In a new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, researchers in Michigan led by Sanjay Saint, MD, MPH, found that leadership plays a critical role in hospital infection prevention and control programs. Through a three-phase study of invited hospitals whose lead infection preventionist had completed a quantitative survey on HAI prevention, Saint, et al. (2010) sought to better to understand which behaviors are exhibited by leaders who are successful at implementing HAI prevention practices in U.S. hospitals. A survey in phase one, data collection in phase two, and site interviews in phase three contributed to the findings.
Saint, et al. (2010) note, We found that successful leaders cultivated a culture of clinical excellence and effectively communicated it to staff; focused on overcoming barriers and dealt directly with resistant staff or process issues that impeded prevention of HAI; inspired their employees; and thought strategically while acting locally, which involved politicking before crucial committee votes, leveraging personal prestige to move initiatives forward, and forming partnerships across disciplines. Hospital epidemiologists and infection preventionists often played more important leadership roles in their hospitals patient safety activities than did senior executives.
The researchers cite the differences between transactional leaders -- guide their followers by ensuring that roles and tasks are clearly specified and by using reward and punishment as motivation and transformational leaders those who inspire their followers to see beyond their perceived self-interest. The researchers point out, Although the distinction between transactional and transformational leadership styles is important, the lines between the two are blurred. Indeed, some believe that the styles are complementary and that perhaps transformational leadership builds on transactional leadership.
Saint, et al. (2010) conclude that leadership plays a key role in infection prevention and that the challenging process of translating the findings of infection prevention research into practice can be eased by leaders who heed the advice and experiences of their colleagues.
Reference: Saint SS, Kowalski CP, Banaszak Holl J, Forman J, Damschroder L and Krein SL. The Importance of Leadership in Preventing HealthcareAssociated Infection: Results of a Multisite Qualitative Study. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2010;31:901-907.
Happy Hand Hygiene Day! Rethinking Glove Use for Safer, Cleaner, and More Ethical Health Care
May 5th 2025Despite their protective role, gloves are often misused in health care settings—undermining hand hygiene, risking patient safety, and worsening environmental impact. Alexandra Peters, PhD, points out that this misuse deserves urgent attention, especially today, World Hand Hygiene Day.
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.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.