Hospital-Acquired Infections May Be Lower in Closed ICUs
Three hospital-acquired infections rates appear to be lower in patients admitted to a “closed” intensive care unit, meaning that the ICU team has primary responsibility for the patient, rather than a primary care physician, according to research presented at ATS 2019. Central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP) were lower after a medical center transitioned from an open to a closed ICU, while methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) rates remained the same.
To view the abstract, CLICK HERE.
I Was There: An Infection Preventionist on the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 30th 2025Deep feelings run strong about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some beautiful art has come out of those emotions. Infection Control Today is proud to share this poem by Carmen Duke, MPH, CIC, in response to a recent article by Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
