Weekly Rounds: Device Reprocessing Policies, Long-COVID-19 Alarm, and LTC IPs.
Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today’s highlights for the week ending July 1.
Here are 5 highlights from ICT®’s wide-ranging coverage of the infection prevention and control world. Everything from interviews with known opinion leaders, to the news that infection preventionists and other health care professionals can use on their jobs.
Device Reprocessing Policies Must Be a Living Document
If the policies are not consistently updated, they are “just a piece of paper shoved in a logbook that is not going to effectively improve reprocessing…of ultrasound probes,” said Lisa Waldowski, DNP, RN, CIC.
Long COVID-19 and New Variants: Sounding a Continuing Alarm
It is easy to become complacent, but the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is not over, and long COVID-19 and the new variants are causing rising concern.
LTC Infection Preventionists’ Responsibilities Have Doubled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
In all areas, infection preventionists took on more responsibilities and expanded the ones they already had, including staff education and employee health.
Infection Preventionists and EMS Personnel: Nurturing a Relationship
They should be partners making each other and their patients safe through communication, education, and action plans.
Surgical Urology Is an Untapped Area for Infection Preventionists
Despite the initial reluctance for a urology team to work with infection preventionists, the collaboration is beneficial for both specialties.
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.
Phage Therapy’s Future: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance With Precision Viruses
April 24th 2025Bacteriophage therapy presents a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially as antimicrobial resistance continues to increase. Dr. Ran Nir-Paz discusses its potential, challenges, and future applications in this technology.
