Hospital Infection Control & Prevention – January 1, 2012
January 1, 2012
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CDC to track hospital antibiotic use with new electronic NHSN module
Trying to rein in the widespread misuse of antibiotics that is driving the rise of pan-resistant infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created an electronic tracking system that will allow hospitals to monitor and benchmark drug use much as they already do for health care associated infections (HAIs). -
CDC pilots drug use improvement system
As a key complement to its new antibiotic use tracking system, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is partnering with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in a pilot program to prevent overuse and misuse of antibiotics in hospitals. -
Fed plan faces a complex problem
While emerging multidrug resistant gram negative rods are a prime topic of current concern, there is a sobering reminder that longstanding foes have not exactly been vanquished. -
HCW flu shot rates hit a record high
More health care workers than ever are receiving the influenza vaccine. A national survey shows that by mid-November, about 78% of them had been vaccinated a rate that is almost double the rate of about five years ago. -
Is flu shot efficacy being oversold?
Getting a flu shot doesn't provide as much protection as was previously reported, according to new analysis of more than 5,000 studies. Now it's time to be honest about the limitations of the vaccine to build trust with health care workers, says an international expert in risk communication. -
2011 Salary Survey Results: Infection preventionists have both work success and job stress
Infection preventionists are keeping their heads above water in a brutal economy, though they may be understandably confused about which hat they have on them.