A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control identified specific face mask combinations and modifications that can improve mask fit and performance, thereby reducing the spread of respiratory infectious pathogens. The study found that layering a three-ply cloth mask over a medical mask or securing a medical mask w...
New research found that even with proper PPE, medical instrument processing personnel are frequently exposed to splashing liquids during routine activities. The study highlights the need for additional research to support evidence-based guidelines and recommends a combination of engineering solutions and improved protective gear.
A recent CDC analysis found that vaccination rates among US hospital personnel stalled after initial uptake, with 30% remaining unvaccinated as of September 2021. The analysis, which included data from over 3.3 million healthcare workers, revealed that vaccine mandates and educational efforts could help improve coverage.
A six-month observational study found significant MRSA shedding during outpatient visits and appointments, with 38.5% of carriers shedding MRSA to the environment. The presence of a culture-positive wound was the only factor significantly associated with shedding.
A diary kept by infection preventionists during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic reveals the fear, lack of confidence, and shortages of personal protective equipment faced by frontline medical workers. The surveys also highlight the increased visibility and importance gained by IPs among medical teams.
Two California hospitals, Scripps Memorial and UCLA Health, detail their proactive responses to stop the spread of Candida auris. They implemented aggressive measures, including isolating patients, working with public health departments, and using effective disinfectants, to prevent transmission and successfully contain the outbreak.
Staff handwashing increased by 61% and PPE use rose to 21% after participating in the escape room. The interactive training environment engaged employees, leading to improved retention and patient safety outcomes.
Researchers found that dirty sinks and faucets can splash contaminated water onto patients and healthcare workers, highlighting the importance of faucet design in infection control. The study introduced sink guards as a solution to limit splashing, improving hand hygiene practices.
The introduction of new female external catheter technology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island significantly reduced CAUTIs by 51.7%, while also decreasing the number of Foley days. This innovation provides a safer alternative to indwelling catheters, reducing the risk of infection.
A new protocol implemented at Montgomery Hospital resulted in a 25-hour reduction in patients' time on broad spectrum antibiotics, saving $322,508 over four months. The interdisciplinary approach combined comprehensive blood culture identification testing with pharmacist recommendations to optimize antibiotic use.
A healthcare system implemented chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing to reduce infections, achieving a 65% reduction in CLABSI, 30% reduction in CAUTI, and 100% reduction in MRSA. Estimated total cost savings were $515,000 between April 2017 and March 2018.
A Michigan hospital introduced parent skin cleansing prior to skin-to-skin care to curb Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infections among premature babies. The intervention significantly reduced SA infection rates from 59 in the year prior to 20 in the first-year post-interventions.
A study at Summit Health found that nearly all hospital room checklist surfaces passed testing for biological residues, but markers and erasers tested positive for ATP. The findings emphasize the need for accurate checklists to include frequently touched items like writing instruments.
A study of 90 C-section deliveries found that prior C-sections, smoking, illicit drug use, and higher BMI increased the likelihood of developing a C-section infection. The majority of infections were caused by common commensal organisms like Staphylococcus species and Escherichia coli.
A new study identifies significant challenges in infection prevention and control practices at critical access hospitals (CAHs), with gaps found in all domains. The study recommends increased staffing, competency-based training programs, and audits to improve patient safety.
Recent outbreaks of measles and mumps have demonstrated the importance of integrated infection prevention response. Studies show that standard patient and visitor messaging, active surveillance, and timely initiation of precautions can effectively control outbreaks. Vaccination rates were also critical in stemming the outbreak, with a ...
A new study highlights the importance of educating nurses about antimicrobial stewardship and obtaining their buy-in to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). The research found that nurse participation leads to closer team coordination, cross-discipline collaboration, and ultimately saves lives.
The VHA initiative significantly reduced MRSA infections in a Veterans community living center by implementing active surveillance and decolonization with strict environmental control. The program resulted in substantial monetary savings of $2.2 million and improved patient safety.
A study found that 37% of heater-cooler units tested positive for the bacterium Mycobacterium chimaera, which can cause fatal infections. The devices, used in over 60% of heart bypass procedures in the US, can contaminate patient blood and organs during surgery.
A study found that cleaning and sterilization techniques used to clean flexible ureteroscopes leave behind contamination, including debris, residue, and bacteria. Researchers concluded that these failures may result in the use of dirty scopes, posing unknown implications for patients.
Research finds that long-term care facilities struggle with infection control, lacking resources and training for qualified personnel. Key findings include high turnover rates, underutilized staff hours, and inadequate antibiotic stewardship programs.
Deverick J. Anderson, a leading epidemiologist, receives the 2016 Distinguished Scientist Award from APIC for his significant and sustained contributions to infection prevention science. He is recognized for exemplifying scholarly excellence and infection prevention leadership within the scientific community.
A study presented at the APIC Annual Conference found that three-quarters of ED patients treated with antibiotics tested negative for gonorrhea or chlamydia. The research highlights the need to find a balance between treating patients and preventing unnecessary antibiotic use, which contributes to antibiotic resistance.
A survey of nearly 1,000 US nursing homes found little consistency in UTI prevention policies, with only a few effective strategies identified. Nursing homes with portable bladder ultrasound scanners and infection preventionists on staff had lower UTI rates, but many facilities lacked these policies.
A new study found that the Hawthorne Effect influences hand hygiene observations, leading to a significant difference in compliance rates when healthcare workers are aware of being watched. The study suggests that using unknown observers can provide more accurate data on hand hygiene practices.
A study of over 1,100 patients with symptoms of gonorrhea or chlamydia found that 76.6% who received antibiotics tested negative for the STDs. The study suggests focusing on clinical predictors may improve unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in patients without true disease.
A new study presents a visual trigger approach that leverages the 'ick factor' to motivate hospital staff to comply with hand hygiene guidelines. The program, tested on units with low compliance rates, showed significant increases in adherence, with compliance rates rising by 11-46 percentage points.
A new study found that daily bathing of pediatric patients with antiseptic cuts can reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) by 59 percent. The practice also saved approximately $300,000 in one hospital over a six-month period.
A recent case study reveals that infection preventionists spend an average of five hours and eight minutes per day collecting and reporting hospital infection data, leaving little time for hands-on patient care. This finding highlights the need for adequate staffing and resources to ensure effective infection control practices.
A pilot program at a pediatric long-term care facility achieved significant reductions in antibiotic use, with a 59% decrease in topical antibiotics and an 83% decrease in orders without proper documentation. The program improved antibiotic prescribing practices through increased staff support and electronic medical record system changes.
Only 6% of US hospitals are well-prepared to receive a patient with the Ebola virus, highlighting inadequate personnel and resources. APIC urges facilities to assess their infection prevention programs to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the public.
Infection preventionists at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and Loyola University Medical Center implemented alcohol-impregnated port protectors to reduce bloodstream infections. These devices, combined with rigorous 'scrub-the-hub' regimens, cut CLABSI rates by 68 percent.
A California-based study reveals a strong connection between hospital healthcare personnel influenza vaccination and the rate of influenza-like illnesses in surrounding communities. For every 15 vaccinated healthcare workers, one fewer case of flu is reported in the community.
Researchers developed a drug regimen that eradicated CRE colonization in 44% of patients, significantly reducing mortality rates. The treatment was found to be safe and effective for eliminating the carrier state, which can reduce patient-to-patient transmission.
A four-year analysis found that mandatory influenza vaccination in a university medical center led to a near-universal vaccination rate, with fewer than 15 employees out of 8,000 choosing termination over vaccination. The policy also enhanced patient and staff safety, resulting in improved outcomes.
A study analyzed 275 endoscopes and found 30% to fail cleanliness ratings, with duodenoscopes failing at the highest rate. The study highlights the need for improved cleaning protocols and guidelines to prevent infections.
A study found that nurse burnout is associated with higher healthcare-associated infection rates and increased costs for hospitals. Analyzing data from over 7,000 registered nurses, researchers discovered that each additional patient assigned to a nurse corresponds to roughly one additional infection per 1,000 patients.
A bacterial sepsis outbreak at a Los Angeles County dialysis center was caused by improper disinfection of reusable medical devices, including a dialyzer. The investigation found genetic links between the bacteria infecting three patients, leading to changes in facility procedures and improved infection prevention training.
The study found that daily bathing of patients with disposable cloths containing chlorhexidine gluconate reduced MRSA transmission rates from 4.99 cases per 1,000 patient days to 0.88 cases per 1,000 patient days, a significant 82% decrease. This intervention was effective in preventing MRSA infections in a geriatric setting.
A study found that 59% of male and 40% of female maximum-security prison inmates in New York misused topical antibiotics by applying them to dry skin and lips, and as hair grease. Inappropriate use of antibiotic ointments can exacerbate antimicrobial resistance issues.
A study analyzing health insurance claims found that patients with surgical site infections after knee or hip replacement had significantly higher rates of rehospitalization and increased healthcare costs. The analysis suggests that preventing further complications could save the US healthcare system up to $65 million annually.
Infection prevention groups outline steps needed to preserve antibiotics by identifying and addressing resistance issues. The role of infection preventionists and healthcare epidemiologists is crucial in preventing the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms, a major threat to human health.
A nursing initiative at a large academic medical center reduced central line-associated bloodstream infections to zero, saving $200,000 and 2-3 lives. The effort was led by dedicated infection control nurses who implemented best practices, including daily educational meetings and incentive programs.
A team of healthcare professionals at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Nebraska implemented a collaborative approach to reduce urinary catheter-associated infections (CAUTIs) by 89%. The initiative, led by an infection preventionist, focused on educating staff and patients on proper care and removing medically unnecessary catheters.
A simple roll of duct tape has been proven to be an effective solution for hospital communication with isolated patients. The 'Red Box' safe zone saves up to 2,700 hours and $110,000 annually by reducing the need for personal protective equipment.
The US CDC has released updated guidelines for preventing intravascular catheter-related infections, aiming to eliminate these deadly and costly healthcare-associated infections. The new guide outlines five key prevention strategies based on scientific evidence, which have been proven successful in reducing infections in hospitals.
Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center CEO David G. Daniel received the APIC Healthcare Administrator Award for his efforts to virtually eliminate healthcare-associated infections at his facility. His leadership led to a significant reduction in surgical site infections, with infection rates declining every year since 2006.
Methodist Dallas Medical Center stopped an Acinetobacter outbreak by testing patients, implementing contact precautions, and conducting regular meetings between departments. The hospital's swift response was attributed to adequate resources, staffing, and a supportive administration.
A survey of infection preventionists found that half agree catheter-related bloodstream infections are a problem in their facilities due to lack of time, resources, and leadership commitment. Many hospitals have seen dramatic declines in rates but still report difficulty implementing best practices to avoid these infections.
Research shows that hospitals adopting automated surveillance technologies are more likely to implement evidence-based infection control practices, reducing MRSA, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and surgical care infections.