Medical discipline for preventing nosocomial or healthcare-associated infection
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In this episode, Martin talks to Dr Jon Otter, Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London, UK. We examine two complementary pieces of work that provide further insight into Candidozyma auris transmission in acute hospitals. The first demonstrates, for the first time in the UK, that ward-level wastewater reliably mirrors patient colonisation and can reveal genetically related outbreak strains using culture and PCR. The second, a case–control study, identifies clinical and environmental risk factors that shape colonisation, highlighting the significance of shared patient equipment. The paper can be found here: Davidson HC, Griffin AE, Symes L, Laing KG, Witney AA, Gould K, et al. Detection of Candidozyma (formerly Candida) auris from ward wastewater during an outbreak using culture and molecular methods. J Hosp Infect 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2025.10.024 A copy of the poster can be downloaded here
In this episode, Martin talks to Dr Jon Otter, Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London, UK. We examine two complementary pieces of work that provide further insight into Candidozyma auris transmission in acute hospitals. The first demonstrates, for the first time in the UK, that ward-level wastewater reliably mirrors patient colonisation and can reveal genetically related outbreak strains using culture and PCR. The second, a case–control study, identifies clinical and environmental risk factors that shape colonisation, highlighting the significance of shared patient equipment. The paper can be found here: Davidson HC, Griffin AE, Symes L, Laing KG, Witney AA, Gould K, et al. Detection of Candidozyma (formerly Candida) auris from ward wastewater during an outbreak using culture and molecular methods. J Hosp Infect 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2025.10.024 A copy of the poster can be downloaded here
How does strong infection prevention leadership reshape long-term care? In this episode, host Lerenza Howard sits down with Tiberius Stanescu, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP, to explore how certification, regulation, and national standards are elevating care for older adults. Hear how Canada's approach is informing global best practices—and what long-term care teams around the world can learn from it. Hosted by: Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Tiberius Stanescu, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP Tiberius Stanescu is a globally educated Registered Nurse with diverse clinical background spanning multiple medical specialties. He began his nursing career in 2000, specializing in operating room procedures and plastic and reconstructive surgery, before discovering a deep passion for long-term care. His leadership in this field led him to serve as Assistant Director of Care and director of nursing role, where he furthered his expertise in infection prevention and wound management. In 2015, Tiberius joined the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team at Scarborough Health Network and earned his Certification in Infection Control (CIC) in 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in the IPAC hub, reaffirming his commitment to long-term care. Tiberius has contributed significantly to the field through his involvement with the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), helping to develop the Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) exam. He serves as Chair of IPAC Canada's Long-Term Care Interest Group, underscoring his dedication to advancing infection prevention standards and enhancing care quality in long-term care settings.
December 9, 2025 ~ Dr. Teena Chopra, Medical Director of Infection Prevention, Detroit Medical Center & Children's Hospital of Michigan joins Marie Osborne to discuss flu season preparations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Lisa Saiman joins host Saranya Ravindran to discuss infection prevention in children with cystic fibrosis, exploring evolving hospital and clinical practices, key respiratory pathogens, and practical strategies to reduce infection risk at home. Learn about how the risk of infection affects the day-to-day lives of patients with cystic fibrosis. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:05 – Prevention importance 04:34 – International management 05:58 – Cross-infection risk 06:55 – COVID-19 lessons 07:43 – Home risk 10:57 – Childhood pathogens
In the last ten years, 'diagnostic stewardship' has emerged as a core principle of good clinical practice whose implementation impacts both the individual patient and public health at large. In this episode of Communicable, hosts Angela Huttner and Annie Joseph invite two experts in the field, Daniel Morgan (Maryland, USA) and Valerie Vaughn (Utah, USA), to discuss diagnostic stewardship in the context of infectious diseases, hospital medicine, and healthcare in general. Other topics covered include practical interventions for better testing practices and the role of artificial intelligence in the future of diagnostics. The episode highlights how thoughtful, intentional diagnostic practices can enhance clinician workflows and improve patient outcomes.This episode is a follow-up from Morgan's recently published commentary in CMI Communications on diagnostic testing, and the need for evaluating its clinical impact [1]. The episode was peer reviewed by Özlem Türkmen Recen of Çınarcık State Hospital, Yalova, Türkiye. ReferencesBaghdadi JD & Morgan DJ. Diagnostic tests should be assessed for clinical impact. CMI Comms 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmicom.2024.105010Further readingAdvani S and Vaughn VM. Quality Improvement Interventions and Implementation Strategies for Urine Culture Stewardship in the Acute Care Setting: Advances and Challenges. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s11908-021-00760-3 Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs, https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/hcp/core-elements/hospital.html Core Elements of Hospital Diagnostic Excellence (DxEx), https://www.cdc.gov/patient-safety/hcp/hospital-dx-excellence/index.htmlCosgrove SE & Srinivasan A. Antibiotic Stewardship: A Decade of Progress. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2023.06.003 Dik JH, et al. Integrated Stewardship Model Comprising Antimicrobial, Infection Prevention, and Diagnostic Stewardship (AID Stewardship). J Clin Microbiol 2017. DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01283-17Fabre V, et al. Principles of diagnostic stewardship: A practical guide from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Diagnostic Stewardship Task Force. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023. DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.5 Huttner A, et al. Re: ‘ESR and CRP: it's time to stop the zombie tests' by Spellberg et al. CMI 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.09.016 Morgan DJ, et al. Diagnostic Stewardship—Leveraging the Laboratory to Improve Antimicrobial Use. JAMA 2017. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2017.8531 Messacar K, et al. Implementation of rapid molecular infectious disease diagnostics: the role of diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship. J Clin Microbiol 2017. DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02264-16Messacar K, et al. Clinical and Financial Impact of a Diagnostic Stewardship Program for Children with Suspected Central Nervous System Infection. J Pediatr. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.02.002 Qian ET, et al. Cefepime vs Piperacillin-Tazobactam in Adults Hospitalized With Acute Infection: The ACORN Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2023. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.20583 Siontis KC et al. Diagnostic tests often fail to lead to changes in patient outcomes. J Clin Epidemiol 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2013.12.008Vaughn VM, et al. Antibiotic Stewardship Strategies and Their Association With Antibiotic Overuse After Hospital Discharge. Clin Infect Dis 2022. DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac104Vaughn VM, et al. A Statewide Quality Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Antibiotic Treatment of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria. JAMA Intern Med 2023. DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.2749
In this episode, Martin speaks with Helen Dunn, Consultant Nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital, a Children's Hospital in London, UK. Helen is the lead author of a recent study published in the Journal of Infection Prevention, exploring whether structured ward rounds can be used as an innovative method for delivering Infection Prevention and Control education directly in the clinical environment. This work implemented a bedside ward-round model with Band 6 nurses in a paediatric cardiac high-dependency unit, using a structured assessment tool to prompt real-time, patient-focused discussions. The findings highlight that this approach created frequent education opportunities, strengthened relationships between clinical teams and IPC practitioners, and reduced the number of IPC interventions required over time. Dunn H, Blackburn P, Cloutman-Green E. Can ward rounds be used by infection prevention control teams to deliver education and enhance knowledge to clinical staff. J Infect Prev 2025;26(6):17571774251366930. https://doi.org/10.1177/17571774251366930. Article on Schulman's Signature Pedagogies here
In this episode, Martin speaks with Helen Dunn, Consultant Nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital, a Children's Hospital in London, UK. Helen is the lead author of a recent study published in the Journal of Infection Prevention, exploring whether structured ward rounds can be used as an innovative method for delivering Infection Prevention and Control education directly in the clinical environment. This work implemented a bedside ward-round model with Band 6 nurses in a paediatric cardiac high-dependency unit, using a structured assessment tool to prompt real-time, patient-focused discussions. The findings highlight that this approach created frequent education opportunities, strengthened relationships between clinical teams and IPC practitioners, and reduced the number of IPC interventions required over time. Dunn H, Blackburn P, Cloutman-Green E. Can ward rounds be used by infection prevention control teams to deliver education and enhance knowledge to clinical staff. J Infect Prev 2025;26(6):17571774251366930. https://doi.org/10.1177/17571774251366930. Article on Schulman's Signature Pedagogies here
On episode 145 of PSQH: The Podcast, Aaron Woodall, Chief of Infection Prevention & Control for Tampa/VISN 8 Veterans Integrated Service Network within the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Owen Parr, Vice President of Sales, BioVigil, discuss common misconceptions about hand hygiene compliance. This episode is sponsored by BioVigil.
Host Dr. David Calfee speaks with Dr. Westyn Branch-Elliman, Dr. Rani Elwy, and Dr. Stephanie Stroever about their recent Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology (ICHE) papers, “The life cycle of infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship projects and interventions: The dynamic interplay of implementation and de-implementation science (Part I & II).” They discuss the role of deimplementation—removing or reducing low-value practices—in improving patient safety and care quality, how it complements implementation science, and real-world examples from diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship. Links for this episode: Branch-Elliman, Westyn, David A. Chambers, Owen Albin, Lynne Batshon, Sandra Castejon-Ramirez, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng, Nkechi Emetuche, et al. “The Life Cycle of Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Stewardship Projects and Interventions: The Dynamic Interplay of Implementation and de-Implementation Science (Part I of II).” Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 46, no. 10 (2025): 961–72. https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2025.75. Branch-Elliman, Westyn, Samira Reyes Dassum, Stephanie Stroever, Owen Albin, Lynne Batshon, Sandra Castejon-Ramirez, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng, et al. “Leveraging De-Implementation Science to Promote Infection Prevention and Stewardship: A Roadmap and Practical Examples (Part II of II).” Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 46, no. 10 (2025): 973–83. https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2025.76.
What are the biggest infection prevention challenges we face today? In this special episode of the Five Second Rule, co-hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes sit down with APIC's CEO Devin Jopp to discuss misinformation, federal policy shifts, IFU reform, global partnerships, and the vital role IPs play in public health. Hear why your voice matters more than ever in shaping the future of infection prevention. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Devin Jopp, EdD, MS Dr. Jopp joined APIC as CEO on December 7, 2020. He brings to APIC more than two decades of association leadership with a wide array of experience and accomplishments from across the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. He has been recognized as one of the top 100 most influential healthcare leaders by Healthcare Management International Magazine and one of the top 50 healthcare IT experts by Health Data Management Magazine. Prior to APIC, he served as CEO for the American College Health Association, the principal leadership organization for advancing the health and well-being of the nation's 20 million college students and their campus communities through advocacy, education, and research. He has also previously served as president and CEO for the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI), a national nonprofit advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services focused on enhancing the exchange of healthcare information. Before joining WEDI, he served as chief operating officer for the Service Corp of Retired Executives, a national nonprofit organization that provides business mentoring and training to American entrepreneurs. Earlier in his career, Dr. Jopp held leadership positions at URAC, an independent, nonprofit healthcare accreditation organization, and at the Health Insurance Association of America. Dr. Jopp received a Bachelor of Arts in computer information systems from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, a Master of Science in computer and information sciences from Hood College, and a Doctor of Education in human and organizational learning (EdD) from the George Washington University.
On episode 143 of PSQH: The Podcast, Jennifer Cordell, Senior Manager, Application Support, Inovalon, talks about how technology is impacting the future of infection prevention. This episode is sponsored by Inovalon.
On episode 142 of PSQH: The Podcast, Marge McFarlane, principal at Superior Performance Consultants, talks about the current state of infection prevention. This episode is sponsored by Inovalon as part of Infection Prevention Week.
In this episode, Martin Kiernan hosts a panel discussion at the 2026 Infection Prevention Society Conference in Brighton, United Kingdom. The Panel comprised: Dr Stephane Bouchoucha, Associate Professor in Nursing and Associate Head of School (International) in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Deakin University in Melbourne, New South Wales Australia. Stephane is the current President of the Australasian College of Infection Prevention and Control Dr Mark Garvey, Consultant Clinical Scientist in Microbiology and Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control for the Infection Prevention and Control Service at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) Kerry Holden, Lead Nurse and Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. Kerry is the current IPS Vice-President. Dr Maura Smiddy, Director of the MSc in Infection Prevention and Control at University College Cork in Ireland and Chair of the IPS Research and Development Group. Lorraine Williams, Deputy Director of Infection Prevention & Control and Lead Nurse for IPC. Lorraine is a former IPS Vice-President. Topics we discuss include: Why are infection rates not falling? What can be done to reduce infections in long-term care that require readmission to hospital If each panel member were given £1,000,000 for an implementation, what would they do? If each panel member had to stop doing something that the infection prevention team currently does, what would that be?
In this episode, Martin Kiernan hosts a panel discussion at the 2026 Infection Prevention Society Conference in Brighton, United Kingdom. The Panel comprised: Dr Stephane Bouchoucha, Associate Professor in Nursing and Associate Head of School (International) in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Deakin University in Melbourne, New South Wales Australia. Stephane is the current President of the Australasian College of Infection Prevention and Control Dr Mark Garvey, Consultant Clinical Scientist in Microbiology and Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control for the Infection Prevention and Control Service at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) Kerry Holden, Lead Nurse and Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. Kerry is the current IPS Vice-President. Dr Maura Smiddy, Director of the MSc in Infection Prevention and Control at University College Cork in Ireland and Chair of the IPS Research and Development Group. Lorraine Williams, Deputy Director of Infection Prevention & Control and Lead Nurse for IPC. Lorraine is a former IPS Vice-President. Topics we discuss include: Why are infection rates not falling? What can be done to reduce infections in long-term care that require readmission to hospital If each panel member were given £1,000,000 for an implementation, what would they do? If each panel member had to stop doing something that the infection prevention team currently does, what would that be?
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about World Infection Prevention Week, CPR classes, Kewanee and Geneseo fall clinics, Covid shots, flu shot clinics, and insurance navigators. World Infection Prevention Week is being recognized across Henry and Stark Counties, as health officials urge residents to stay vigilant amid rising cases of flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The “Stand UPPP” campaign encourages handwashing, staying up-to-date on vaccines, and remaining at home when ill. Adult and pediatric flu shots are available at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. A drive-thru flu shot clinic is set for Kewanee on October 17th. Free flu shots are available with Medicare or insurance; otherwise, the fee is $60. More details and appointments are available at henrystarkhealth.com.
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
Why do infection preventionists stay or walk away? In this episode, hosts Nicki and Jess sit down with guests Dr. Sara Reese and Albert Shackelford to unpack new data on retention and attrition in the field of Infection Prevention (IP). From burnout and workload pressures to flexible schedules and opportunities for growth, they explore the factors shaping career decisions for infection preventionists today. Plus, get a sneak peek at even more analyzed data coming soon. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation filled with data, lived experiences, and practical strategies that every healthcare leader can use to support and sustain the IP workforce. With special guests: Sara Reese, PhD, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, Director of Research for the Center of Research, Practice, and Innovation, APIC and Albert Shackelford, MPH, Public Health Professional and Active-Duty Sailor
Long-term care facilities face unique challenges in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and managing multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, Dr. Loren G. Miller (UCLA), Dr. Lyndsay M. O'Hara (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Dr. Mary-Claire Roghmann (University of Maryland School of Medicine) share insights from their recent studies on decolonization and enhanced barrier precautions—two promising approaches for reducing infection risk among residents. They explore what the latest research tells us, where evidence gaps remain, and how facilities can apply practical, evidence-based interventions today to improve safety and quality of care. UCI SHIELD Nursing Home Decolonization Toolkit: https://www.ucihealth.org/healthcare-professionals/shield/nursing-home-decolonization-toolkit Enhanced barrier precautions to prevent transmission of *Staphylococcus aureus* and Carbapenem-resistant organisms in nursing home chronic ventilator units: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/abs/enhanced-barrier-precautions-to-prevent-transmission-of-staphylococcus-aureus-and-carbapenemresistant-organisms-in-nursing-home-chronic-ventilator-units/43FBB459BB569B052DEDF87EA57193FB Impact of routine chlorhexidine bathing and nasal iodophor on MDRO colonization and environmental contamination in nursing homes: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/abs/impact-of-routine-chlorhexidine-bathing-and-nasal-iodophor-on-mdro-colonization-and-environmental-contamination-in-nursing-homes/EE2288CCE486EB4822A545BFE6210BA5
This podcast episode focuses on the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC) in veterinary practices. Host Daniela dos Santos speaks with Lisa Tolfree, IPC UK Manager at IVC Evidencia, highlighting the global significance of IPC in combating antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases. The discussion emphasises that every member in a veterinary practice can contribute to IPC efforts and explore the balance between sustainability and maintaining high IPC standards. Through audits and structured programs, practices can measure their achievements, showing that small changes in routine can significantly impact overall health outcomes.Our Guest: Lisa Tolfree NCert (Anaesthesia and Critical Care) Cert Ed RVN Senior Referral NurseFollowing a decade as a primary school teacher, Lisa qualified as a Registered veterinary nurse in 2008, working in a busy referrals practice in Bristol. She attained her Anaesthesia and Critical Care nursing certificate in 2010 and, following further studies into wound management and infection control, moved to Rowe Veterinary Referrals in 2012 as a Senior Veterinary Nurse. She began working centrally for IVC Evidensia in 2020 as Infection Prevention & Control Manager UK & Ireland and continue to work part time at Rowe Referrals to keep in touch with the daily challenges of practice life. Our Host: Daniella Dos Santos BSc BVetMed FRCVS Daniella graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2012 having previously obtained a degree in Molecular Genetics from Kings College. She has since worked in first opinion, small animal and exotic pet practices across the Southeast. In 2019, she became the youngest-ever President of the British Veterinary Association, leading the profession through the height of the pandemic. During her time as President, she was instrumental in the association's Diversity and Inclusion work, as well as the development and launch of the Good Workplaces Policy. Daniella was the recipient of the RCVS Inspiration Award 2021 for her leadership and became an RCVS Fellow in 2021 for Meritorious Contributions to the Profession. She is a trustee of the PetPlan Charitable Trust. Powered by IVC Evidensia At IVC Evidensia we're building the world's best veterinary group, with a single purpose; healthy animals and happy owners. Visit ivcevidensia.co.uk to find out more, or follow us on social media. Please note that the views expressed by hosts and guests in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of IVC Evidensia. Links:Development and implementation of a structured, quantitative approach to infection prevention and control within small animal veterinary care across four different European countries: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587725001795?via%3Dihub Revolution Zero: https://store.revolution-zero.com/
Matt Crespin welcomes Michelle Strange as co-host for a timely conversation with Michelle Lee from the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) during Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM). When the CDC eliminated its Division of Oral Health back in April, ADS stepped up to fill the gap. They launched the ADS Institute for Dental Safety and Science to oversee the dental infection prevention guidelines that thousands of practitioners rely on daily. Michelle Lee talks through the ADS's innovative "Ask ADS" AI chat tool — your go-to for vetted infection control answers. She also shares important upcoming dental infection events. Your hosts address common misconceptions in infection control compliance and the importance of moving beyond legacy errors. This episode is packed with practical insights every dental professional needs to keep patient safety front and center. Guest: Michelle Lee, CPC, Executive Director, Association for Dental Safety Co-Hosts: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA and Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH Important Links: https://www.myads.org https://www.myads.org/press-releases https://www.myads.org/ask-ads https://www.myads.org/resources
In this episode, Dr. Madhuri Sopirala, Medical Director and Chief of Infection Prevention at Parkland Health and Chair of SHEA's Infection Prevention and Control Burn Unit Special Interest Group, moderates a timely conversation on the unique challenges of infection prevention in burn units. She is joined by Dr. Samuel Mandell, Associate Professor of Surgery at UT Southwestern and Director of the Parkland Regional Burn Center, and Dr. David Weber, Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of Infection Prevention at UNC Medical Center, as well as current SHEA Board of Trustees President. Together, they explore why burn units require specialized approaches to infection prevention, the nuances of distinguishing outbreaks from baseline infection risks, and strategies for optimizing burn unit design to improve patient safety. The discussion also highlights often-overlooked vectors of infection, emerging research priorities, and what the future may hold for advancing infection prevention in burn care.
Host Dr. Tushar Chopra and guest Dr. Aisha Shaikh discuss the importance of good techniques for connecting and disconnecting HD catheters, review catheter locking solutions and novel caps, and consider new data released since the 2019 KDIGO guidelines.
Host Dr. Tushar Chopra and guest Dr. Aisha Shaikh discuss the importance of good techniques for connecting and disconnecting HD catheters, review catheter locking solutions and novel caps, and consider new data released since the 2019 KDIGO guidelines.
Every two minutes, someone dies from sepsis — but early recognition and quick action can save lives. In this episode, Dr. Brisandi Villar, hospitalist and chair of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee at Tift Regional Medical Center, explains what sepsis is, why it's so dangerous, the signs and symptoms to watch for, and why getting to the ER fast is critical.What you'll learn in this episode:What sepsis is and how it startsThe acronym T-I-M-E to recognize symptomsWhy fast treatment is life-savingPrevention tips to reduce your riskSepsis is a medical emergency. Learn the signs. Act quickly. Save lives.Learn more about sepsis: https://www.sepsis.org
How are infection preventionists gearing up for IIPW 2025? In this episode, co-hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes welcome guests from APIC's Communications Committee Michelle Swetky and Tammy Cunningham who share creative tools, engaging activities, and superhero-inspired themes to unite and empower IPs. Join us and Stand UPPP — Unite, Prevent, Protect, Prevail — for infection prevention! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Tammy Cunningham, MBA, BSN RN, CIC Tammy Cunningham, MBA, BSN RN, CIC, is the Infection Prevention Manager at AdventHealth Kansas City Region, overseeing the Infection Prevention programs at three acute care hospitals and two free standing Emergency Departments. She worked as an Intensive Care nurse and Neonatal Intensive Care nurse until 2019 when she began her career in infection prevention, just in time for the worldwide pandemic. Tammy is active in the Greater Kansas City APIC chapter, having served two terms as the chapter Treasurer, and is currently a member of the APIC Communications Committee. Tammy is board certified in infection control, and is passionate about preventing infections in patients, especially CAUTIs, CLABSIs, and C. difficile infections. Michelle Swetky, MPH, CIC, FAPIC Michelle Swetky, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, is an Infection Preventionist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA. Michelle has a decade of infection prevention experience in acute and ambulatory care, with extensive experience in an oncology setting. She is passionate about expanding the field of infection prevention into the ambulatory setting and across the continuum of care. Michelle has served as the Chairman of Comprehensive Cancer Center's Infection Prevention & Control group (C3IC) from 2021-2023 and is a current member on the APIC Communications Committee. Michelle received her Master's in Public Health from the University of Michigan. She has been certified in infection prevention and control (CIC) since 2016 and became an APIC Fellow (FAPIC) in 2023.
In this episode, host Dr. Tushar Chopra and guest Dr. Namrata Krishnan will discuss how to safely connect and disconnect HD catheters, common myths about catheter care in hemodialysis, and showering with a dialysis catheter.
In this episode, host Dr. Tushar Chopra and guest Dr. Namrata Krishnan will discuss how to safely connect and disconnect HD catheters, common myths about catheter care in hemodialysis, and showering with a dialysis catheter.
This episode of The ICHE Podcast explores the use of virtual reality (VR) in healthcare training, with a focus on infection prevention and control. Experts examine the current state of VR adoption, its effectiveness as an educational tool, and common challenges in implementation. Dr. Aline Wolfensberger (University Hospital Zurich), Dr. Erica Shenoy (Mass General Brigham/Harvard Medical School), and Dr. Thomas Murray (Yale University School of Medicine) present findings from their recent studies, outlining the research questions they addressed, study designs, key results, limitations, and implications for practice. The discussion concludes with actionable recommendations for institutions and practitioners considering the integration of VR into infection prevention training programs.
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
What happens when infection prevention meets Southern charm? In this episode of AIC Science Into Practice, experts from UAB spotlight Alabama's Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control. Discover how they tackled misinformation, trained 70,000+ participants statewide, and built a powerful network of infection preventionists, all while having a little fun along the way. With special guests: Matthew Fifolt, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Organization, The University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Public Health and Lisa McCormick, DrPH, MPH, Senior Associate Dean for Academics and Practice, The University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Public Health
On episode 137 of PSQH: The Podcast, Karen Hoffman, a clinical instructor at the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine, and Connie Steed, a consultant specializing in infection prevention and control, discuss the biggest infection prevention challenges facing healthcare facilities. This episode is sponsored by Nozin.
What do therapy dogs and data-driven strategies have in common? They're both helping to move the needle on patient safety. In this APIC 2025 Annual Conference recap, hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard spotlight two infection prevention pros. Maria Vacca shares how her hospital centralized high-level disinfection to boost safety and efficiency. Later in the episode, Rachel Hyatt unveils a heartwarming initiative that taps into the charm of therapy dogs to revolutionize hand hygiene compliance. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Maria Vacca Maria earned her BSN and Masters of Science in Nursing from Drexel University, graduating Summa cum Laude for both degrees. She began her nursing career in Critical Care and transitioned to the Infection Control Department in 2004 when Infection Prevention and Control quickly became her passion. Over the course of her career, she's had the opportunity to provide oversight and obtain experience in numerous Infection Control roles including High Level Disinfection and Sterilization, Infection Prevention oversight of Ambulatory Practices and Regulatory Compliance Coordinator. Maria's Lean Six Sigma training helped her lead numerous successful performance improvement projects for which her teams have won several awards, presentations and publications. She was the principle investigator for a Covid-19 research study that was published in the June 2022 issue of AJIC. Maria received recognition as a APIC Fellow (FAPIC) in 2022. Maria and colleagues successfully submitted a poster presentation to APIC's 2025 Annual conference titled “From Decentralized to Centralized: Successfully Transforming High-Level Disinfection Practices in the Operating Room of a Large Academic Hospital." Rachel Hyatt Rachel Hyatt is a Community Health Specialist with a Masters in Business Administration. She driven by a passion for innovation and process improvement. As an Administrative Assistant with Infection Prevention for over two years, Rachel coordinated large-scale initiatives, from accreditation surveys to system-wide health campaigns. Her diverse experience in customer service, animal control, and zookeeping has given her a unique lens on behavior, shaping her approach to public education and engagement. Her ability to merge strategic planning with creativity fuels her mission to develop engaging, effective solutions in healthcare and community wellness. She is passionate about leveraging innovative ideas and interactive outreach to inspire lasting, positive change. Rachel successfully submitted an oral abstract presentation to APIC's 2025 Annual conference titled “Wash Your Paws: Using Creative Canine Marketing and Therapy Dogs to Promote Hand Hygiene Compliance.”
In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Dr Rosenthal discusses his extensive experience in research and infection prevention, particularly focusing on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) infections in low-resource settings. He emphasizes the importance of data collection and awareness among clinicians to improve patient safety. The conversation also highlights his new role with INS as the Editor in Chief of the 10th edition of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice and the significance of updating standards to reflect current research findings. The episode concludes with a call to action for health care professionals to publish their findings to contribute to the body of knowledge in infection prevention.
On episode 134 of PSQH: The Podcast, Mike Lauze, VP of Marketing at STARC Systems, talks about ICRA 2.0 and the continuing importance of infection prevention during healthcare construction.
Want to elevate your infection prevention career? Dive into this inspiring episode with Gail Fraine and Dr. Mayar Al Mohajer as they explore the value, purpose, and impact of the Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Prevention (AL-CIP). Learn how this credential empowers professionals to lead change, drive outcomes, and shape healthcare policy. Get tips for submission success and hear firsthand experiences from these certified leaders! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Gail Fraine, CIC, LTC-CIP, AL-CIP Gail Fraine is the System Director of Infection Prevention at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, TN, with over 30 years of experience reducing healthcare-associated infections through evidence-based practices and high-reliability principles. A long-standing APIC member, she has held national leadership roles including Board Director and Annual Conference Chair. Gail currently serves as President-Elect of the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) and contributed to developing both the long-term care and Advanced Leadership certifications. She holds nursing degrees from Arkansas State, Belmont, and Vanderbilt, and is certified in CIC, LTC-CIP, and AL-CIP. Mayar Al Mohajer, FIDSA, FSHEA, FAPIC, FACHE, AL-CIP Dr. Al Mohajer serves as Professor of Medicine in the Section of Infectious Diseases at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where he also directs the Infection Prevention, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Quality Improvement, and Leadership Track. He is the Chief of the Infectious Disease Section at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center and the Medical Director of Infection Prevention, Occupational Health, Diagnostic Stewardship, and Antibiotic Stewardship for CommonSpirit Health's South Region and Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center. In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Al Mohajer sits on the CBIC Board and co-chairs the National Infection Prevention Council for CommonSpirit Health. He holds multiple fellowships and certifications recognizing his expertise and leadership, including FIDSA, FSHEA, FAPIC, FACHE, and AL-CIP.
Are you testing and flushing your waterlines? Infection control is at the heart of all we do to provide safe care to our patients. In this episode, I speak with Kellie Timmes about her journey to inspire, motivate, and educate the field of dentistry to properly care for their waterlines and provide safe care to patients.A bit about Kellie:Kellie Thimmes is passionate about helping others and believes that life is better when serving the needs of others above her own. Her deep interest in safety, infection control, and prevention has been a guiding force throughout her career. She holds multiple certifications, including the ADS/DANB Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control (DISIPC) certification.As the Director of Education at ProEdge Dental Water Labs, Kellie leads efforts to educate both internally and throughout the dental industry on the importance of waterline safety. She works closely with consultants, educators, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and other trusted voices to provide science-based education that empowers dental professionals to achieve and maintain safe water.Kellie is also a collaborator with SafeLink Consulting, where she contributes to broader initiatives in infection control and safety across the dental industry. She is dedicated to empowering dental professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to create safer environments for both teams and patients.Leave me a message or send a question I can share on the Podcast HereTime Management Prioritization Quiz - Find out how you rate HERE Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: How to be successful in Dental Hygiene Schoolhttps://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-schoolOther Podcasts: blog.feedspot.com/dental_hygiene_podcasts/ Take a look at a recent product I have tried and recommend. bit.ly/thehappyflosser promo code: HAPPYFLOSSER Email Me: HappyflosserRDH@gmail.com
In this week's edition of Articles on the Go, Chris Blevins, CST, FAST, draws a creative parallel between the strategic world of football and the high-stakes environment of the operating room. Just like a zone defense on the field, infection prevention in surgery relies on teamwork, precision, communication, and adaptability. From the offensive line to the surgical team, every player has a critical role in preventing complications and protecting the “end zone” — patient safety. ----- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to listen, audio format. Think audio book, meets busy Operating Room professional! #operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #infectionprevention #surgery
Welcome back to the show. Today we're diving into a critical but often overlooked aspect of drug diversion investigations - the role of infection prevention. While most facilities focus on the regulatory and criminal justice aspects of diversion cases, there's a vital public health component that frequently gets pushed to the sidelines until it's too late.My guest today is Michelle Nation, a nurse with extensive experience in infection prevention. Michelle has witnessed firsthand how the disconnect between diversion response teams and infection prevention departments can leave patients at risk and facilities scrambling to address preventable outbreaks. She's been advocating for a more integrated approach that brings infection prevention expertise to the table from day one of any diversion investigation.While we've all read about the serious cases documented on the CDC website where infection prevention ultimately played a crucial role, by then the damage was often already done. In this episode, we explore how facilities can bridge this gap proactively, what the patient notification process should look like, and why every diversion response team needs an infection preventionist at the table from the very beginning.
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
Are you curious how infection preventionists are shaping the future of their field? Tune into this episode on the APIC 2025 MegaSurvey. Learn about the MegaSurvey, why it matters, and how it's evolved. Explore how the findings may influence staffing models, compensation trends, emerging technologies, and more. Most importantly, discover how your voice can shape the tools, standards, and career pathways supporting your work. Join the conversation and claim your seat at the table! With special guests: Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, APIC, Executive Director of the Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation and Sara Reese, PhD, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, APIC, Director of Research
Listen in as Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP, reviews the estimated burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in older adults and discusses the latest updates on RSV vaccination recommendations and safety data. Topics covered include: Rates of RSV hospitalizations and emergency department visitsRSV vaccine developmentFDA-approved RSV vaccinesVaccine safety data: rates of atrial fibrillation and Guillain-Barré syndromeACIP RSV vaccine recommendationsRisk factors for severe RSV diseaseRSV vaccine uptakePresenter:Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACPConsulting Physician and Director of Adult ImmunizationsImmunize.orgSt Paul, MinnesotaLink to full program:https://bit.ly/4mHHKu2Downloadable slides:https://bit.ly/3FzWREPGet access to all of our new podcasts by subscribing to the CCO Infectious Disease Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.
Listen in as Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP, and Laura P. Hurley, MD, MPH, discuss barriers to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination for adults, including insurance coverage and vaccine hesitancy, and explore effective, practical strategies for overcoming these barriers. Topics covered include:Helping patients understand why they need an RSV vaccineWays to discuss real-world vaccine efficacyApproaches to build vaccine confidence and discuss vaccine safetyMethods to overcome financial barriers and time constraintsVaccine delivery infrastructurePresenters:Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACPConsulting Physician and Director of Adult ImmunizationsImmunize.orgSt Paul, MinnesotaLaura P. Hurley, MD, MPHAssociate Professor of MedicineDivision of General Internal MedicineUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAurora, ColoradoGeneral Internist and Health Services ResearcherDenver HealthDenver, ColoradoLink to full program:https://bit.ly/4mHHKu2Downloadable slides:https://bit.ly/3FzWREPGet access to all of our new podcasts by subscribing to the CCO Infectious Disease Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.
In this episode, our hosts chat with Dr. Rebecca Crapanzano-Sigafoos and Frankie Catalfumo about APIC's updated CAUTI Implementation Guide and the collaborative efforts behind it. They share the guide's origins and what inspired the guide, highlight key prevention strategies, and debunk some common misconceptions about CAUTI in healthcare. Tune in to hear the discussion about real-world implementation challenges, the distinction between essential and additional practices, and how the new tools were designed to enhance process improvement. Get inspired to “partner harder” and strengthen your IP practice! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC (previously Bartles) Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC is the Executive Director of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Prevention (APIC)'s Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation (CRPI). Becca has practiced Infection Prevention and Infectious Disease Epidemiology for the last 20 years in a variety of healthcare settings and has numerous publications focused on infection prevention staffing and endoscope safety. She received both her BS in Public Health, Health Education and her MPH in Epidemiology from East TN State University. She completed her Doctorate in Public Health in 2021 with a dissertation topic of “Assessing efficacy of an evidence-based Clostridiodes difficile screening tool using electronic medical record data.” She has been CIC certified since 2008 and is an APIC fellow. Most notably, though, Becca is the mother of six amazing daughters, ages 10-27. Frankie Catalfumo, MPH, CIC, CRCS Frankie Catalfumo, MPH, CIC, CRCST is the Director of Practice Guidance and Health Equity at APIC in their Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation (CRPI). Frankie is an infection preventionist with more than 10 years of experience leading collaborative initiatives within acute healthcare and the federal government. In his current role, he oversees the development of practice guidance tools that are meaningful to the association's membership. He also leads investigative work regarding the relationship between health equity and infection prevention. Prior to joining APIC, Frankie led infection prevention initiatives at Inova Health System, the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Department of Defense, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From the global HIV epidemic to the threat of multi-drug resistant bacteria, all infectious agents prompt the need for effective prevention and control measures. Frankie is board-certified in infection control (CIC) and in sterile processing (CRCST). Resource: CAUTI Implementation Guide
Join hosts Dr. Gonzalo Bearman and Dr. Priya Nori as they explore the vital role of infection prevention and control in healthcare with Dr. Erica Kaufman West and Catriona Hong, authors of the article "National Partnerships Address Critical Needs in Infection Prevention and Control." In this episode, the guests discuss the goals of Project Firstline, a CDC-AMA initiative designed to strengthen IPC practices across the nation. Dr. Kaufman West and Hong delve into how five critical IPC areas were identified, the importance of social determinants of health data, and the impact of burnout among IPC professionals. They also explore strategies for improving IPC training in medical schools, the future of masking policies, and balancing infection control with environmental sustainability. The conversation concludes with a look at the challenges of implementing national IPC strategies and the innovations and policy changes that will shape the future of infection prevention in the next decade.
Session 8 ‘Infection Prevention and Control in Community and Healthcare Settings' from the 5th World Sepsis Congress. Featuring Jeremy Farrar, Benedetta Allegranzi, Claudia Spies, Mateusz Hasso-Agopsowicz, Lindsay Denny Naughton, and Maha Aljuaid as your moderator.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Executive Office of the Governor, “Gov. Whitmer Releases Top Lines of Alarming Report on Federal Medicaid Cuts, Finding Cuts Would Terminate Health Care for 700,000 Michiganders,” May 7, 2025, https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2025/04/16/whitmer-signs-executive-directive-to-identify-impact-of-federal-medicaid-cuts. Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, “Executive Directive 2025-3,” https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Inside-MDHHS/Newsroom/ED-2025-3-FINAL.pdf Lisa Dubay, et. al, “The Impact of Lowering Federal Matching Commitments to Medicaid in 10 States and the District of Columbia,” May, 2025, https://www.rwjf.org/content/dam/farm/reports/issue_briefs/2025/rwjf482585, Urban Institute. Andrew Cass, “Medicaid cuts could cost 10 states, DC nearly $500B: Report,” May 6, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/medicaid-cuts-could-cost-10-states-dc-nearly-500b-report/, Becker's Hospital Review. Alan Condon, “GOP drops some Medicaid cuts from budget plan: 5 things to know,” May 7, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/gop-drops-some-medicaid-cuts-from-budget-plan-6-things-to-know/?origin=CFOE&utm_source=CFOE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=3025D7635490G0H, Becker's Hospital Review. Ashleigh Fields, “Trump nixes CDC infectious disease advisory committee: Report,” May 6, 2025, https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5286736-trump-nixes-cdc-infectious-disease-advisory-committee-report/, The Hill. Michigan Health Council, “2025 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Plan,” https://www.mhc.org/workforceplan. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.
From struggling with acne and yeast infections, to spending hours in a sauna each week, I've started to support my body like I'm an athlete. So I'm walking you through my go-to supplements, electrolytes, and nutrition changes that help me feel my absolute best!These wellness items have been game-changers for my energy, mood, and overall health. Whether you're trying to feel more in tune with your body or just looking for new rituals to add to your routine, this episode is packed with personal recs, honest insights, and a whole lot of love for my wellbeing!Resources:
In this episode, Jewel Mullen, MD, MPH, MPA, and Dallas Nelson, MD, CMD, FACP discuss overcoming barriers to RSV vaccine uptake in post-acute and long-term care facilities, including:How to incorporate the latest RSV vaccination recommendations into clinical practicePractical strategies for navigating insuranceEffective and empathetic methods of addressing vaccine hesitancy. Presenters:Jewel Mullen, MD, MPH, MPAAssociate Dean for Health EquityAssociate Professor of Population Health and Internal MedicineUniversity of Texas at Austin Dell Medical SchoolAustin, TexasDallas Nelson, MD, CMD, FACPProfessor of MedicineDivision of Geriatrics and AgingUniversity of RochesterMedical DirectorUR Medicine Geriatrics GroupRochester, New YorkLink to full program: https://bit.ly/4lrwa5uFollow along with the slides: https://bit.ly/3RdWAKeGet access to all of our new podcasts by subscribing to the CCO Infectious Disease Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.
Nick Hysmith, MD, MBA, an infectious disease physician and medical director of Infection Prevention at Le Bonheur, discusses the recent measles outbreaks, questions about the vaccine and ways to keep your kids and family safe.
Five years on from the first Covid lockdown in the UK, we consider how the pandemic changed medicine. We're joined by Dr Emma Wall, academic consultant in Infectious Diseases at University College London Hospital who also runs a long covid clinic, Professor Katrina Pollock, Associate Professor in Vaccinology at the Oxford Vaccine Group and Jon Otter Director for Infection Prevention and Control at Guy's Hospital London. Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Hannah Robins
Patient care never stops – and neither does your fight against pathogens. So, when your team needs to know the latest IP guidelines at 3 a.m., who do you turn to? AI just might have the answers! On this week's episode of Beyond Clean's "Planet Surgery," we're joined by Max Simonovsky, Founder and CEO of Soapy, to explore how artificial intelligence is creating unlimited possibilities for infection prevention. From 24/7 virtual IP assistance to proactive problem-solving, Max reveals why artificial intelligence isn't just changing how we protect patients – it's revolutionizing our entire approach to healthcare. Ready to discover what's next for infection prevention? Tune in to find out how AI is transforming patient care and the fight against microbes! Season 27 of Beyond Clean releases under the 1 Episode = 1 CE delivery model. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked below each week. Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #WeFightDirty #Podcast #Season27 #AI #InfectionPrevention
In this episode of America's Heroes Group Roundtable Livestream, Colonel Dr. Damon Arnold hosts an important discussion with esteemed panelists from the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center:Dr. Augusto Alonto: Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Associate Professor, and clinical researcher on COVID vaccines.Catherine Dell: Nurse Practitioner and Lung Cancer Screening Coordinator, creator of a comprehensive lung cancer screening program screening 3,000+ veterans annually.