The SHEA and APIC statement strongly criticizes the new executive order on childhood vaccine recommendations, arguing that it fails to rely on sound scientific evidence. The measures may lead to increased vaccine hesitancy and put Americans' lives at risk, according to experts.
The Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG) aims to address gaps in infection prevention expertise and support evidence-based practices. HIPAG will provide national expertise on antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious disease threats, and frontline healthcare operations.
The APIC and SHEA have established the Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG) to fill gaps in coordinated infection prevention efforts. The group aims to provide timely, evidence-informed advisory expertise to support organizational needs and promote alignment among healthcare stakeholders.
The updated guidance offers practical, evidence-informed strategies to prevent and control infections in nursing homes, supporting both short-stay and long-stay residents' safety. Developed by experts in geriatrics, infectious diseases, infection prevention, and epidemiology, the document has been reviewed and endorsed by leading profe...
The new guidelines, published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, provide evidence-based guidance for healthcare personnel following occupational exposures to HIV. The recommendations emphasize the importance of prompt evaluation and initiation of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), while streamlining follow-up protocols.
SHEA expresses disappointment over the sudden departure of the CDC Director, emphasizing the agency's need for stability and authority to protect public health. Qualified, steady leadership is essential to guide the CDC through urgent challenges and prepare for future pandemics.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America expresses confidence in the integrity of ACIP's conflict of interest policies. The ACIP has a long history of serving as a trusted body guiding national immunization policy, with recommendations rooted in rigorous evidence-based deliberations.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America strongly urges CDC to reinstate HICPAC due to its critical role in providing evidence-based guidance on infection control practices. Disbanding the committee jeopardizes decades of progress in preventing healthcare-associated infections, putting patients at risk and creating uncertaint...
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released new comprehensive guidance to prevent the transmission of infections through improved practices in sterilization and high-level disinfection. The guidelines provide evidence-based, practical recommendations that reflect current science and expert consensus.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and other medical societies released a joint position paper calling on US healthcare facilities to elevate their Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs. The new guidelines aim to transform IPC into proactive, data-driven elements of healthcare delivery with measurable outcomes.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America warns that significant cuts to HHS staffing and funding will undermine the nation's ability to prevent and respond to health threats. This could put Americans at risk of avoidable harm, particularly during ongoing measles outbreaks and emerging antibiotic-resistant organism crises.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) plays a crucial role in developing vaccination recommendations based on scientific evidence. SHEA advocates for timely rescheduling of the meeting to provide healthcare providers with the latest updates and reduce outbreaks from preventable diseases.
Staffing cuts across US federal health agencies put a strain on outbreak monitoring, disease investigations, and research. Hospitals will struggle to control infectious threats without expert collaboration.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America supports the revival of federal advisory committees for key health-related priorities. These committees, including HICPAC and ACIP, ensure transparency and inform evidence-based standards in medicine.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America urges lifting the HHS communications pause to share scientific information on avian influenza threats. The ban has halted CDC publications, disrupted data updates, and compromised local response efforts.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) emphasizes the importance of global partnerships in addressing health threats. SHEA urges President Trump to reconsider the decision to terminate US involvement with the World Health Organization, which would leave the country vulnerable to infectious diseases and pandemics.
Infectious disease experts suggest that hospitals closely monitor local and national cases of bird flu and screen patients with flu-like symptoms for contact with farm animals. Effective communication is essential for fostering trust and reducing anxiety among healthcare personnel, patients, and the public.
A study found that hospitalization of a relative increases the risk of MRSA infection in household members. The longer the relative's hospital stay, the higher the risk. Researchers recommend enhanced infection control practices to track and mitigate transmission.
New guidelines recommend avoiding unnecessary catheter use and daily review of continued catheterization to prevent infections. Non-catheter strategies include prompt toileting, urinals, and non-indwelling catheter approaches to reduce harm.
Medical organizations publish approaches for implementing infection prevention strategies that consider facility conditions, team communications, and leadership support. The guidance aims to bridge the 'knowing-doing' gap by providing practical tools and resources for successful implementation.
The updated guidance emphasizes the importance of antimicrobial stewardship to reduce MRSA infection rates. It also recommends surveillance for asymptomatic carriers and decolonization for those colonized with MRSA. Effective hand hygiene and cleaning practices remain crucial in preventing MRSA transmission.
Updated guidelines recommend discontinuing antibiotics immediately after a patient's incision is closed. Continuing antibiotics increases risk of C. difficile infection and antimicrobial resistance, but does not prevent surgical site infections.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America recommends hospitals establish antimicrobial stewardship programs to prevent Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections, which cause difficult-to-treat diarrhea, longer hospital stays, and higher costs. The updated guidance provides evidence-based strategies for identifying and...
The updated guidance emphasizes the importance of healthy skin and nails, as well as easy access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Only 7% of healthcare personnel fully clean their hands, highlighting the need for ongoing training in proper technique and glove use.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America recommends against routine COVID-19 testing for symptom-free patients. Instead, enhanced infection prevention interventions should be used to protect patients and healthcare providers.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America highlights the need to strengthen antibiotic stewardship programs to address overuse of antibiotics in early stages of viral epidemics. The guidance provides strategies for hospitals and healthcare personnel to improve antibiotic prescribing and diagnostic testing.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and four medical societies release recommendations for preventing ventilator-associated events and nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia. Evidence-based practices include oral care, managing dysphagia, and multimodal approaches to prevent viral infections.
Five medical societies release recommendations for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in hospitals. The new guidance highlights the need to strengthen infection prevention programs amid worsening rates of these infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CLABSIs contribute significantly to infant morbidity and mortality in the NICU, leading to prolonged hospitalization and increased healthcare costs. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America provides practical guidance on preventing CLABSI through implementation of specific strategies.
A new white paper shares practical strategies to inform stewardship efforts and ensure appropriate use of antibiotics, citing the public health crisis of antibiotic resistance leading to 23,000 preventable deaths each year. Implementation science principles can bridge the evidence-practice gap.
A CDC analysis of National Healthcare Safety Network data revealed a significant increase in four types of healthcare-associated infections in U.S. hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, with central line infections rising by 46-47% compared to pre-pandemic rates.
Infection prevention organizations recommend COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for healthcare personnel. The vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing infection and reducing transmission, with benefits including protecting patients, healthcare personnel, and communities.
Researchers and healthcare professionals will discuss future innovations in patient care, effective practices for improving healthcare quality, and strategies for combating emerging pathogens. The event aims to identify gaps in infection control and expand prevention approaches across healthcare settings.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that high speed air hand dryers spread more contamination than paper towels, with levels of surface contamination 10 times higher after air dryer use. Microbes can also transfer to clothing and other surfaces via contaminated hands.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) has launched a new open-access journal, Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology, with Dr. Gonzalo Bearman at the helm. The journal will focus on original research, reviews, and commentaries on infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
A study of private insurance claims data found nearly half of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections received the wrong antibiotics and three-quarters received prescriptions for longer than necessary. Rural areas tend to have inappropriately long treatment durations, which can lead to adverse events and antibiotic resistance.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released a new research agenda to inform clinical practice, policy, and prevention strategies for COVID-19. The agenda highlights critical areas of study, including understanding asymptomatic spread and long-term cardiometabolic impacts.
David P. Calfee will lead the journal with a strong vision for publishing top healthcare epidemiology research and collaborating with SHEA staff. The journal, ICHE, has improved visibility under previous editor-in-chief Suzanne Bradley's leadership and launched critical digital platforms.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has updated clinical recommendations on evaluating symptoms to diagnose infections in nursing home residents. The guidance emphasizes that subtle non-specific signs and symptoms should not automatically prompt a work-up for infection.
The Decennial 2020 research showcases worldwide progress in preventing healthcare-associated infections and addressing antibiotic resistance. Key findings highlight the need for innovation, data-driven strategies, and global collaboration to combat antimicrobial resistance.
A study found that hospital floors are quickly and frequently contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria within hours of patient admission. The researchers observed a significant transfer of pathogens from the floor to patients' socks, bedding, and nearby surfaces, highlighting the need for improved infection control measures.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has updated its guidance for healthcare personnel living with HIV or hepatitis, citing low transmission rates and advances in treatments. The new recommendations aim to protect both patients and healthcare workers while ensuring privacy and health.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America recommends immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases for healthcare personnel, educators, and students. Medical contraindications are the only exception to receiving recommended immunizations.
A new white paper from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America provides targeted screening and decolonization strategies to prevent Staphylococcus aureus infections in critically ill infants. The guidance balances infection prevention with the need for skin-to-skin contact with parents and siblings.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare epidemiologists used resourceful strategies to keep personnel and patients safe, including extending PPE use and reprocessing respirators. The survey of 69 facilities found that many were experiencing shortages and had to get creative with supply management.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released a white paper addressing the legal implications of antibiotic stewardship programs, highlighting strategies to reduce liability and improve program structure. The guidance emphasizes the importance of protocols, documentation practices, and credentialing for ASP team members.
A Hong Kong study found that applying best practices for infection control, including handwashing and wearing personal protective equipment, prevented healthcare worker infections during the COVID-19 outbreak. Researchers tested over 1,275 cases and treated 42 active confirmed cases without any hospital-acquired infections.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that poor cleaning prior to sterilization using vaporized hydrogen peroxide can lead to failure rates of up to 76 percent. Effective cleaning and removal of visible soil and microbial contaminants are crucial for optimal sterilization.
A study found that in Tennessee, a small percentage of providers account for the majority of pediatric antibiotic prescriptions. The study identified that high prescribers tend to be older and general pediatricians, and researchers are exploring ways to address this issue. The research aims to improve antibiotic stewardship in the state.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found nearly 1-in-10 patients without symptoms were C. diff carriers, increasing the risk of infection transmission. Identifying carriers could be a key strategy to prevent C. diff spread in healthcare facilities.