Infection Control Archives - Page 30 of 32 - Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare

Infection Control

Central Line Infections: Targeting Zero on an Oncology Unit

May 13, 2011 ‐ Brooke Schmidt

Central Line Infections: Targeting Zero on an Oncology Unit

By Dawn Garcia, BSN/MS, CMQ-O/E

A physician commented that he was concerned about central line care for his patients. While this is a common concern in many organizations, it was not acceptable in one that aspired to achieve performance at best practice levels.

Infection Control

Hand Hygiene Measurement and Education

May 13, 2011 ‐ Brooke Schmidt

Hand Hygiene Measurement and Education

Compliance improvement can be successful, sustained, and cost effective.

By John Govednik, MS, and Maryanne McGuckin, ScEd, MT(ASCP)

Hand hygiene (HH) is one of the most effective practices that all individuals in a healthcare facility who deliver healthcare services and have direct contact with the patient (healthcare worker, or HCW) can perform to help prevent the spread of infection among patients.

Infection Control

Cepheid Extends Rapid Molecular Diagnostics’ Leadership with FDA Clearance of Xpert Clostridium difficile/Epi

April 12, 2011 ‐ Brooke Schmidt

Sunnyvale, California, April 11, 2011—Cepheid announced that it has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its Xpert(R) C. difficile/Epi test. Cepheid’s first Xpert C. difficile test has been available in the United States since July 2009.

Environment and Facilities

ICUs from 350 Hospitals Reduce Central Line Bloodstream Infections by 35 Percent

April 5, 2011 ‐ Brooke Schmidt

Chicago, April 5, 2011—An interim report released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) shows a 35 percent reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) among adult intensive care units from over 350 hospitals that are participating in the national On the CUSP: Stop BSI project.

Infection Control

Infections in ICUs Plummeting, Too Many Remain in Hospitals and Dialysis Clinics

March 8, 2011 ‐ Brooke Schmidt

March 8, 2011—The number of bloodstream infections in intensive care unit patients with central lines decreased by 58 percent in 2009 compared to 2001, according to a new CDC Vital Signs report.

Infection Control

Use of a Simple Three-Step Process and Prevention Algorithm to Protect Skin Shown to Reduce Pressure Ulcers

February 25, 2011 ‐ Brooke Schmidt

Skillman, New Jersey, February 25, 2011—ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care, announced the introduction of a new national campaign to help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers in hospital and post-acute care settings.

Infection Control

Standard Register Unveils First Anti-Microbial Laser ID Band for Patients

February 21, 2011 ‐ Brooke Schmidt

Dayton, Ohio, February 21, 2011—Long recognized for its patient identification leadership, Standard Register (NYSE:SR) Healthcare unveiled the world’s first anti-microbial laser wristband for patient identification at the Healthcare Information Management System Society’s (HIMSS) Annual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando.

Infection Control

Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc. Launches Online Tool to Help Reduce Number of Surgical Site Infections

February 16, 2011 ‐ Brooke Schmidt

Piscataway, New Jersey, February 16, 2011—Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc., launched the Safe Surgery Initiative (www.safesurgeryinitiative.com), a website for providers, health plans and employers to provide customizable tools geared to educate providers and patients about preventing surgical site infections (SSI).

Infection Control

Automated UV-C Device Reduces Infectious Pathogens in Hospital Patient Rooms by More than 99.9% in Only 15 Minutes

December 9, 2010 ‐ Brooke Schmidt

Results of an 8-month hospital study, “Room Decontamination with UV Radiation,” were published in the October 2010 issue of “Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.”

Infection Control

New National Awards to Recognize Progress Toward Eliminating Healthcare-Associated Infections

December 2, 2010 ‐ Brooke Schmidt

A new national awards program will recognize teams of critical care professionals, hospital units and healthcare institutions able to successfully reduce or eliminate healthcare-associated infections (HAI), a leading cause of death in the United States.