Fibi Attia, MD, the infection prevention coordinator at Penn State Milton S. Hersey Medical Center, says that the main challenge for infection preventionists in the COVID-19 pandemic is not knowing who might be carrying the disease.
Having drilled for a pandemic and having put in place a pandemic plan helped hospital staff and the infection control and prevention department a lot when the real thing struck in the form or COVID-19, says Fibi Attia, MD, the infection prevention coordinator at Penn State Milton S. Hersey Medical Center. Attia, who is also a member of Infection Control Today®’s Editorial Advisory Board, says that before the COVID-19 pandemic, making sure that hospital staff followed standard precautions represented the main challenge for infection preventionists. After COVID-19, the main challenge was treating patients with the knowledge that they could be carriers of the coronavirus. And limiting exposure of healthcare workers to COVID-19 remains a constant concern.
Long COVID: Urgent Findings, Including Brain Alterations, Call for Renewed Public Health Focus
October 21st 2024New research highlights long COVID’s global impact, cognitive decline, and societal consequences, urging renewed focus on prevention, including vaccination, mask use, and better air quality.
NP and PA-Led Practices: A Possible Remedy for Health Care Worker Burnout
October 8th 2024Nurse practitioner (NP) and Physician Assistant (PA)-led practices offer autonomy, flexible schedules, and smaller patient loads, which could help mitigate burnout while reducing pressure on traditional healthcare systems and improving infection prevention.
Barrier Against Infection: Importance and Challenges of Isolation Room Cleaning in Hospitals
October 4th 2024Isolation rooms are essential for infection control in health care, relying on specialized design, advanced cleaning protocols, and technology to prevent cross-contamination and safeguard patient safety.