Managing the Spectrum Infection Prevention Symposium Explored Key Patient Safety Issues
Earlier this month, more than 200 participants from 19 states (representing 80 hospitals) gathered at the Kimberly-Clark Knowledge Network-sponsored "Managing the Spectrum Infection Prevention Symposium" held at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta. The two-day event addressed current issues and new policies relating to patient safety and infection prevention impacting acute-care and ambulatory healthcare facilities.
From left to right: Ty Roberts, Kathleen Stoessel, Dr. Wava Truscott, Julie Kneedler, Mark Semmelmayer.
Earlier this month, more than 200 participants from 19 states (representing 80 hospitals) gathered at the Kimberly-Clark Knowledge Network-sponsored "Managing the Spectrum Infection Prevention Symposium" held at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta. The two-day event addressed current issues and new policies relating to patient safety and infection prevention impacting acute-care and ambulatory healthcare facilities.Â
Faculty speakers represented the perspectives of their many organizations including the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Center for Research on Environmental Microbiology, Excellentia: ASC Compliance Advisory Group, the Joint Commission and the Joint Commission International, Kaiser Permanente: Quality and Safety-Infection Prevention, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Safe Care Campaign.
Topics included:
 International Perspective: Experience in Infection Prevention
 Reducing Adverse Events thru Collaboration Across the Surgical Continuum
 Impact of Healthcare Reform on Infection Prevention
 The Evolution of Ambulatory Surgery & New Strategies for Infection Prevention
 Compendium of Strategies to Prevent HAI-Highlights
 Clostridium difficile and MRSA: Recent Developments in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
 Role of the Environment in HAI and Steps to Mitigate Risk
 Caregiver Focus: Prevention Strategies Healthcare Respiratory Programs
 New AORN Transmissible Infections Recommended Practices
 Preventing Infection in Acute Pain Patients
 Change One Thin, Change Everything: The  Power of One
In addition to the presentations, panel discussions allowed attendees the opportunity to ask follow-up questions. The entire symposium was recorded and many of the presentations will be accredited and made available to Kimberly-Clark sales representatives as a tool to provide continuing education to healthcare professionals free of charge.
Â
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.
