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Paul G. Auwaerter, MD, MBA; Paul P. Doghramji, MD, FAAFP; Aruna Subramanian, MD

Cases and Conversations™: Applying Best Practices to Prevent Shingles in Your Practice

 prevention page contains news and information on the latest updates on all facets of infection prevention. From vaccinations and immunizations to controlling air and water flow in a health care system, preventing infections falls not only on the infection prevention staff, but on all who interact within the hospital, from environmental services teams to those planning and building new construction.   

Despite medical advances, HIV prevention faces roadblocks—low PrEP adoption, stigma, and accessibility issues threaten progress. Experts push for innovative, long-acting solutions to end the epidemic.

Breaking Barriers: The Future of HIV Prevention and the Fight for Widespread PrEP Access

New research reveals hospital ventilation and air purifiers may unintentionally spread viral particles, increasing infection risks. Infection preventionists must rethink airflow strategies to protect patients and staff.


The Hidden Dangers of Hospital Ventilation: Are We Spreading Viruses Further?

Despite revolutionary advancements like alcohol-based hand rubs, infection prevention still faces major hurdles. Poor adherence to hygiene, overreliance on technology, and understaffed environmental services create perfect storm conditions for deadly outbreaks.

Clean Hospitals With Alexandra Peters, PhD: The Double-Edged Sword of High-Tech

This week's edition of Hot Topics in IPC covers the latest in Trump's executive orders and in avian flu.

Hot Topics in IPC: Avian Flu and Results From Trump's Executive Orders

This article first appeared as a LinkedIn newsletter from ICT. Subscribe and never miss exclusive articles not found anywhere else. 


From "Behind the Mask," Infection Control Today's Podcast: Why Cutting Off Health Communications Puts Us All at Risk

Discover how innovative strategies in scheduling, staff engagement, and continuous learning transformed a hospital’s environmental services, enhancing efficiency, employee satisfaction, and patient care standards.

Efficiency, Engagement, and Excellence: Revolutionizing Staffing inEnvironmental Services 

Transforming a health care institution’s environmental services requires balancing efficiency with high-quality standards while fostering employee engagement. 

 in Angola, Indiana, met this challenge with innovative leadership and collaborative strategies that prioritize fiscal responsibility and staff well-being.

Faced with a well-staffed yet underutilized team, environmental services leadership implemented a revolutionary scheduling model. By transitioning from 3 shifts to 2 and scaling weekend staffing, they reduced operational inefficiencies without compromising patient care. Staff input played a pivotal role, with a vote leading to adopting a “work every fourth-weekend” model, providing a better work-life balance. The strategy eliminated unnecessary overtime and reduced staffing costs by not refilling vacant positions, saving the hospital approximately $160,000 annually.

Darren Goff, executive director of hospitality services, spoke to 

and explained how Cameron Memorial Community Hospital successfully improved staffing by including the environmental hygiene staff. “I think if you stay the focus on employee engagement and keeping them involved with those decisions, I don't think it'll be any problem for anybody,” Goff said. “Again, it's nothing super I'm doing here. It's just about what we've done to improve the quality of people's lives, not just to people walking the door, but our own department, our own folks here, and make them feel like they're part of the process and decision-making.”

Crucially, no jobs were eliminated, and staff engagement remained a top priority. Open communication, regular feedback, and accessibility were foundational principles. The director met individually with employees, fostering trust and ensuring every team member felt heard and valued. Monthly split shifts allowed leadership to connect with second and third-shift staff, strengthening morale and cohesion.

Professional growth opportunities further empowered staff. A revised pay scale and training initiatives enabled employees to gain certifications, enhancing their skills and earning potential. The emphasis on continuous learning extended to leadership, setting an example of personal and professional development.

The results speak for themselves: Improved efficiency, zero overtime, high employee satisfaction, and impeccable cleanliness standards, as confirmed by external audits. By fostering collaboration, embracing change, and investing in people, the environmental services team at Cameron Memorial Community Hospital demonstrated that innovation and compassion can transform health care operations.

Video Series

Efficiency, Engagement, and Excellence: Revolutionizing Staffing in Environmental Services 

Dr. Deborah Birx Unveils Urgent Insights on Avian Flu: What Infection Preventionists Must Know

Deborah Birx, MD, Unveils Urgent Insights on Avian Flu, COVID-19, and HMPV

This interview can also be found on the podcast

Update: On January 13, 2025, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced that it has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock in Puerto Rico. This marks the first occurrence of HPAI in domestic birds in Puerto Rico since the outbreak began in February 2022, 

), Deborah L. Birx, MD, shared critical updates on the evolving threat of avian influenza, particularly the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. With significant outbreaks reported globally, H5N1 has demonstrated its ability to infect various species, including mammals, raising concerns about its potential to mutate and pose a greater risk to humans.

Birx emphasized the importance of proactive infection prevention strategies to address this growing threat. Key measures include enhanced surveillance systems to monitor both human and animal cases, rigorous biosecurity protocols in agricultural and healthcare settings, and robust public health education campaigns to improve awareness and preparedness.

One of the most alarming aspects of H5N1 is its ability to cross species barriers, potentially increasing the likelihood of mutations that could lead to sustained human-to-human transmission. Birx warned that while current human cases remain isolated, the virus’s evolutionary trajectory necessitates vigilance from infection prevention professionals.

“The reason I [have gotten] concerned over the last month was in California, there are 700 of the 1000 dairy herds infected with H5; 70% of the herds are infected. Less than 60 have moved through their infection and are no longer quarantined. So, we know at least 62 or so percent of all dairy herds are infected in California. And if you look at the h1 from California, well, from the region nine, but it's, you know, heavily California, you'll see that flu h1 is like this. So, h1 is dramatically expanding in California. This will be the first time we have had significant h1 infection in the communities. At the same time, you have dairy workers at risk. The principles of prevention are that responding and detecting are critical.”

She also discussed the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) adherence for high-risk environments, emphasizing that health care workers and agricultural personnel must be adequately trained to recognize symptoms and prevent exposure. Vaccination strategies for poultry and seasonal flu vaccines for at-risk workers are also essential to minimize co-infection risks.

Birx urged infection preventionists to remain informed about ongoing research, international updates, and potential changes in H5N1 behavior. She stressed that early detection and swift action are critical to preventing more significant outbreaks and protecting public health. Her call to action underscores infection prevention professionals' vital role in mitigating the risks of avian flu and other emerging infectious diseases.

This exclusive interview offers timely and actionable insights, equipping infection preventionists with the knowledge needed to address the evolving challenges of H5N1 and safeguard global health.

"I was hoping we had learned from COVID-19 that a lot of transmission happens between people who don't believe that they have an illness and others," Deborah Birx, MD, told Infection Control Today. 


Ambassador Deborah L. Birx, MD, Unveils Urgent Insights on Avian Flu, COVID-19, and HMPV

Partnering for Savings: Cameron Hospital’s Outsourced Laundry Success

 in Angola, Indiana, has found an innovative way to cut costs while maintaining the personal touch that defines its patient care. By outsourcing laundry services to a local vendor, the hospital saved approximately $38,000 in 2023, reduced operational burdens, and bolstered its community ties.

The decision to outsource wasn’t just about the bottom line—it was about finding a partner aligned with Cameron’s values. “We chose a local vendor [instead of national companies] to give back to our community,” explained Darren Goff, executive director of hospitality services. “By increasing the vendor’s workload and allowing them to purchase linens, Cameron achieved significant cost savings while ensuring the vendor’s continued viability.

Before the switch, the hospital balanced in-house and outsourced laundry operations, maintaining industrial washers and dryers that took up valuable space and required costly maintenance. By selling the machines to the vendor and fully outsourcing the service, Cameron created 2 new offices in the freed space, further optimizing its facilities.

The savings came from reduced utilities, eliminating maintenance costs, and shifting linen purchases to the vendor. “Even with increased poundage for the vendor, we’re spending significantly less than before,” Goff said. To save money, “you're always trying to think in creative ways [where] you can.”

Cameron’s commitment to patient care remained a priority. The hospital continues to use high-quality linens, including its signature comforters, which enhance the patient experience. “Our comforters are a unique touch that sets us apart,” Goff added. “Patients often comment on how special they feel because of these small details.”

Looking ahead, Cameron plans to explore additional cost-saving measures, including adjustments to regular waste pickups. However, the hospital is clear about its priorities: maintaining the exceptional care and comfort patients expect.

Cameron Hospital’s approach is a testament to how creativity, collaboration, and community-focused decision-making can lead to practical solutions that benefit both the hospital and its patients.

Learn how Cameron Memorial Community Hospital saved $38,000 by outsourcing laundry services to a local vendor, maintaining quality, creating space, and strengthening community ties—all while enhancing patient experience.


Partnering for Savings: Cameron Memorial Community Hospital’s Outsourced Laundry Success

Cameron Memorial Community Hospital: An Example of How to Save Time and Money in Environmental Hygiene

Cameron Memorial Community Hospital’s proactive approach to waste management has set a new benchmark in operational efficiency, safety, and compliance. With rising transportation costs and regulatory demands, the hospital implemented innovative changes, transforming its protocols and achieving remarkable results.

The journey began with a critical evaluation of existing practices. “We realized we were categorized as a large pharmaceutical and hazardous waste generator, which seemed disproportionate for our 25-bed facility,” explained Darren Goff, Executive Director of Hospitality Services. 

The team identified inefficiencies, such as miscategorized waste, and addressed them with clear signage, reducing confusion among staff. These simple measures saved the hospital approximately $30,000 annually and reclassified them as a small generator.

The focus was on simplicity and clarity in high-risk areas like operating rooms and emergency departments. Reducing the number of waste receptacles and providing visual examples for proper segregation streamlined processes, allowing clinicians to concentrate on patient care. 

Training and communication played a vital role. Safety huddles across all shifts, annual competencies, and quarterly pulse surveys ensured staff stayed informed and engaged. This inclusive approach fostered collaboration and allowed staff to contribute feedback, driving continuous improvement.

Partnerships also proved invaluable. Working closely with infection prevention and quality departments, the environmental services team implemented quality checks and used UV disinfection dashboards to monitor progress. “It’s all about trust but verify,” the manager said, highlighting their focus on maintaining high standards.

The results speak for themselves: increased efficiency, significant cost savings, and a more informed, motivated workforce. Cameron Memorial Community Hospital’s waste management transformation demonstrates how clear communication, teamwork, and innovative practices can lead to lasting improvements in healthcare settings.

Learn how Cameron Memorial Community Hospital revamped waste management protocols through collaboration, signage, and team training, achieving efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced compliance in high-risk areas like ORs and EDs.

Streamlining Waste Management: How Others Can Learn From Cameron Memorial Community Hospital

Pharmaceutical waste challenges

 in Angola, Indiana, faced significant challenges managing pharmaceutical waste, from excessive disposal quantities to unclear waste segregation practices. With a budget-conscious approach and commitment to sustainability, the hospital implemented effective strategies to simplify and improve its waste management processes.

One of the primary issues was the hospital's classification as a large pharmaceutical waste generator, with over 1,200 pounds of waste annually. This designation came with higher fees and highlighted inefficiencies. A breakthrough occurred in 2021-2022, when the hospital partnered with the pharmacy and laboratory departments to identify key areas for improvement. One early success was reducing biohazard container use from 15 to 6, with further consolidation saving costs and streamlining workflows.

Signage played a critical role in the transformation. Clear, strategically placed labels helped staff identify appropriate waste streams, reducing errors. “It’s amazing what ends up in pharmaceutical waste bins—regular trash, specimen cups, even lunch leftovers,” said Darren Goff, executive director of hospitality services. By educating staff and emphasizing proper segregation, pharmaceutical waste was nearly halved to 656 pounds in 2022, keeping the hospital under the small generator threshold.

Training and accountability were equally vital. Staff participated in competency evaluations tied to annual and biannual assessments, reinforcing proper waste disposal practices. These evaluations not only ensured compliance but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement. “We want our frontline workers to feel informed and involved in decisions,” Goff noted.

Looking ahead, the hospital aims to explore alternative disposal companies and methods to further enhance sustainability. With plans extending to 2025, Cameron Royal is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to reduce costs and environmental impact.

This initiative not only improved pharmaceutical waste management but also inspired broader changes in departmental budgeting and accountability. “It’s about simplifying processes, saving money, and empowering our team to make informed decisions,” Goff concluded.

Cameron Memorial Community Hospital streamlined pharmaceutical waste management through signage, training, and collaboration, cutting waste nearly in half and saving costs while boosting staff competencies and accountability.

Reducing Pharmaceutical Waste: Challenges and Innovations at Cameron Memorial Community Hospital

Simplifying Cleaning Practices: A Team-Driven Approach to Efficiency and Safety

 in Angola, Indiana, undertook a significant change—consolidating cleaning products from 20 to just 7 primary options. The shift aimed to simplify procedures, reduce confusion, and empower staff while maintaining the hospital's high infection control standards.

The decision to streamline was driven by practicality and collaboration. “With 20 different cleaning chemicals, it was confusing for staff…and surveyors [alike],” explained Darren Goff, executive director of hospitality services, in this second in a series of interviews. “By narrowing the options, staff now use 4 core chemicals for cleaning and disinfection. This change alone led to immediate cost savings of $3,000 annually. “It’s not about making wholesale changes, but about working smarter,” Goff added.

A key factor in the successful implementation was team involvement. Staff were invited to test products and provide feedback before decisions were finalized in partnership with infection control. This inclusive approach not only improved buy-in but also reinforced the team’s expertise in environmental hygiene. Additionally, a hospital-wide product catalog was introduced, complete with illustrations, ensuring everyone was informed about the cleaning protocols.

Despite initial resistance—largely rooted in the natural discomfort of change—feedback improved over time. Quarterly pulse surveys highlighted both positive and constructive insights, enabling continuous refinements. Challenges included addressing staff concerns about product familiarity and ensuring that processes aligned with hospital safety standards.

The program also emphasized professional growth. A “Tech 1, Tech 2” initiative allowed staff to gain certifications, boosting morale and offering modest pay increases. Over 80% of the team participated, fostering pride and skill development.

The efforts of Cameron Memorial’s environmental services team have been recognized across the hospital, earning them the highest employee engagement scores. Goff concluded, “This isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about empowering people to make a difference in patients’ lives while keeping processes efficient and safe.”

Cameron Memorial Community Hospital streamlined cleaning practices by consolidating products, saving costs, empowering staff, and ensuring infection control. Collaborative efforts fostered efficiency, safety, and improved staff engagement. 

Cameron Memorial Community Hospital in Angola, Indiana, is setting a new standard for environmental hygiene cleanliness, efficiency, and cost savings. Under the leadership of Darren Goff, executive director of hospital services, the hospital has successfully integrated OhmniClean UV-C robots into its cleaning protocols for operating rooms (ORs) and high-traffic areas like the lobby. This innovative approach demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to patient safety, operational efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.

The decision to deploy OhmniClean UV-C robots stemmed from a need to enhance disinfection standards while optimizing resources. “Every OR gets a robot every night, and our lobby receives the same treatment,” Goff shared. This ensures that critical areas maintain the highest levels of cleanliness, reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Integrating the robots into the hospital’s daily cleaning routine was seamless, though not without minor adjustments. Training staff to operate the robots and incorporating their usage into existing workflows required careful planning. However, the results have been remarkable. The robots have significantly reduced manual cleaning time, allowing the team to focus on other vital tasks.

The financial benefits are equally compelling. The deployment of OhmniClean robots has led to substantial cost savings by increasing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of infections. These savings contribute to the hospital’s bottom line while enhancing patient care quality.

Feedback from both staff and patients has been overwhelmingly positive. Employees appreciate the support the robots provide in maintaining a clean environment, while patients feel reassured by the visible commitment to hygiene and safety.

Cameron Memorial Community Hospital’s adoption of UV-C technology exemplifies how innovation can transform healthcare operations. As more facilities consider similar solutions, Cameron serves as a model for leveraging technology to improve outcomes, ensure safety, and save resources in the ever-evolving landscape of infection prevention.

In the first of a series, Darren Goff, executive director of hospitality services at Cameron Memorial Community Hospital in Angola, Indiana, speaks on how the environmental services team uses OhmniClean UV-C robots as an adjunct to their already excellent services.

Revolutionizing Environmental Hygiene: How Cameron Memorial Community Hospital Saves Time and Money With UV-C Robots

Infection Control Today® (ICT®) has always been at the forefront of infection prevention and control, ensuring that you, our valued readers, stay informed with the latest trends, practices, and innovations in the field. 

 had the privilege of attending and capturing pivotal moments at four major conferences: the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo, HSPA Annual Conference and Expo, APIC Annual Conference and Expo, and the APIC Northeast Ohio Chapter 017 2024 State of Ohio APIC Conference.

documented not just the sights but the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our field forward. Through our lenses, we captured leaders delivering groundbreaking research, infection preventionists engaging in hands-on workshops, and exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies. These images tell the story of a community dedicated to improving patient safety and public health.

 to go beyond photography—we connect with thought leaders, attend impactful sessions, and dive deep into emerging trends. We aim to distill this wealth of knowledge into the articles and resources we share with you. From APIC’s focus on new infection prevention strategies to HSPA’s advancements in sterile processing, we bring insights that matter to your practice.

The power of visuals cannot be underestimated. Photographs serve as a timeless reminder of the milestones and progress achieved by our community. By capturing these moments, 

 ensures the stories and achievements of infection prevention professionals reach a broader audience, inspiring further innovation and collaboration.

 as your source for the latest in infection prevention and control. Through our presence at these key events, we remain committed to equipping you with the tools, information, and inspiration to lead in the fight against health care-associated infections.

Did you meet Tori Whitacre Martonicz, senior editor for Infection Control Today, at the APIC, AORN, HSPA, or Ohio State APIC conferences in 2024? Check out these pictures and see if you're here.

Infection Control Today's Pictures From 2024

A new study finds nearly 80% of hospitals lack sufficient infection prevention staffing

Study Links Inadequate Infection Prevention Staffing to Higher Infection Rates

How many infection professionals should be employed at a health care facility? A study published in the 

 reveals a direct correlation between inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) staffing levels and higher health care-associated infections (HAIs) rates. Conducted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Center for Research, Practice & Innovation, the study underscores the critical need for tailored staffing solutions to enhance patient safety.

executive director of APIC’s Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation, and lead author of the study.

 director of research for APIC’s Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation, and an 

 is the chief technology officer for APIC.

 spoke with Crapanzano-Sigafoos about the study.

The pilot project evaluated a novel online staffing calculator designed to provide customized recommendations for IP staffing levels. Findings showed that 79.2% of 390 acute care hospitals surveyed had insufficient staffing, correlating with significantly higher rates of HAIs such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), 

 infections, and surgical site infections.

“The way the calculator works is it starts out with the IP-to-bed ratio, and if you look into the literature, all that's out there,” Crapanzano-Sigafoos said. “Either an IP-to-bed ratio or IP-to-hospital ratio. And we know it's not sufficient because if you have a hospital that's 150 beds and has no ICU and no emergency department, their needs are going to be different than a hospital that [has] 150 beds has both of those things and a burn unit. The infection prevention needs vary based on the services offered and the patient population. The calculator takes into consideration those factors, and so we start with the ratio, and then the number of beds in the ratio goes up and down based on those risk factors, things like, do you have an emergency department? Do you have an ICU? Do you have a burn unit, an inpatient rehab unit, et cetera? And so, based on the responses that the infection preventionist enters, then it gives a customized staffing ratio based on those needs.”

For instance, 25% of facilities with below-expected staffing levels reported elevated CAUTIs rates, compared to just 7% of adequately staffed hospitals. Historically, hospitals relied on outdated "one size fits all" benchmarks, such as 1 infection preventionist (IP) per 69 to 100 beds, which fail to account for modern health care complexities.

In response, APIC's predictive staffing calculator provides tailored recommendations based on hospital-specific factors, including emergency department presence, specialized units, and service complexity.

The study emphasizes that modern, data-driven staffing models are indispensable for infection control in today’s health care landscape.

A new study finds nearly 80% of hospitals lack sufficient infection prevention staffing, linking understaffing to increased health care-associated infections and highlighting a need for reform.

Revolutionizing Infection Prevention: AI-Driven UV Sanitization and Targeted Solutions

AI is reshaping health care, especially in infection prevention.

“There are a few factors that are important in the adoption of AI. One is the automation and the workflow process. We need to make AI as easy as possible to adopt.” Mohamed Noshad, PhD, founder of 

). He shares how Shyld’s autonomous UV sanitization system improves hospital hygiene. Traditional manual cleaning processes often need more consistency, leaving gaps in disinfection. Shyld AI's system uses AI to identify high-risk surfaces and deploy a directional UV beam for precise sanitization, achieving pathogen reduction within seconds.

“If you need a technology that takes a lot of labor, then it will be challenging because you need to retrain the personnel," Noshad said. "You need to change the workflows so that the load needs to be on the technology so that you go. It's seamless integration with what already exists, and small and large facilities can use that. The second part is the financial burden. If you're building something too expensive to build right now, there are technologies you know are costly. And then, if you need labor, that's another cost factor that comes into play.”

Noshad discussed what is needed to use AI to improve infection prevention. “When you think about the state of the art and existing practices for sanitizing surfaces and ensuring patients don't get exposed to…pathogens within the hospital environment,” Noshad said. “Right now, most of those processes are manual, so labor is involved. People go into the room and clean surfaces without visibility for the whole process. When something is mainly a manual process, consistency is a challenge. When you think about standard care, consistency, and ensuring all services are sanitized properly right now, that doesn't exist today within hospitals.”

The compact, room-installed device seamlessly integrates into workflows, enhancing patient safety without disrupting operations. Beyond infection control, Noshad envisions AI applications in patient monitoring, fall detection, and optimizing hospital operations, ultimately improving health care quality globally while reducing HAIs effectively and affordably.

Noshad said, “When we started Shyld AI, we had this vision that with AI, we can identify what services have the highest risk of containing pathogens by monitoring the behaviors and dynamics of the room simply, like you know what areas people are touching, what equipment they're using, and then tracking different items and objects and resources across multiple rooms, and based on that building, kind of a probabilistic model on what surfaces have the highest chance of containing those pathogens.”

Watch the video to hear the entire interview!

Shyld AI's autonomous UV sanitization system leverages AI to target high-risk surfaces, enhancing infection prevention, improving patient safety, and optimizing hospital workflows without disrupting operations.


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