The VA has robustly implemented antibiotic stewardship practices across its facilities, with over 80% having an Infectious Disease specialist on staff. Formal policies and staffing patterns promoting appropriate antibiotic use were also widespread.
A study published by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found that long-term use of antiseptic soap in bathing critically ill patients did not cause high levels of resistance in bacteria on their skin. The prevalence of MRSA-resistant strains decreased after starting chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing.
The US has sufficient capacity to treat another Ebola outbreak, but challenges remain in providing necessary resources, staffing, and training. The study highlights issues with waste disposal, staffing, and pediatric care, emphasizing the need for further investigation and investment.
A recent study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that patients struggle to understand CMS hospital infection data, which is meant to help them make informed decisions. The authors recommend improving the way this data is presented to increase transparency and quality of care.
A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that diabetic patients are 50% more likely to develop surgical site infections compared to non-diabetic patients. The study analyzed data from 94 studies and estimated the annual financial impact of SSIs to be over $3 billion nationally.
A recent study found that ESBL-producing E. coli infections are on the rise in community hospitals, posing a significant risk to patient safety and quality of care. The incidence of these infections increased by 100%, with nearly three-quarters occurring after exposure to the healthcare system.
The USA 300 strain of MRSA has decreased in hospital-onset cases, but remains prevalent in the broader community. Current or former drug use was a strong predictor for acquiring this strain of bacteria.
A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that probiotics do not prevent or eliminate gastrointestinal colonization with drug-resistant organisms in critically ill patients. The research followed 70 patients and showed no significant difference in overall acquisition of any MRDOs between the two groups.
A multicenter observational cohort study found that no single genetic strain of C. difficile appears to be more harmful than others, contradicting previous research on Ribotype 027. The study's findings highlight the importance of clinical severity markers in predicting severe patient outcomes.
A new review published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology highlights best practices to prevent infections during healthcare laundry, including adherence to Standard Precautions and proper storage of laundered textiles. The study found that current industrial laundry processes are sufficient to interrupt patient-to-patient tra...
Researchers used whole genome sequencing to investigate a bacterial outbreak in a neonatal unit, finding all but one baby were infected with the same strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The technology enabled rapid response infection control protocols, stopping the spread of infection and protecting vulnerable patients.
A study by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found that one in four nursing home residents harbor MRSA, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene to prevent transmission. The research identified high-risk activities that increase the risk of glove or gown contamination, including dressing and transferring residents.
Researchers found that 95% of patients with incorrect diagnoses were given inappropriate antibiotics, while only 38% of those with correct diagnoses received incorrect treatment. Diagnostic accuracy is crucial for safe antibiotic use.
A new study found that one in five nursing home residents with advanced dementia harbor strains of drug-resistant bacteria, with over 10% resistant to four or more antibiotic classes. Researchers detected genetically related bacteria in 82% of the 22 nursing homes studied.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released new guidelines for contact precautions for hospital visitors, aiming to strike a balance between visitor and patient safety. The recommendations vary by pathogen type, with special considerations for immunocompromised visitors or those unable to practice good hand hygiene.
Two studies published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology detail the challenges of caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in hospitals. Key findings include staffing shortages, delays in patient care, and anxiety among staff and patients due to high-profile cases.
A Washington state hospital outbreak of a novel, drug-resistant E. coli strain was linked to contaminated endoscopes. The study highlights the importance of rigorous cleaning procedures and calls for more stringent evaluation and maintenance schedules for these devices.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America outlines guidelines for animal-assisted activities, service animals, and personal pet visitation in healthcare facilities. The recommendations aim to protect patients and healthcare providers from animal-to-human transmission and promote evidence-based practices.
A new study found that nearly half of patients with respiratory tract infections were inappropriately prescribed antibiotics in an outpatient setting. The study suggests implementing comprehensive education about antimicrobials and stewardship into medical school curricula to prevent establishment of poor prescribing practices.
In a Hong Kong hospital, proactive infection control measures implemented since March 2013 successfully controlled the spread of Avian flu (A H7N9), with only two patient cases and no staff infections reported. The integrated approach utilized active surveillance, rapid molecular diagnostic testing, and hand hygiene protocols.
A randomized, controlled trial showed that providing detainees with wash cloths treated with chlorhexidine gluconate significantly decreased S. aureus colonization. The use of plain water wash cloths also effectively reduced S. aureus hand and/or nose carriage.
A recent study found a significant decrease in vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) infections in southeastern Michigan. The prevalence of VRSA precursor organisms decreased by 2009, coinciding with the last reported case in Michigan.
Researchers developed an automated system to track vaccine status of staff, sending reminders and allowing supervisors to access updates through the intranet. This system increased compliance by over 98% and reduced overtime hours for occupational health personnel by 56%.
Patients who received enhanced dental care were 56% less likely to develop a respiratory tract infection during their ICU stay. The study suggests that having a dentist provide weekly care as part of the ICU team may improve outcomes for vulnerable patients in this setting.
A study found that healthcare workers' adherence to hand hygiene is improved when other workers are present, with a 7% higher rate of hand hygiene compliance. The results suggest the importance of social environment in healthcare settings and have implications for understanding disease spread within hospitals.
Research finds 70% of potential unnecessary therapies represented by three specific drug combinations used to treat anaerobic infections. This overuse can contribute to antimicrobial resistance and increase healthcare costs. The study highlights the need for hospitals to improve their antimicrobial usage efforts.
A recent study found that bacteria growing in hospitals are increasingly resistant to chlorhexidine gluconate, a common antiseptic used to prevent infections. The study suggests that daily antiseptic baths may be contributing to this trend, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring.
A recent study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that community-associated MRSA can colonize the groin and rectal areas, with men being more frequently colonized than women. This discovery has important implications for MRSA surveillance programs nationwide.
A new study reports a significant increase in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) cases in community hospitals across the Southeastern US. The rise is attributed to factors such as increased antibiotic use, transmission between facilities, and inadequate laboratory detection protocols.
The new document highlights basic prevention strategies for adult patients, including avoiding intubation and minimizing sedation. For pediatric and neonatal patients, the guidance emphasizes regular oral care and elevating the head of the bed to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
The guidance emphasizes best practices for implementing and optimizing hand hygiene programs, including using soap and alcohol-based hand rubs, stressin' hand hygiene at critical moments, and empowering healthcare personnel. The updated evidence-based recommendations aim to clarify the state of the science behind recommended hand hygie...
The new guidelines provide a roadmap for prioritizing and implementing strategies to prevent healthcare-associated MRSA transmission and infection. Key highlights include conducting an MRSA risk assessment, implementing an MRSA monitoring program, and ensuring compliance with hand hygiene and contact precautions.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America releases practical recommendations to help acute care hospitals prioritize prevention efforts and reduce central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The guidance includes evidence-based strategies such as engaging healthcare personnel, educating staff, and standardizing c...
A nationwide effort in Israel reduced CRE cases by improving infection control standards and using a coordinated intervention focused on long-term care facilities. The study found a direct correlation between hospitals with high infection control scores and lower CRE carriage risk, resulting in a 25% decrease in carrier prevalence.
The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for prioritizing and implementing strategies to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs), which are the most common and costly HAI in the US. Implementing these strategies can help prevent up to 60% of SSIs, reducing healthcare expenditures by at least $3.5 billion annually.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released new guidelines prioritizing strategies to reduce the prevalence of Clostridium difficile in healthcare settings. These recommendations emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, including antimicrobial use stewardship, contact precautions, and hand hygiene protocols.
A study found that cutting boards and gloves used in handling raw poultry can transmit ESBL-producing E. coli bacteria, highlighting the importance of hand hygiene. Researchers collected samples from hospital and private kitchens, finding higher contamination rates on hospital cutting boards and gloves.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America publishes expert guidelines to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in acute care hospitals. The strategies include protocols for proper catheter insertion and management, education among healthcare professionals, and surveillance programs to record progress.
A new study found that more than 80% of raw chicken used in hospitals was contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant risk to patients and staff. However, robust food safety measures taken by hospital kitchen staff were able to prevent the spread of these pathogens.
Researchers found significant variations in definitions and isolation procedures for multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria across hospitals. The inconsistent detection and treatment practices may hinder communication between healthcare centers, contributing to the spread of these deadly pathogens.
A West Virginia outpatient oncology clinic experienced a rare outbreak of Tsukamurella bloodstream infections in 2011-2012, attributed to improper handling of intravenous saline. The outbreak led to changes in infection control practices, including the use of pre-packaged manufactured saline flushes.
A study found that well-child visits are associated with a higher risk of flu-like illnesses in children and family members within two weeks of the visit. The research estimated that this increased risk translates to over 700,000 potentially avoidable illnesses each year.
Research found significantly higher levels of infectious pathogens in water from faucet taps with aerators compared to deeper in the plumbing system. Contaminated water threatens immunocompromised patients with increased infection risk.
New guidance from SHEA recommends practices to prevent transmission of pathogens, including adopting a 'bare below the elbows' approach and laundering apparel after daily use. The guidance aims to close knowledge gaps in infection prevention related to HCP attire.
A new study found that nearly one in four healthcare workers' hands were contaminated with C. difficile spores after routine care of patients infected with the bacteria. Effective hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of this highly contagious bacteria.
A new study found that preoperative antibiotic therapy administered within two hours of cardiac surgery decreased the risk of developing surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly. SSIs were less common among patients who received prophylaxis during the optimized period than those who received it at a different time.
Researchers found that surgical patients in US children's hospitals account for 43% of all antibiotic use, with pneumonia, appendicitis, cystic fibrosis, and skin infections being high-usage conditions. The studies provide insights into antibiotic resistance patterns and opportunities for targeted antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
A study found that treating asymptomatic urinary tract infections with antibiotics does not decrease the risk of bloodstream infection or mortality. Only a small percentage of patients who developed bacteria in their blood had it originating from the urinary tract.
The new guidelines provide standardized guidance and educate staff and volunteers on the principles of infection prevention to reduce the risk of infection for children and families in pediatric residential settings. The guidelines include practices such as standard precautions, health screening, and mandatory vaccination practices.
A new study reveals that patients placed in Contact Precautions were twice as likely to report perceived problems with care compared to those without. The common infection control practice was found to create a negative perception of care, affecting patient satisfaction.