Weekly Rounds: New COVID-19 Variants, Robotic Surgery Challenges, and more
Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today’s highlights for the week ending May 13.
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.
AB.4 and BA.5 Variants, Pandemic Fatigue, and Waning Immunity: A Toxic Mix
Few individuals in the United States are currently wearing masks, and many are continuing to engage in risky behavior. This may well be a toxic mix, and healthcare facilities and infection preventionists need to prepare for another possible surge in cases.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery Presents Unique Sterile Processing Challenges
Sterile processing of robotic surgery instruments and other complex instruments require complex methods.
Web-Based Hand Hygiene Application Improves HCW Compliance
Swiss hospital developed and implemented “Clean Hands,” and the results are significant over paper data collection.
An IP’s Newest Weapon: CBIC's LTC Certification
Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc (CBIC) is debuting a new certification for infection preventionists (IPs) who work in long-term care (LTC) settings.
Team Effort Significantly Reduces Hospital-Onset C-difficile Infections
The interprofessional team implemented multiple evidenced-based interventions that demonstrated sustained compliance.
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.
