Everyone, from healthcare providers to patients, has a role to play in reducing antibiotic resistance. Specifically, in order to halt the alarming trend of antibiotic resistance there is a need for well-documented and properly coordinated strategies like stewardship of antibiotics, expanded surveillance of antibiotic resistance bacteria, and investments in new drug development and diagnostic testing across all healthcare settings. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other partners in "Get Smart about Antibiotics Week" to raise awareness of strategies and programs to address antibiotic resistance with both healthcare providers and patients.
"All healthcare facilities can improve patient outcomes by addressing antibiotic resistance trends through focused efforts to eliminate unnecessary antibiotic therapies,” said Louise Dembry, MD,MS, MBA, president of the SHEA board of trustees. “We must also educate and engage patients in understanding when antibiotics are needed and when they are not.”
SHEA is committed to addressing antibiotic resistance by furthering education and leadership of stewardship programs for healthcare professionals. Antibiotic stewardship programs and interventions help ensure that patients get the right antibiotics at the right time for the right duration. In addition to improving patient care, there is also cost savings potential.
Visit the SHEA website for more information on the appropriate use and management of antimicrobials in all healthcare settings to help improve patient care: www.shea-online.org
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.