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.
Research finds Enhanced Barrier Precautions reduce MDRO transmission in nursing homes, though challenges persist with gown usage, education, and comfort during high-contact care activities.
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy demonstrates promise for rapid strain typing of yeast and bacteria, which could help improve proactive infection control strategies in health care settings.
Katharine 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?
Accurate device information and proper sterilization or disinfection are crucial to ensure safety during ultrasound procedures.
The surface material and product damage caused by new advances in disinfection technology must be addressed for patient safety.
The 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.
Health care-associated infection-reducing initiatives are vital to keeping patients safe.
Infection 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.
Although 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.
The 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.
The 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.
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.
Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia bacteria and transmitted by black-legged ticks, demands vigilant prevention, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment to minimize health and public safety risks.
Effective 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.
A 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.
Infection preventionists play a vital role in health care, leveraging change management techniques to overcome resistance, unite stakeholders, and implement strategies prioritizing patient safety.
Experts 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.
Thorough cleaning and disinfection reduce the role fomites play in the spread of disease.
A comprehensive look at whether mask wearing is beneficial for both SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses spread by airborne particles and respiratory droplets.
Contaminated 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.
A 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.
Use 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
Health 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).
At 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.
Information for infection preventionists to manage ESBL-producers even while fighting against COVID-19.
How did first responders and firefighters navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath? Two firefighters/EMTs describe what that time was like for them.
Gloves, masks, and surface disinfectants are infection prevention powerhouses. Equip your practice with these essentials to protect patients and staff this cold and influenza (flu) season.