Hospital Infection Control & Prevention – April 1, 2009
April 1, 2009
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Is MRSA on the run? CEOs getting on board, emerging data point to dramatic reductions
A scourge of hospitals for decades, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may finally be on the run, and it's moving in the right direction: from the bedside to the "C-suite." In initiatives that speak to both quality and cost-savings, hospital CEOs are putting their considerable clout behind infection prevention efforts against the most highly publicized health care-associated infection (HAI). -
MRSA drops in ICUs, but BSI battle awaits in wards
Infection prevention efforts appear to be making a dramatic difference in hospital intensive care units, which are reporting declining rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) central line-associated bloodstream infections (BSIs), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. -
A $50 million question: Where will HAI funds go?
The recently finalized federal stimulus bill includes $1 billion to fund prevention and wellness programs, with $50 million going to states to implement health care-associated infection (HAI) reduction strategies. -
North Carolina SPICE a model for other states
As recurrent hepatitis outbreaks continue in ambulatory care nationally, there are increasing calls for more oversight and training for health care workers in those settings. -
Patient, protect thyself in ambulatory care
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is urging patients to heighten awareness and become quite inquisitive before undergoing outpatient care. -
CDC draft tightens proof of HCW measles immunity
After a spate of measles cases and outbreaks in 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is drafting a new recommendation that would tighten the criteria for measles immunity in health care workers. -
iP Newbe: The proof does not have to be in your pudding
You've no doubt noticed that infection prevention is not convenient for those that work at the bedside. Professional frontline staff may not use the word "inconvenient" to describe their frustrations, yet the verbal message leaves little doubt when accompanied by wearisome body language. -
Wisdom Teachers: Twist of fate: Sometimes infections luck of the draw
Such a confluence of events and unpredictable circumstances e.g, host factors, medical interventions can result in a health care-associated infection that, despite the best efforts of all involved, the patient suffers and the IP is left to ponder the "whys" and "what ifs."