Weekly Rounds: Preventing HAIs with Updated Sterilization and Quality Control Processing
Summary: Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today’s highlights for the week ending March 18.
Here are 5 highlights from ICT®’s wide-ranging coverage of the infection prevention and control world. Everything from interviews with known opinion leaders, to the news that infection preventionists and other health care professionals can use on their jobs.
1. Preventing HAIs with Updated Sterilization and Quality Control Processing
ANSI/AAMI’s update on endoscope processing is backed by rigorous scientific evidence.
2. Evidence Shows Students Need to Wear Masks Despite Disinformation
Multiple studies and reports show that masks in schools are effective, safe, and necessary because COVID-19 is not going away.
3. Pfizer CEO: Third Dose Is Good, But Fourth is Needed for COVID-19
Pfizer CEO, Albert Bourla, said in nationally televised interview that it is necessary to fend off waning protection.
4. Number of Staff, Not Ownership, Is Predictor of Nursing Home COVID-19 Outcomes
Ratings, ownership, and prior infection control citations of facilities were not consistent outcome indicators.
5. Elevated HAI Rates During COVID-19 Associated With Increased Premium Pay, Agency Hours
The study examined the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on specific types of infections, including MRSA and CDIs.
The Key to Sterile Processing Success: Leadership Engagement and Team Collaboration
January 24th 2025Effective sterile processing leadership requires active engagement, clear communication, and a transformational approach to foster collaboration, accountability, and quality in infection prevention and surgical instrument management.
Evaluating Automated Dispensing Systems for Disinfectants in Hospitals
January 23rd 2025Hospitals rely on automated disinfectant dispensers, but a study led by Curtis Donskey, MD, found inconsistent dilution levels, with some dispensers releasing only water. Improved monitoring and design modifications are essential.
Alcohol-Based Antiseptics Show Promise for Nasal Decolonization and SSI Prevention
January 23rd 2025A meta-analysis found alcohol-based antiseptics significantly reduce Staphylococcus aureus-related surgical site infections (SSIs), demonstrating efficacy comparable to mupirocin and iodophor, supporting their expanded use in infection prevention strategies.
ASRA Pain Medicine Releases Groundbreaking Infection Control Guidelines for Pain Management
January 22nd 2025The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA Pain Medicine) released comprehensive infection control guidelines for pain procedures, emphasizing prevention, early recognition, multidisciplinary collaboration, and judicious antibiotic use to enhance patient safety and healthcare outcomes.
