Hand Hygiene

Q&A: CDC Wants to Help Infection Preventionists

October 29, 2020

Michael Bell, MD: “The challenge that infection control professionals face has grown tremendously. We’re asking these individuals to not only be experts, but also to take responsibility for such a wide range of activities ... and finding ways to help them accomplish what they’re doing across the whole population of healthcare personnel is the rationale behind Project Firstline.”

Healthcare-Acquired Infections Not Reported Enough

October 23, 2020

Too many hospitals apparently do not use the CDC’s Hospital Toolkit for Adult Sepsis Surveillance, which may explain the number of healthcare-acquired infections that remain unreported.

Not Thinking Outside the ‘Red Box’ Endangers Patients

October 22, 2020

When healthcare workers using the red box stepped into the patients’ rooms, there was “significantly increased non-compliance” with PPE and hand hygiene protocols compared to those healthcare workers who went into rooms without red boxes.

Just What the Flu Costs the Healthcare System

October 22, 2020

Investigators found that the mean healthcare cost for treating elderly influenza patients per patient per flu season ranged from $3,299 to $12,398 higher than the costs for treating patients with congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, and stage 5 renal disease.

Disinfection System Targets Portable Medical Devices

October 22, 2020

Investigators found that a prompt on a disinfection tracking system led to an increase rate of the disinfection of computers on wheels at a veterans’ hospital in Texas.

Study: CLABSI, CAUTI Rates Higher for COVID Patients

October 21, 2020

CAUTI rates were 83% higher and CLABSI rates were 65% higher in the COVID-19 units compared to the non-COVID-19 units.

AHRQ Process Cuts Down on Antibiotic Overprescribing

October 21, 2020

There are 4 “moments” involved as a healthcare professional at a long-term care facility (LTCF) weighs whether to prescribe an antibiotic to a patient or resident.

Bug of the Month: I’m Riding the Anti-Vax Wave in My Comeback

October 21, 2020

Bug of the Month helps educate readers about existing and emerging pathogens of clinical importance in healthcare facilities today.

Study: Thanks to COVID Precautions, C. Diff Rate Plummets

October 08, 2020

When COVID-19 struck, the proper use of PPE and greater attention to hand hygiene and cleaning surfaces became the norm. When that happened, rates of Clostridium difficile decreased significantly.

Bug of the Month: I Can Be Deadly for Cystic Fibrosis Patients

September 17, 2020

Bug of the Month helps educate readers about existing and emerging pathogens of clinical importance in healthcare facilities today.