PSQH: The Podcast Episode 90 – New Guidance on Preventing CAUTIs
On episode 90 of PSQH: The Podcast, Dr. Payal Patel, an infectious disease physician at Intermountain Health, talks about new guidance on preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections. This episode is sponsored by GOJO, the makers of Purell, as part of International Infection Prevention Week.
Human Factors Engineering
By Lori Moore, MPH, BSN, RN, MSCE Hand hygiene is an important evidence-based practice that spans across all hierarchies and disciplines. Despite the evidence and numerous guidelines for proper hand hygiene, healthcare workers (HCW), on average, clean their hands less than half of the times they should.1 When hand hygiene improvement efforts fall short, … Continued
New Testing and the Future of Antibiotic Stewardship
Antibiotic-resistance continues to be a challenge for the healthcare industry, as medical and public health professionals look for ways to combat it even as more multiple-drug resistant bacteria, viruses, and fungi emerge.
NIOSH: Healthcare Workers Most Injured by Sharps
Most sharps injuries—84%—occur among healthcare workers, NIOSH confirmed in a recently released analysis. Injuries from a needle or other sharp objects can expose workers to bloodborne pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other infectious diseases, NIOSH said in the September edition of its eNews.
CDC Pushing Environmental Control Reminders as Respiratory Infections Tick Upward
The CDC is urging hospitals to implement broader source control as COVID-19 cases are spiking across the country along with an uptick in cases of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Influenza is also a concern, especially as schools are back in session.
CDC Launches Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements to Help Sepsis Patients
Hospitalized patients with sepsis have a high mortality rate, as the infection acts rapidly and can be hard to distinguish from other medical conditions. According to the CDC, at least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis and at least 350,000 adults who develop sepsis die during their hospitalization or are moved into hospice care.
Healthcare Facilities Called Upon to Continue Masking
Universal masking in healthcare facilities was adopted during the pandemic based on research that indicates masking could reduce the risk of respiratory viral transmission. Many healthcare organizations have lifted universal masking requirements since the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency earlier this year.
The Benefits of Multidisciplinary Teams in Sepsis Care at the Healthcare Facility Level: The Role of the Nurse
Any infection can result in sepsis, and the CDC states that nearly 87% of sepsis cases start before the patient gets to the hospital. Sepsis is also a notable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In America, 1.7 million adults develop sepsis, and 350,000 die during their hospitalization, according to the CDC.
Q&A: APIC CEO on Need for Infection Prevention Efforts in Home Health—Part 2
HealthLeaders continues the conversation with Devin Jopp, CEO of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) about the need for infection control oversight in the home health setting. As more individuals prefer to receive care in their home and older adults opt to age in place, home healthcare has seen substantial growth in the aftermath of the pandemic. Here is part two of HealthLeaders’ interview with Jopp.
When Proven Solutions Don’t Work
Here, we offer three investigations that uncovered unexpected pathways of healthcare associated infections, less well-known sources of infections, and novel approaches to pinpointing and mitigating the root cause of infection. With this insight, healthcare professionals can find ways to partner more quickly, creatively, and effectively stop healthcare associated outbreaks.