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UVC Disinfection: Proven by ScienceThe BETR-D Study: The first and only randomized clinical trial on UVC Disinfection
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Clinical Advantages of Disposable Microfiber MopsCan the type of microfiber product (disposable vs. re-laundered) make a difference?
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Clinical Advantages of Disposable Microfiber MopsCan the type of microfiber product (disposable vs. re-laundered) make a difference?
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IC in Care Series: Ambulatory CarePolicies relating to newly emerging and highly infectious diseases in outpatient healthcare settings within the context of infection prevention and control are highly variable, according to public health experts, leaving many gaps in patient protection from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). For example, only a minority of outpatient facilities are certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and few are licensed by states or maintain accreditation status. As a result, many of these facilities are opened and operated without being held to minimum safety standards for infection control or other aspects of patient care, potentially putting patients at risk. In an October 2015 document, Outpatient Settings Policy Options for Improving Infection Prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlined four key elements for states and their supporting HAI multidisciplinary advisory groups who are interested in more effective and proactive oversight of out-patient facilities: facility licensing/accreditation requirements; provider-level training, licensing and certification; reporting requirements; and establishment and effective application of investigation authorities.
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Clinical Advantages of Disposable Microfiber MopsCan the type of microfiber product (disposable vs. re-laundered) make a difference?
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EPA Greenlights Lysol Disinfectant Spray to Combat COVID-19The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Lysol Disinfectant Spray to combat SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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Ultrasound Transducer Disinfection: Better Guidelines/Recommendations NeededWith the CDC, FDA, and Joint Commission all using different guidelines and recommendations for the types of disinfection acceptable for various ultrasound transducers, clinicians should follow manufacturers’ instructions, but a more unified answer is needed.
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Are Your Healthcare Workers Armed With the Right Vaccinations?Alma Jackson, PhD, RN, COHN-S, discusses how to overcome this occupational hazard.
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Saskia v. Popescu, PhD, Discusses the Measles Resurgence in the US: Vaccination Gaps and Public Health PoliticsThe surge of measles cases in the United States highlights vaccination gaps and politicization of public health, as CDC urges action amidst rising concerns, writes Saskia v. Popescu, PhD, MPH, MA, CIC.
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Calculating Return-to-Work COVID-19 Policies Is a Balancing Act for HospitalsInvestigators concluded that HCPs can safely return to work after 7 days of quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19 on days 5 to 7.
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Infection Prevention Implication for Organ Donation ProgramTransplants are a crucial yet complex part of acute care. They involve various organs and tissues, necessitating robust infection prevention programs and compliance with strict regulatory standards.
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CDC HICPAC Considers New Airborne Pathogen Guidelines Amid Growing ConcernsThe 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
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Lily, NIAID Launch Phase 3 Prevention Trial Centered on Nursing HomesDespite a clear record of violations across the country, amid a culture where sick staff were asked to show up for work, lawmakers in several states have also potentially disincentivized improvement of infection control standards in long-term care facilities by providing legal liability protections ahead of time.
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Focus on Surface Disinfection When Fighting COVID-19Many studies have shown that disinfection of surfaces is suboptimal and effective disinfection requires not only an effective product but also, effective practice. The surface must be completely and thoroughly wiped with an adequate number of antimicrobial wipes effective against the target pathogen and a contact time specified by the label instructions.
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Select Effective Disinfectants for Use Against the Coronavirus That Causes COVID-19Regulatory and public health agencies in the US provide clear guidance on what products may be used in outbreaks of emerging pathogens.
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Preventing Influenza in the Health Care SettingBecause of mask-wearing and social distancing, numbers of influenza cases have been down the last 2 years. However, experts say numbers this year could go back up to numbers in prior years. The public and health care workers alike need a nudge to get vaccinated.
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Focus on Surface Disinfection When Fighting COVID-19Many studies have shown that disinfection of surfaces is suboptimal and effective disinfection requires not only an effective product but also, effective practice. The surface must be completely and thoroughly wiped with an adequate number of antimicrobial wipes effective against the target pathogen and a contact time specified by the label instructions.
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Preparing for a Candida auris Outbreak in Long-Term CareAs more and more residents in long-term care facilities get Candida auris, infection preventionists must know how to prevent, prepare for, and control a C auris outbreak. An expert explains how.
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Lessons of the Hydroxychloroquine Debacle: Solid COVID-19 Research MattersWe are forced to act on best evidence, but in some cases the evidence is less than actionable.
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Don’t Let Hand Hygiene Standards Dip When COVID-19 EbbsMost healthcare staff understand the importance of hand washing, but visual cues for staff and patients are essential in the ongoing education of hand hygiene best practices and are especially helpful for nurses working long shifts.
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Breaking the Chain: How to Better Contain Infection Risk During Hospital ConstructionRenovation or construction that happens in preexisting spaces or occupied areas have very different sets of challenges than the building of new facilities.
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Touch Screens: The High-Touch Surfaces Hiding in Plain SightIn order to effectively achieve a safe healthcare environment where frequently used touch screen technology is both ubiquitous and mobile, education must be provided to highlight the appropriate products and practices for cleaning/disinfection and hand hygiene.
