Device-associated infections show higher resistance rates for antibiotic-resistant bacteria compared to surgical site infections, highlighting the need for improved infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship in hospitals.
Research gaps exist in antibiotic stewardship programs aimed at reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, with a need for standardized processes and outcome metrics. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America calls for additional clinical evidence to inform optimal antibiotic prescribing practices.
Severe adverse reactions occurred within minutes of PICC insertion, especially among patients with cystic fibrosis. The study highlights the need for recognizing and evaluating adverse reactions following PICC insertion.
A study found that hospitals using high-risk antibiotics saw a 12% increase in C. difficile infections per 100 days of therapy. The most significant correlation was with cephalosporins, highlighting the need for ongoing antibiotic stewardship.
A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that using the number of central lines as a denominator decreased Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) rates by 25%. The presence of multiple concurrent central lines may indicate severity of illness, posing a risk for bloodstream infections.
A population-based study in Alberta, Canada, found that hospital-acquired C. diff is associated with significant attributable cost and length of stay among adult inpatients. The analysis used micro-costing data and a propensity score-based design to determine the economic burden of HA-CDI.
Active surveillance for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is now performed in half of centers, a significant increase from the previous study. Financial support for physician stewardship medical directors has also increased to 78% since 2013.
A New Jersey outpatient facility experienced a severe outbreak of bacterial septic arthritis infections following tainted knee injections. The investigation identified multiple breaches of recommended infection prevention practices, including inadequate hand hygiene and unsafe injection techniques.
A study of Canadian healthcare workers found that 95% attend work while sick, mostly due to mild symptoms or lack of paid sick leave policies. The findings highlight the need for education and policy changes to reduce transmission risk.
A hospital electronic health record system with diagnostic stewardship strategy reduced inappropriate GI test use by 46% and saved up to $168,000. The hardwired alerts and 'hard stop' feature improved care without compromising quality.
A SHEA white paper outlines how IT can improve antimicrobial use, track outcomes, and reduce provider burden. The role of EHR and 'add-on' clinical decision support systems is explored to enhance stewardship programs.
A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that mothers delivering via cesarean section covered by Medicaid had a 1.4 fold increase in surgical site infection compared to those covered by private insurance. The risk of infection may be linked to factors such as patient health literacy, provider variability...
A recent study found that 39% of healthcare workers made errors in removing personal protective equipment (PPE), leading to contamination with multi-drug resistant organisms. The study suggests reevaluation of PPE removal strategies and education on proper techniques.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that prior antibiotic exposure and use of proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk for hospitalized children to contract Clostridioides difficile infections. Clinicians should judiciously use antibiotics in hospitalized children to minimize this risk.
Changes to standard urine orders led to a 45% reduction in unnecessary tests for asymptomatic patients. Nurses play a crucial role in antimicrobial stewardship, and practical guidance is needed to integrate them into efforts.
A DNA study found that stethoscopes are loaded with diverse bacteria, including those that cause healthcare-associated infections. Standardized cleaning methods were more effective in removing bacteria than practitioners' usual methods.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has issued a new expert guidance on how hospitals can reduce infections associated with anesthesiology procedures and equipment. The guidance recommends steps to improve infection prevention through increased hand hygiene, environmental disinfection, and continuous improvement plans.
Patients with drug-resistant urinary tract infections are more likely to experience worse clinical outcomes and relapses within a week. The study highlights the importance of close follow-up and proper antibiotic treatment to curb antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that high-temperature laundry methods failed to remove all traces of C. difficile spores from hospital bedsheets, suggesting linens as a potential source of infection. The study calls for further research to establish the true burden of hospital bedsheets in outbreaks.
Researchers found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in sink traps of an Israeli hospital's intensive care unit. Implementing sink contamination prevention guidelines eliminated new infections and zeroed out infections altogether. The study highlights the importance of proper hygiene practices in preventing the spread of resistant bacteria.
A recent review of 144 studies found that multifaceted infection control strategies can reduce healthcare-associated infections by 35-55%. Despite advancements in medical innovations, improvements are still possible, especially in high-income countries and institutions with standard-of-care measures.
A pilot project found that telehealth videoconferencing increased awareness of antibiotic stewardship principles and helped facilities implement more than two-thirds of recommendations. This study demonstrates how technology can provide access to expert knowledge and practices for smaller facilities.
A new evidence-based white paper provides practical approaches to preventing Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections in neonatal intensive care units. The guidance recommends against routine testing for C. difficile in neonates and suggests evaluating first for more common causes of diarrhea.
Researchers found that billing codes were rarely used by hospitals and did not significantly affect diagnosis-related group (DRG) assignment, leading to insignificant financial penalties. The study suggests that CMS policy may have inadvertently led to increased documentation of conditions at admission.
A survey of 211 inpatient providers found that most preferred receiving feedback via email and compared to other providers within their service. The study suggests that anticipating providers' preferences can optimize the impact of antibiotic stewardship programs, improving the use of antibiotics.
Two studies published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that multi-strain probiotics reduced CDI incidence rates by about two-thirds. Probiotics were especially effective among participants taking two or more antibiotics, suggesting a potential prevention tool for hospital settings.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) and antibiotic stewardship (AS) programs are intrinsically linked to achieve patient safety. Implementing both IPC and AS measures together is more effective than AS measures alone.
Current initiatives to improve antibiotic use in outpatient settings may be insufficient, researchers say. A study found that antibiotics are prescribed at alarming rates in these locations, with seasonal variation in prescribing rates observed.
The Veterans Health Administration has outlined recommendations to combat the 'crisis' of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) in healthcare settings. The recommendations focus on four key areas: transmission dynamics, antimicrobial stewardship, microbiome research, and special populations.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that patient age, insurance, and race are associated with risk of receiving an unneeded antibiotic prescription. Advanced practice providers were 15% more likely to prescribe antibiotics than physician providers, highlighting the need for tailored education.
The new guidelines aim to improve hospital policies and reduce the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Hospitals are advised to weigh factors such as patient characteristics and time elapsed since last positive culture to determine contact precautions duration.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America published a new guidance document for hospitals to respond to infectious disease outbreaks. The document emphasizes the role of healthcare epidemiologists in emergency preparedness and response, providing medical and technical expertise and leading infection prevention efforts.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that antimicrobial fabrics on nurses' scrubs do not prevent bacterial contamination. The researchers identified Staphylococcus aureus as the most commonly transmitted pathogen, emphasizing the need for improved cleaning protocols and hand hygiene practices.
The implementation of antibiotic stewardship guidelines in a NICU significantly reduced late-onset sepsis evaluations by 2.65 per year and per provider, with physicians following guidelines for 98.75% of treatments performed.
A hospital nurse's opioid diversion led to a cluster outbreak of Serratia marcescens bacteria, infecting five patients. The tampered syringes were linked to the outbreak, and the nurse was terminated.
A new study reveals that Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have become endemic in Washington, D.C. healthcare facilities, with a prevalence rate of 5.2%. The study, which monitored 16 facilities, found that male patients and adults aged 20-39 had higher rates of CRE infection.
A major survey research shows that warm weather is strongly associated with an increased risk of serious surgical site infections. Temperatures above 90°F were linked to a 28.9% higher odds of hospitalization with an SSI, compared to temperatures below 40°F.
Researchers found that reducing antibiotics by 10% and 25% can lead to a 11.2% and 28.3% reduction in MDRO spread, respectively. Antibiotic stewardship programs can help reduce unnecessary usage and transmission of deadly bacteria.
A 24-patient outbreak was halted after identifying docusate as the underlying source of the bacteria, leading to a national recall. The investigation improved infection prevention practices for patients.
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented a multi-year initiative to improve antibiotic use, resulting in a 12% decrease in inpatient antibiotic use. The program's success was attributed to the involvement of multiple disciplines and leadership buy-in.
A widespread outbreak of RSV and HMPV in a long-term dementia care ward infected 73% of patients, emphasizing the need for improved protocols to protect vulnerable residents. The facility has since implemented active screening, efficient separation, and partnered with a private laboratory for rapid respiratory viral testing.
Researchers significantly reduced CAUTI rates through a multifaceted intervention emphasizing best practices for insertion, maintenance, and removal of indwelling catheters. As a result, the rate decreased by one-third from 3.0 per 1,000 catheter days in 2013 to 1.9 in 2014.
Cardiac surgery patients worldwide have been infected with M. chimaera due to contaminated heater-cooler devices, according to a study published by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that robotic surgical instruments are difficult to clean completely, with a protein residue remaining despite multiple cleanings. The researchers suggest establishing new standards for cleaning these instruments using repeated measurements of residual protein.
A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology shows that automated UV light device curbs CDI by 25 percent. The no-touch device also resulted in substantial healthcare savings, estimated between $350,000 and $1.5 million annually.
A new study found that household transmission of C. difficile can occur through contact with pets and children, highlighting the need for simple hygiene practices like hand washing in the home. The study revealed that 13.4% of household contacts were infected with the bacterium, with younger children being more susceptible.
Researchers found that educating patients on hygienic practices significantly reduced the time to clearance of MRSA, similar to antibiotic treatment. Non-compliance households took 27 days to clear the bacteria, while compliant ones did so in 23 days.
Researchers found that contact with infected patients, mechanical ventilation, and infections with multidrug-resistant organisms increase the risk of acquiring CP-CRE. Cephalosporin antibiotic use may also reduce the risk of transmission compared to other antibiotics.
A retrospective cohort analysis found that a central line infection prevention bundle reduced CLABSI rates, line insertion, and dwell time. The intervention also created a culture of safety in the NICU, with staff involvement and advocacy contributing to its success.
A new study compares two hand-washing techniques and finds that the WHO's six-step method is superior to the CDC's three-step method in reducing bacteria. The study suggests that this technique should be considered when making official recommendations on best practices in hand hygiene.