Tori Whitacre Martonicz is the senior editor of Infection Control Today. She has been a writer and editor for over 30 years and has an MA and BA in English Composition/Literature from the University of Akron in Akron, OH. She lives in Ohio with her husband; son; 2 tiny dogs, Selena Brigid Sophia and Doctor Danger Dog; and a big black cat, Freya. She loves reading, writing, gardening, and spending time with her loved ones. Contact her through her email: tmartonicz@mjhlifesciences.com.
Tracking Pathogen Contamination in a New Children’s Outpatient Pulmonary Clinic
June 17th 2024A study at the 2024 APIC conference observed MRSA and Pseudomonas contamination in a new children's outpatient pulmonary clinic during construction and after patient use, highlighting significant infection risks.
Standardizing Cleaning Protocols Across the Care Continuum
June 12th 2024Brooke Hossfeld MPH, CIC, MLS (ASCP)CM presented the need for standardized infection prevention protocols across health care settings, addressing challenges from retiring workers to HAIs infections in outpatient facilities at APIC24.
Enhancing PPE Practices and Infection Prevention Knowledge Through Engaging In-Person Training
June 11th 2024In-person training significantly improves health care workers' PPE practices and infection prevention knowledge, addressing gaps left by virtual methods and enhancing overall patient safety and care quality.
Overcoming Limitations in a Low-Resource Facility: Spotlight on the Navajo Nation
June 10th 2024Sage Memorial Hospital, Navajo Health Foundation in Arizona tackles health care and infection control challenges through innovative strategies and cultural sensitivity, serving the Navajo community with respect and resilience.
Tampa General Hospital's Success in Eliminating Bloodstream Infections in ECMO Patients
June 6th 2024Tampa General Hospital's ECMO-specific infection prevention protocol eradicated bloodstream infections, reducing rates from 36% to 0%, demonstrating the effectiveness of tailored infection control measures in high-risk patients.
Addressing Candida auris: Effective Screening and Isolation Protocols at Memorial Hermann Hospital
June 5th 2024Memorial Hermann Hospital's targeted screening and isolation protocol for Candida auris significantly reduces patient exposure and spread, effectively ensuring safety and preventing health care-associated infections.
Enhancing Infection Control for Emergency Responders: Year 1 Progress of the ICER Collaborative
June 5th 2024The ICER Collaborative addresses IPC gaps for EMS and firefighters, enhancing infection control through tailored training, advisory boards, and interagency collaboration based on year-1 findings as presented at APIC24.
Enhancing Infection Control in Long-Term Care Facilities: The Impact of Dry Hydrogen Peroxide
June 4th 2024Dry hydrogen peroxide (DHP) significantly reduces surface bioburden in long-term care facilities, enhancing infection control and lowering volatile organic compounds, as presented by Mary L. Cole, MS, RN, CNRN, CCRN, SCRN, CIC, at APIC24.
Playing to Increase Communication and Learn Instruments in the Sterile Processing Department
May 28th 2024At HSPA 2024, Lila Price, CRCST, CER, CHL, and Dannie O. Smith, III, BSc, CSPDT, CRCST, CHL, CIS, CER, emphasized accurate instrument labeling and demonstrated a game to improve communication between the operating room and sterile processing departments.
Advancing Viral Disease Treatment of Recurrent Genital Herpes, Hepatitis B and D Viruses
May 2nd 2024Health care has an unmet need for the treatment of herpesviruses, hepatitis B, and hepatitis D, which would enhance patient outcomes. What should be done, and what challenges do companies that are trying to develop treatments face?
Optimizing Drying for Medical Devices: Insights and Strategies From Cheri Ackert-Burr, DNP
April 29th 2024Cheri Ackert-Burr, DNP, BAEd, RN, CNOR, CNS, AGTS, discusses optimizing drying strategies for medical devices, crucial in instrument processing, emphasizing efficiency gains and insights shared at the HSPA Annual Conference.