Rates of health care-associated infections rose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigators have found that often the infections came from the patients themselves. But how?
With 60% of surgical site infections estimated to be preventable, IPs hold a key prevention role in patient safety.
The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance, exacerbated by the pandemic, underscores the importance of the infection preventionist as an active member of the antimicrobial stewardship program.
New insights into pathogen-specific transmission dynamics and innovations in ventilation, filtration, and monitoring systems offer promising tools for effective infection control.
In an exclusive interview, Ruth Carrico, professor at the University of Louisville, and independent infection prevention consultant, discusses her groundbreaking study with Timothy L. Wiemken, PhD, MPH, CIC, on AI's role in identifying health care-associated infections and its implications for the field.
Recent research into COVID-19 suggests that health care systems need to move beyond the idea that pathogen spread happens either via droplets or aerosolized particles. Patients can generate the full range of respiratory particles.
Coupling risk communication and effective engagement with the community can provide opportunities to change behavior and shape awareness of basic practices that can break the chain of transmission for many diseases.
Infection preventionists and perioperative nurses should collaborate to track and share infection rate data and participate in interdisciplinary workgroups to emphasize patient safety amid burnout and staffing and supply shortages.
Accurate device information and proper sterilization or disinfection are crucial to ensure safety during ultrasound procedures.
Water, essential in health care, from hygiene to medical procedures. AAMI's ST108 sets new standards, vital for patient safety and equipment integrity.
Non-ventilator-hospital associated pneumonia prevention is quickly becoming the hot topic among infection preventionists.
Getting to know community pharmacists—in fact developing a professional rapport with those pharmacists—should be on an infection preventionist’s to-do list.
The ability of any infectious agent to maintain constant transmission enables it to be an ongoing threat to public health. Few pathogens have achieved greater success at ongoing transmission potential than the influenza virus.
Evidence shows that bacteria on floors can be resuspended into the air with a potential of inhalation, swallowing, or contamination of surfaces and hands.
Adding to their exhaustion because of other diseases rampant worldwide, like influenza and COVID-19, infection preventionists need to understand and recognize the basics of monkeypox as well since it has made its debut in the US.
Perspectives from a diversity of health care workers improve the care and outcomes of patients.
Testing of the infant of the COVID-19–positive mother requires 2 negative COVID-19 tests 2 days apart. This time delay adds to the challenge of ensuring available isolation beds.
Choosing the correct disinfectant can be difficult. This expert explains how to select the proper one.
What does the post-COVID-19 future look like for infection preventonists? Great strides in infection prevention have been made because of the COVID-19 response, but look for them to be modified moving forward.
In this installment of IPC Pros Helping Each Other, how do IPs keep those in their facilities to remember essential infection control practices?
As children get ready to return to school, pediatric health care providers may start seeing more of this condition in their offices. Here is what you should know.
Cold weather can attract pests seeking warmth and shelter in health care facilities. Learn effective strategies, including sanitation and pest management, to protect patients this winter.
In the ongoing fight against COVID-19, the FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization for Pemgarda, a COVID-19 infusion drug. Read on for more.
This paper outlines a primary reason to fit test an individual is to verify that he or she has been trained to wear a respirator and has learned how to don the facepiece correctly. Improper use can compromise the respirator’s protection.
No agreed-upon definition exists that spells out exactly which symptoms trigger the need for a test. One expert says that if a get-together includes, for example, someone with Stage 4 cancer, it would be appropriate for all attendees to test beforehand.
Here, we will review 3 common sterilization modalities currently in use for N95 respirator decontamination, how they work, and their strengths and limitations.
Dental instruments may not seem as invasive as the instruments used in medical surgeries, but they still pose the same dangers.
The first day as an infection preventionist can be nerve wracking, but what happens when The Joint Commission is there the same day?