Prevention

A 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.

During delivery, babies can acquire infections if they come into contact with pathogens present in the birth canal or from the mother’s genital tract.

Recent medical advances include RNA vaccine technology, enhanced understanding of immune dysregulation, improved inter-specialty communication, deeper insights into inflammation, and recognition of biological complexity.

Meet the experts shaping infection prevention: Infection Control Today's Editorial Board members share insights, experiences, and cutting-edge strategies to enhance health care safety and quality. Meet Henry Spratt, Jr, PhD.

Infection prevention during childbirth, via vaginal or cesarean delivery, is crucial for maternal and neonatal health. Strategies include strict hygiene, sterile techniques, and antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce postpartum infection risks.

Enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) in nursing homes are vital to prevent multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) transmission, address antimicrobial resistance, and ensure resident safety and well-being.

Nature Communications published the results of a study on ARCT-154, CSL’s sa-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The study showed that it is well-tolerated, immunogenic, and effective against multiple strains.

Brooke 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.

Infection Control Today sat down with Tania Bubb, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, the president of the 2024 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

In-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.

Sage 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.

At the APIC24 conference, infection preventionists learned to combat imposter syndrome, gaining confidence and resilience through empowering keynotes from Simon T. Bailey and Lisa Sun.

Tampa 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.

Memorial 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.

The 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.

Dry 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.

Andrea Flinchum, 2024 president of Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, INC (CBIC) explains the AL-CIP Certification at APIC Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

APIC24: A Texas health care system's study found that electronic notifications and self-assessments for communicable disease exposure significantly improve efficiency and adherence in managing health care worker exposures.

A presentation at APIC 2024 will feature strategies for combating emerging pathogens, emphasizing preparedness for infection preventionists amid rising global health threats, including dengue, measles, and new unknown pathogens.

IPs discuss APIC's white paper, which highlights IPs frustrations with outdated and unclear medical device IFUs and the challenges they face.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not protect against norovirus, a highly contagious virus. Effective alternatives like hypochlorous acid-based sanitizers are crucial for better infection control.

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

APIC and IPAC Canada introduce the EIPAC Decision-Making Framework to guide health care professionals through ethical dilemmas in infection prevention, promoting fair and transparent decision-making.

At 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.

Happy Memorial Day from Infection Control Today!

Phase III trial of zoliflodacin shows it as effective as current treatments for uncomplicated gonorrhea, highlighting its potential in combating rising antibiotic resistance.

CDC's dynamic modeling and early mass vaccination effectively controlled a 2024 measles outbreak, highlighting the critical importance of vaccination and proactive public health measures.

Hadassah Medical Organization's pooled saliva testing for newborns effectively screens for congenital cytomegalovirus, identifying asymptomatic cases and potentially reducing severe cognitive and auditory problems globally.

Eco-friendly cleaning in workplaces reduces health risks from harsh chemicals, improving employee wellness, reducing sick days, and enhancing productivity through better indoor air quality.

Dear Helpdesk gives advice to an Infection preventionist preparing for a new leadership role after a year of part-time consulting.