Finding infections earlier is only part of the work. At IDWeek 2026, David Weber, MD, MPH, explored how broader surveillance and emerging technologies could help infection preventionists spend more time supporting safer care.
Infection prevention surveillance can identify problems, but its value depends on what happens next. At IDWeek 2026 in Washington, DC, held from October 21 to 24, 2026, David Weber, MD, MPH, discussed research that could help infection preventionists (IPs) detect transmission earlier and spend more time implementing prevention. His message centered on expanding surveillance while making better use of the information hospitals already collect.
Weber, who said he has spent 41 years in infection prevention and control, described his approach to selecting influential publications in infection prevention for a conference presentation. Rather than presenting unrelated findings, he chose studies that connected research to practical questions.
“There were many more papers I could have picked out, but I tried to pick out papers that were on the cutting edge of what we do and tell a story,” Weber said.
One theme was the need to examine infections more closely beyond established device-related surveillance. Weber discussed nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia and catheter-unrelated urinary tract infections as areas deserving greater attention. Tracking familiar measures alone, he suggested, leaves important prevention opportunities insufficiently examined.
“So we need to begin doing a wider spectrum of surveillance, and we need to begin developing evidence-based recommendations to reduce those infections, and that evidence needs to be incorporated into guidelines,” Weber said.
He also described research on surgical site infection that raises a difficult question: When infection rates remain unchanged, are teams struggling to implement existing interventions, or are additional interventions needed? The distinction matters. Improving adherence and developing new preventive approaches require different responses, and research must help determine where the gaps lie.
Weber highlighted real-time whole-genome sequencing as an opportunity to investigate potential transmission before an unusual increase in case counts prompts concern. He used the example of 2 patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a neonatal intensive care unit. Sequencing could help determine whether their infections are genetically related, informing the direction of an investigation.
The practical value is earlier action. Instead of waiting for additional cases, teams may gather information to support a closer examination of possible transmission routes. Weber described research suggesting that this approach can also be cost-effective.
Artificial intelligence was another focus, particularly its potential to assist with surveillance while retaining human review. Weber discussed research evaluating AI-supported identification of central line-associated bloodstream infections, with an IP validating the findings.
For him, the benefit extends beyond processing records. Time saved could allow IPs to spend more time on units, identifying care practices that require attention and helping colleagues implement evidence-based recommendations.
“So I think this will be the first widespread use in infection prevention,” Weber said. “It will be used to improve surveillance and save time for infection preventionists.”
Weber also emphasized the need to reconsider practices that may no longer be necessary. His discussion of research on unnecessary glove use illustrated how reviewing established habits can support appropriate protection while reducing waste.
The broader lesson was that evidence should guide both adoption and removal of practices. New research becomes useful when teams translate it into workable guidance and follow through.
“You develop your question. You comprehensively look at the literature. Ideally, you put it in a form that's easily seen and understand. Then you develop a policy, procedure, or guideline based on the scientific evidence, and then you implement it.”
