Respondents reported key challenges they face in their fight to reduce healthcare-associated infections in their facilities.
National Infection Control Week: Invigorating our hand hygiene practices
By
Tom Bergin
Oct 19, 2016
As hospitals and healthcare facilities across North America observe National Infection Control Week, it’s an opportune time to identify and explore modern means to improve facility-wide hygiene.
Easy to implement infection prevention and control strategies during the holidays in LTC facilities
By
Buffy Lloyd-Krejci, DrPH, CIC
Dec 12, 2023
The Department of Health and Human Services released a report in January of this year showing that more than 1,000 long-term care facilities in the United States had COVID-19 infection rates of 75% or...
Why LTC facilities should prioritize more rigorous facility access protocols
By
Kimberly Fox
Aug 05, 2022
Long-term care facilities are expected not only to deliver outstanding care to their residents but to ensure the safety and security of everyone in their buildings. One aspect of successfully achieving...
CDC releases HAI Data: How are we doing?
By
Jacie Volkman, MPH, CIC
Jul 16, 2014
For many years, healthcare institutions have been focused on different ways to decrease HAIs, as federal reimbursement initiatives loomed. So, what does this report card tell us? We’ve come a long...
Carpet cleaning: When less is better
By
Bob Abrams
Apr 03, 2015
There are three key reasons why administrators of long-term care facilities should consider installing carpeting in their locations. All are related to the health and safety of their staff and the people...
A horizontal approach to infection preparedness
By
Rosie D. Lyles, M.D.
Jan 12, 2015
Today’s growing concerns surrounding infectious risks such as Ebola, EVD-68, and flu are excellent examples of why proactive horizontal approaches to infection prevention and implementing proven...
Preventing the spread of infection and viruses in LTC facilities with safer, sustainable cleaning solutions
By
Joshua Schwartz
Apr 05, 2023
If the COVID-19 pandemic impressed on the general population for the first time just how deadly infections can be in long-term care settings, veterans of the industry likely weren’t surprised. ...
Triclosan hand soaps banned in healthcare: What should LTC facilities do next?
By
Megan DiGiorgio MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC
May 30, 2018
With a manufacturing cut-off date quickly approaching for soaps containing triclosan, long-term care facilities currently using them may be unsure of what to do next. Here are three steps they should take.
Best practices for antibiotic stewardship & infection control in long-term care
By
Oliver Schacht
Nov 22, 2021
Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week November 18-24, highlighting the importance of appropriate antibiotic use in fighting the threat of drug...