A study found that hospitals can reduce hand hygiene observations from 200 to as few as 50 per unit per month without compromising data quality. This reduction could free up time and resources for meaningful performance improvement and enhance the quality of reported data.
A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control finds that expanding hospital screening for Candida auris to high-risk patients detects more cases early, preventing hospital outbreaks. This approach identifies eight additional patients who would have been missed by previous protocols.
A study at Boston Children's Hospital highlights the complexity of infection prevention and control measures in pediatric healthcare. The conventional method of calculating IP staffing needs does not accurately reflect the current demands of healthcare systems or pediatric patients, leading to a shortage of resources.
A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that nearly 4 in 5 hospitals are not staffed at sufficient levels to keep patients safe from preventable infections. The study highlights the need for customized infection prevention staffing recommendations, which can be provided by an online calculator tool.
A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that using color additive-infused disinfectant wipes improved hospital room cleanliness by 69.2%, compared to standard wipes. The use of visual cues reduced cleaning time by 3 minutes.
A new approach to testing for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) has been shown to reduce unnecessary testing by 20%. The study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, introduces a clearly defined, evidence-based test ordering process that targets specific patient groups and reduces inappropriate testing.
A six-state hospital system reported significant decreases in surgical site infections, mortality, length of stay, and readmissions after implementing a comprehensive SSI prevention bundle. Orthopedic patients showed the most benefit, with a 32.8% reduction in SSI rates.
A Florida hospital doubled its infection prevention and control (IPC) staff over four years, reducing infections by 37% and creating opportunities for non-clinical team members to enter the field. The IPC career ladder with diversified roles enhanced retention among the team.
Tampa General Hospital eliminated COVID-era bloodstream infections in heart, lung patients by implementing a specially developed ECMO care bundle and unit ownership. The hospital reduced BSI rates from 36% to 0% in just seven months.
A new study highlights the critical role of hospital sinks in transmitting multidrug-resistant bacteria, with a pediatric ward outbreak showing even replacing all sinks didn't stop the contamination. The research emphasizes the importance of focusing on sinks and water-related areas to combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that a simple pre-surgical infection prevention protocol involving povidone-iodine and skin antisepsis significantly reduced severe surgical site infections. The protocol eradicated Staphylococcus aureus in nearly 40% of patients, with a three-fold risk of developing an SSI associated with its presence within a day af...
Researchers developed two AI-powered tools to identify healthcare-associated infections and found they accurately identified cases even in complex scenarios. However, the tools struggled with missing or ambiguous information, highlighting the need for human oversight.
Researchers analyzed viral particle spread in toilets with open and closed lids, finding no difference in contamination regardless of lid status. Disinfecting toilets significantly reduced virus found in toilet bowl water and nearby surfaces.
Researchers found microbial contamination on high-touch hospital surfaces, including pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria, in a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The study highlights the need for more effective disinfection protocols to reduce healthcare-associated infections.
A new study found that healthcare personnel who had the highest risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 were also more likely to report errors in their own adherence to infection prevention measures. The researchers recommend improvements to training and strategy to better protect healthcare workers.
A VA study found that doxycycline use in high-risk pneumonia patients with a prior C. diff infection reduced new infections by 45% compared to azithromycin. Doxycycline's optimal absorption and minimal impact on the gut microbiome may contribute to this effect.
A new report published in the American Journal of Infection Control demonstrates that implementing a dedicated team of nurses to assist with central line insertions can significantly reduce patients' risk of developing bloodstream infections. The study found that having this dedicated team reduced the proportion of central line-associa...
A new study published in AJIC found that enhanced pandemic-related infection prevention and control measures significantly decreased healthcare-associated infections, including C. difficile, CLABSI, and RVIs. The findings suggest prioritizing evidence-based IPC practices can reduce HAIs even among vulnerable populations during extreme ...
A Virginia pediatric hospital eliminated central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) among its most vulnerable patients for 300 days during 2021 and 2022. The hospital's success is attributed to a multidisciplinary team that focused on environmental cleaning, line access, and auditing practices.
Two health systems implemented innovative approaches to boost hand hygiene adherence: dynamic dashboards and automated monitoring systems. These interventions led to significant improvements, with rates reaching 95% or higher at one hospital and a 98% increase at another.
The hospital-onset MRSA rate decreased by 41% and the MRSA bacteremia rate dropped by 54% among critically ill neonates after implementing nasal decolonization. The intervention was cost-effective, with a significant reduction in length-of-stay.
A multidisciplinary team led by an infection preventionist reduced neurosurgical site infections by 87% and readmissions by 74% through improved patient education, chlorhexidine gluconate bathing, and nasal decolonization practices. The initiative also improved hospital ratings and scores.
A new study suggests that allowing bedside nurses to independently order C. difficile testing can significantly reduce the time to receive test results, potentially decreasing clinical and economic burdens of CDI infections. The policy change also showed a decrease in patient infections and hospital economic costs.
A serious infectious threat response initiative implemented by the Infection Prevention and Control team at Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System positively impacted IPC staff burnout and helped prevent an increase in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provided support and servic...
A novel study finds that hospitals with positive patient safety climates and high standard precaution adherence have lower rates of healthcare-associated infections and occupational injuries. The study suggests that improving these factors could lead to better patient and worker outcomes.
A new study has identified key risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) following abdominal hysterectomies. The analysis of over 66,000 procedures found that patients with open surgery, obesity, diabetes, and younger age were more likely to experience an SSI.
A new study published in AJIC highlights the importance of understanding clinician perceptions and barriers to reliable hand hygiene. The research identifies nuances across clinician subgroups that can impact an organization's efforts to optimize hand hygiene reliability through human factors engineering tools and methods.
A study published in AJIC found that EHR-focused interventions reduced unnecessary urine culture orders by 20.9% and 21.6% among patients with indwelling catheters. The interventions included changing the electronic medical record ordering screen to require an indication for the culture.
A recent study published in AJIC found that many home infusion therapy staff receive no formal training on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) surveillance. The study identified barriers to training, including lack of learning resources and awareness of professional development opportunities.
A student-based contact-tracing program at the University of Illinois Chicago reduced COVID-19 exposures and infections by 96% among campus members. The program, which trained students as case investigators and contact tracers, effectively quarantined over 120 cases and prevented an estimated 132 downstream exposures.
A study published in AJIC found that temporary isolation wards provided safe management of COVID-19 cases without healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The wards, used at a Singapore hospital during the pandemic, had environmental contamination detected most frequently in toilet areas.
A new study published in AJIC shows that manual cleaning of reusable medical instruments generates substantial splash, exposing processing personnel and surrounding environment to potentially contaminated fluids. The study emphasizes the importance of engineering controls and appropriate PPE use to reduce contamination risks.
A pilot study published in AJIC suggests that portable thermal imaging cameras can detect color changes reflecting drops in temperature after applying alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The findings have promise for improving hand hygiene practices among healthcare professionals.
A Japanese study found that a single ill healthcare worker caused respiratory infections among 17 patients, resulting in $12,324 in medical costs. The findings highlight the importance of addressing presenteeism and its impact on patient safety.
A new study published in AJIC suggests that a combination of betadine and silver colloidal gel is more effective than either material alone for inhibiting the growth of common infection-causing bacteria. The findings could help medical professionals better treat and prevent serious infections in large wounds, including burns.
Infection preventionists faced worsening mental and physical health due to stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights a need to address hospital and healthcare facilities' system issues to prevent burnout and promote workplace wellness.
A state health department's swift action halted a nursing-home outbreak of drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Improved hand hygiene, enhanced environmental cleaning protocols, and colonization screening helped contain the spread of the organism, with no additional cases detected after implementation of infection control recommenda...
A California skilled nursing facility improved hand hygiene rates, increased PPE compliance, and reduced catheter-associated urinary tract infections by hiring a dedicated infection preventionist. The team's results demonstrate the value of having a full-time IP to implement best practices and train staff.
Inova Health System has developed a custom, reusable isolation gown that reduces waste by 213 tons per year. The new gowns are more comfortable, safe, and user-friendly, with a lifespan of up to 100 washes.
A global survey of 51 healthcare facilities from 35 countries found that 98% lacked key components of World Health Organization's multimodal improvement strategies for infection prevention and control. The study results will inform refinement of a self-assessment tool to enhance HEH practices globally, reducing healthcare-associated in...
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that interprofessional teams implementing evidence-based infection-prevention interventions can significantly reduce hospital-onset C. difficile infections. The team's selected interventions included diagnostic stewardship, enhanced environmental cleaning, and educati...
Researchers found eight major steps in performing CLABSI surveillance, but identified inadequate IT support and lack of a standardized definition as major barriers. The study provides recommendations to improve surveillance, including providing staff with necessary resources and training, and engaging leadership and front-line staff.
A CDC study published in AJIC found that healthcare personnel (HCPs) diagnosed with COVID-19 were most likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in their workplaces as cases increased in their communities. The study suggests improved infection prevention and control measures are needed in occupational settings.
A new study suggests increasing flu vaccination among US home healthcare workers could significantly reduce flu-related illnesses and hospitalizations among elderly patients. The research highlights the association between HHC staff flu-vaccination rates and patient illness at a national level.
A new study suggests that asymptomatic healthcare professionals can safely return to work after seven days of quarantine if they receive a negative COVID-19 test. The findings, from the first reported study evaluating reduced quarantine duration in a healthcare setting, offer a potential new strategy for mitigating staffing shortages.
New data published in AJIC suggests aerosolized hydrogen peroxide can significantly reduce Clostridioides difficile (CDI) infections among patients in large, acute-care facilities. A study found a 41% decrease in HA-CDI rates after implementing an aerosolized hydrogen peroxide system.
A study published in American Journal of Infection Control found that 90% of high-touch surfaces in LTC facilities were positive for crAssphage or had organic material levels indicating contamination. This suggests that auditing programs to improve infection prevention could benefit LTC facilities.
A new study found that automated smart technology, including video engagement, can increase mean hand-washing duration and the number of users who achieve recommended 20 seconds of hand washing. However, researchers suggest that video content should be refreshed every 3 months to sustain engagement.
Researchers used electronic health record data from over 700 hospitals to train and evaluate three machine learning algorithms, finding that XGBoost provided the highest accuracy in predicting CDI among hospitalized patients. The study suggests that MLAs can help reduce the clinical and economic impact of healthcare-associated infections.
Researchers found that N95 respirators maintained their function and effectiveness after 25 decontamination cycles, passing user seal checks and filtration efficiency tests. Successful implementation of reprocessing requires planning and coordination among multidisciplinary teams.