Authors


Cedric Steiner

Latest:

Let Airflow Show Pathogens the Door (or Window or Vent)

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.


Stephanie Mayoryk, MAS, BSN, RN, CIC

Latest:

Study Highlights Successes and Challenges in Implementing Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing Homes

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.


Markus Meyer, PhD

Latest:

A Spectroscopic Solution for Strain Typing and Discrimination

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
Katharine J. Hoffman, MPH, CIC

Latest:

An Infection Preventionist Considers Why Manufacturers Need to Update IFUs

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?


Maureen Spencer, RN, MEd, CIC, FAPIC
Maureen Spencer, RN, M.Ed., CIC, FAPIC

Latest:

Ultrasound in Percutaneous Procedures: One Size Does Not Fit All for Reprocessing

Accurate device information and proper sterilization or disinfection are crucial to ensure safety during ultrasound procedures.


Linda Lybert

Latest:

Surface Disinfection Incompatibility Does Not Support Effective Cleaning and Disinfection

The surface material and product damage caused by new advances in disinfection technology must be addressed for patient safety.


Joshua Fitch

Latest:

CDC Advises on Limited Nirsevimab Supply and RSV Protection Options

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.


ALISON GALDYS, MD

Latest:

Focus on 4 Foundations of Patient Safety

Health care-associated infection-reducing initiatives are vital to keeping patients safe.


Sara Smith

Latest:

How Infection Control Policies Shape Laboratory Billing: Compliance, Reimbursement, and Coding Updates

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.


Maya Gossman, RN

Latest:

How This Vascular Access Nurse Relies on an Infection Preventionist

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.


Emma Waymire, MPH, CIC

Latest:

Infection Prevention Is Key in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

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.


Sara M. Reese, PhD, MPH, CIC, FAPIC

Latest:

The Shifting Responsibilities of Infection Preventionists

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.


Barbara J. Quinn DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, FCNS


Latest:

Can Brushing Teeth Before Surgery Prevent Postoperative Pneumonia?

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.


Walt Hadikin, MD

Latest:

Lyme Disease Prevention and Antibiotic Usage

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.


Cody Haag

Latest:

Closing the Gap: Maximizing the Potential of UV-C Technology to Reduce Health Care-Associated Infections

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.


John Kimsey

Latest:

How to Successfully Plan for Space, Equipment, Staff, and Workflows in Sterile Processing Departments

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.


Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC

Latest:

Piloting Change Management: Tools for Infection Preventionists to Drive Impactful Change

Infection preventionists play a vital role in health care, leveraging change management techniques to overcome resistance, unite stakeholders, and implement strategies prioritizing patient safety.


Tracy Field, RN, WCC, LALD, LTC-CIP

Latest:

PPE Standardization Practices and Key Takeaways

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.


Meredith Rippy, BS

Latest:

Inpatient and Outpatient Clinics Must Monitor Fomites as Part of IPC Protocols

Thorough cleaning and disinfection reduce the role fomites play in the spread of disease.


Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH

Latest:

When Should Universal Masking in Health Care Settings for COVID-19 Be Discontinued?

A comprehensive look at whether mask wearing is beneficial for both SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses spread by airborne particles and respiratory droplets.


Sophia Abene

Latest:

Health Care-Associated Burkholderia multivorans Infections Traced to Contaminated Ice Machines

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.


Jody Feigel, RN, MSN

Latest:

During COVID, Telehealth Can Be an Infection Preventionist's Friend

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.


Nazia Khanum, MD, CIC

Latest:

Strengthening Defenses: Integrating Infection Control With Antimicrobial Stewardship

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


Rock D. Jensen

Latest:

AHE Exchange Conference & Solution Center 2023 Review

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).


Lisa Hewett, RN

Latest:

Rockingham County Rehabilitation Center's Infection Control Fair: An Engaging Approach to Education and Reinforcement

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.


Karen M. Jones, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC,

Latest:

Considerations for Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producers in Nursing Homes

Information for infection preventionists to manage ESBL-producers even while fighting against COVID-19.



Deborah Gardner, LPN, OPAC

Latest:

How To Perform Surgical Hand Scrubs

How to perform surgical hand scrubs.


Morgan Waddell

Latest:

First Responders Tackle Infection Control and Prevention Challenges

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.


Erica Smith, MBA

Latest:

The Heavy Hitters: Three Essentials for Exam Room Infection Prevention

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.