How to Use an Early Warning System for Sepsis in the Emergency Department
The recent research article, which was published by Critical Care Medicine, describes the results of a randomized, controlled quality improvement initiative conducted at The MetroHealth System in Cleveland. The article features data collected from 598 patients, with 285 patients in the intervention group and 313 in the standard care group.
PSQH: The Podcast Episode 35 – Improving Infection Control in Vascular Access
On episode 35 of PSQH: The Podcast, epidemiologist Robert Garcia talks about the need to improve infection control in vascular access.
Preparing to Improve Infection Prevention After COVID-19
From infection prevention and control, to cleaning and disinfecting practices, to new and improved cleaning products, there’s a myriad of ways organizations will look to advance patient safety in a post-pandemic world.
AORN Updates Skin Antisepsis Guidelines: What This Means for Organizations
Facilities had relied on research prior to official guidelines, which makes the update to AORN’s response impactful. The AORN adds their voice to the World Health Organization, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, as well as the CDC and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
FDA Updates Recommendations on Reprocessing of Flexible Bronchoscopes
The FDA has issued new guidance on reprocessing flexible bronchoscopes that recommends using disposable versions of the device if there is increased risk of spreading infection or when reusable versions cannot be reprocessed.
Clean Hands, Clear Communication: How Nurse Leaders Ushered in Hand Hygiene Tech Tools
Initiating culture change that comes with new technology—even one as small as hand sanitizing—requires engagement and buy-in by nurse leaders, Cox says. Leaders need to be fully engaged in and believe in the project in order to fully support it. It also requires clear communication.
Infection Prevention: Looking to the Future While Tending to the Present
Devin Jopp, who was recently appointed as CEO of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)., has identified several crucial goals where APIC can help with current infection prevention challenges and build toward a better future for the industry.
CDC: Screen for International Travel as Ebola Cases Increase
As of March 4, the CDC is also requiring all airlines and other aircraft operators to collect and transmit contact information to the CDC “for appropriate public health follow-up and intervention for all passengers boarding a flight to the United States who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or the Republic of Guinea within the 21 days before their arrival in the United States.”
APIC’s New CEO Focused on Coronavirus Pandemic Response and Lessons Learned
Devin Jopp, EdD, MS, began working as the new CEO of APIC in December. In previous roles, he has worked with prime healthcare stakeholders, including payers, providers, and healthcare information technology professionals. For example, he served as president and CEO at the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange, which focuses on enhancing the exchange of healthcare information.
Advancing Safety and Care With Electronic Hand Hygiene Solutions
Unlike COVID-19, this issue has a relatively simple solution: Automated hand hygiene monitoring devices hardwire best practices in staff, increase compliance with hospital policies, and mitigate the risks associated with healthcare-associated infections.