Hand hygiene and environmental hygiene are two key components of an infection prevention and control program but there is some debate as to whether one strategy may be more effective than the other at curbing and/or eliminating healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). A point/counterpoint discussion on this topic was featured in May 2013 at the spring conference of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) as part of a special educational track addressing "Advancing Healthcare Epidemiology and the Role of the Environment. This slide show is a summary of a recent report on this SHEA presentation.
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.