP) can come from many different backgrounds. This is 1 opinion from 1 very successful IP who doesn't have an RN or a BSN and the bullying that sometimes occurs.
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Mosquito-Borne Pathogens and Climate Change: The Case of West Nile VirusThe article discusses the increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus (WNV), in the US due to climate change. It explores the transmission, clinical aspects, and prevention measures of WNV, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and action in mitigating the impact of these diseases.
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Forgotten Patients: The Immunocompromised Are Being Left BehindImmunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. But do the current treatments protect them? If not, then what needs to be done?
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Viewpoint: Omicron Surges Because Prevention Practices DriftedAs infection preventionists, we need to request that hospitals dust off the practices that were implemented during 2020. We need to reiterate that vaccination does not prevent infections, only severe illness.
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Investment in Environmental Services Saves Money and Lives, Boosts Morale: An Example From GenevaEnvironmental services teams (EVS) are crucial players in ensuring patient satisfaction and combating health care–associated infections, yet, too many EVS teams are invisible. They deserve recognition, and this article by environmental hygiene experts explains why and how to give appreciation effectively.
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COVID-19 Hospital Stays Disrupt Long-Term Health, Financial StabilityClose to 85% of people hospitalized with COVID-19 said that they were not back to their pre-COVID lifestyle 1 month later, says the study.
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New Antibiotic Zoliflodacin Offers Hope Against Multidrug-Resistant GonorrheaThe rise of multidrug-resistant gonorrhea highlights the urgent need for new therapies. Zoliflodacin, a promising oral antibiotic, shows effectiveness in late-stage trials.
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The Case for Merging Environmental Services and Infection Prevention Departments in HospitalsPreventable health care-associated infections (pHAIs) cost US health care facilities up to $123 million per day.
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The 90’s Club: A Successful Hand Hygiene Adherence CampaignThe "90’s SwipeSense Club" significantly improved hand hygiene adherence at Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center. By incentivizing adherence through 1990s-themed rewards and using SwipeSense technology to track hygiene practices, the hospital increased adherence rates from 53% in 2021 to 84% by May 2024.
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Addressing the Health Care Workforce Shortage: Strategies for Improving Patient Care and Reducing BurnoutThe health care staffing shortage impacts patient outcomes. Strategies in education, technology, and support roles aim to prepare resilient professionals and enhance job satisfaction amid challenges.
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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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Clarifying Eligibility for the CIC Examination: Insights From CBIC Executive DirectorThe Executive Director of the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) addresses the eligibility guidelines for the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) examination. While designed for success, these guidelines are not requirements, ensuring inclusivity for candidates from diverse infection prevention backgrounds. The CBIC emphasizes readiness and offers support to prospective CIC candidates.
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The Importance of Hand Hygiene in Clostridioides difficile ReductionClostridioides difficile infections burden US healthcare. Electronic Hand Hygiene Monitoring (EHHMS) systems remind for soap and water. This study evaluates EHHMS effectiveness by comparing C difficile cases in 10 hospitals with CMS data, linking EHHMS use to reduced cases.
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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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Arcturus COVID-19 Variant: What Is Different From Past VariantsYet another subvariant. But what makes this one different? Should we be more concerned?
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Good Adherence Involves More Than Just a ChecklistInfection preventionists have been measuring hand hygiene with very little change in practice or retention of proper practice. Now is the time to think of new ways to improve hand hygiene and patient outcomes.
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Clean Hospitals Corner With Alexandra Peters, PhD: The Issues Around OutsourcingOutsourcing environmental hygiene in health care facilities offers cost benefits but often compromises quality. Effective oversight, training, and standards are essential for ensuring patient safety.
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Latest Advancements in Infection Prevention TechnologyPrograms seeking to implement advances in health care epidemiology must critically evaluate their impact on infection prevention processes, patient safety, and cost prior to wholesale adoption.
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Infection Prevention and Control Are Crucial in Dialysis SettingsThe hemodialysis setting presents a challenge for environmental cleaning and disinfection because of the demand for rapid turnover of stations.
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Focus on 4 Foundations of Patient SafetyHealth care-associated infection-reducing initiatives are vital to keeping patients safe.
