Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending January 21, 2024.
Here are 5 highlights from Infection Control Today®'s (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.
Nurturing the Spirit: A Look Into the Well-Being of Infection Preventionists
In the dynamic realm of infection prevention, professionals face both the potential for impactful contributions and the risk of burnout. The delicate balance between the highs and lows prompts an exploration into factors influencing the well-being of infection preventionists.
Revolutionizing Patient Engagement: Healthvana's AI-Powered Approach
Ramin Bastani, Healthvana's CEO, unveils the groundbreaking AI Navigator/Chatbot enhancing patient engagement in sexual health clinics. The HIPAA-compliant tool streamlines inquiries boosts efficiency and prioritizes patient benefits.
Advancing Diabetic Foot Care: A Conversation With Gary M. Rothenberg, DPM
Explore diabetic foot care insights with Gary M. Rothenberg, Director of Medical Affairs at Podimetrics. Learn about prevention, remote monitoring, and the multidisciplinary approach to mitigate the risks of amputations.
Insights From the Clean Index Survey: Navigating Challenges in the Cleaning Industry
CloroxPro's Clean Index Survey uncovers burnout and confidence challenges in cleaning professionals. The insights guide the industry towards solutions, emphasizing support and training for a resilient cleaning workforce.
AI-Driven Predictive Analytics: Transforming Drug Development
VeriSIM Life, a health care technology company, utilizes AI to forecast drug candidates' clinical success, accelerating development and reducing costs. Founder and CEO Jo Varshney discusses successful applications, challenges, privacy standards, and advice for leveraging AI in health care operations.
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Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.