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The prevention of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is a "national priority . . . that requires all health care facilities and agencies assume responsibility," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes in long-awaited new guidelines on the issue.
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New guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on control of multidrug resistant pathogens (MDROs) include a section on "intensified interventions" such as active surveillance cultures (ASC). The CDC recommendations in this area include the following:
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Revising guidance on the use of surgical masks and respirators during a pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now advises that it is "prudent" for health care workers to use N95 respirators during "direct care activities involving patients with confirmed or suspected pandemic influenza."
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The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is emphasizing that knowledge is power when it comes to patients. Recent Joint Commission initiatives indicate a growing trend toward patient education and empowerment to enhance a culture of safety and prevent infections.
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The aging of the ICP work force is resulting in a gradual exodus of skilled health care epidemiologists, creating a plentiful job market and attractive salaries in the short-term but setting an ominous tone for the future of patient safety.
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Lack of consensus on how to measure hand hygiene compliance has made this a daunting challenge for quality professionals. To address this, the Joint Commission has partnered with infection control organizations to identify how to measure compliance with hand hygiene guidelines.
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Sandiumenge and colleagues evaluated the effects of 3 strategies of antibiotic prescribing in a 14-bed ICU.
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An effective vaginal (or anal/ penile) microbicide could substantially diminish the risk of transmission of HIV, especially in the developing world where condom use has not gained uniform acceptance.
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Antiaging Supplements Proven Ineffective; The Three Most Common Culprits of ADE; New Guidelines for Lyme Disease Prevention; FDA Actions
