Infection Control Today®

Reposting and strongly supporting this op-ed by Alex Sundermann and Miranda Yaver in The Hill on the critical role of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). AHRQ is small but mighty. Its research has saved billions and protected countless patients. We can’t afford to lose it. I stand with those calling for continued investment in AHRQ and the science of safer, smarter care. #PatientSafety #HealthcareQuality #AHRQ #PublicHealth #HealthPolicy #EvidenceBasedCare #SupportAHRQ #AHRQRocks!

IPC starts long before exposure; it begins with what we put into our bodies. This article series explores how vitamins and nutrients can strengthen immune defenses, reduce respiratory illness, and empower IPs to support overall health from the inside out. https://hubs.li/Q03Hyh0D0

Infection prevention isn’t just a cost—it’s a strategic investment. C-suite leaders: prioritize supporting your teams, champion the impact of infection prevention, and foster true collaboration across your hospital. https://hubs.li/Q03HydQ60

Infection Control Today couldn't be happier that Isis Lamphier, MPH, MHA, CIC, AL-CIP shares her time, talent, and knowledge to ICT!

Infection prevention is not an expense, it’s an investment,” the study authors stressed, urging C-suite leaders to address burnout, recognize IP contributions, and build hospital-wide collaboration. https://hubs.li/Q03HykZw0

I had an intriguing conversation with Elsy Mady RN,MS,CIC, Peter Graves, BSN, RN, CNOR and Tori Whitacre Martonicz about stethoscopes over this past weekend. Yes, on the weekend. It’s what we do. But stethoscopes are the timeless symbol of healthcare and they are draped around necks like status jewelry. They carry prestige, authority and more pathogens than most people want to imagine. The issue is that they are pressed against skin and clothing, carried from patient to patient, rarely disinfected with consistency, stethoscopes have quietly become one of the most overlooked vectors in medicine. We obsess over hand hygiene, build campaigns around surface disinfection but somehow this fashion accessory keeps getting a free pass. A contaminated stethoscope can be just as dangerous as contaminated hands. So much literature on this. The problem isn’t lack of knowledge. Like I mention frequently, it’s culture. We treat them like lucky charms instead of medical tools and pathogens are more than happy to ride along. So if we wouldn’t tolerate dirty hands touching a patient, why are we tolerating dirty stethoscopes dangling on our necks? Sooner or later, someone will get garroted by your stethoscope. Just disinfect it, by the instructions for use.