Hospital Infection Control & Prevention – January 1, 2009
January 1, 2009
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Audacity of hope? Infection preventionists know federal HAI legislation likely under Obama
Having proposed federal "hospital report card" legislation while in the U.S. Senate that specifically cites heath care-associated infections (HAIs), President-elect Barack Obama comes into power this month with an unprecedented history of interest and advocacy about infection prevention. -
A mix of HAI legislation in the Capitol hopper
With the rise of a new Democratic administration and a continuing Congressional majority, there is an increasing perception that the health care system could be subject to new federal regulations. -
HHS brings 'full resources to bear' on infections
Donald Wright, MD, MPH, principal deputy assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is chairman of the newly formed HHS Steering Commission for Prevention of Healthcare Associated Infections. -
Think Pink: Is your equipment clean?
It began with an exchange between an infection preventionist and a clinical manager over a piece of equipment, a walker used to allow unassisted movement by patients. -
IP develops tool sharing web site
In an age when it's hard to keep track of the latest cell phone features, sharing infection prevention tools on the web would appear to be an idea whose time has long since come. -
Abstract & Commentary: Epidemic C. diff puts premium on lab tests
Although enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) tests have replaced cytotoxin assays for diagnosis of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) in most U.S. laboratories, the changing epidemiology of this disease suggests that an adjustment in diagnostic testing algorithms is needed. -
ip Newbe: Bench or bedside? IPs take many paths to job
The quote above underscores the importance of infection preventionists building a bond with their clinical laboratory colleagues, an important outreach presumably made somewhat easier when the IP is the laboratorian. -
Wisdom Teachers: Silo to hello: Keep job distinct, seek partners
Having worked in infection prevention for more than three decades, Barbara Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, has come full circle. -
2008 Salary Survey Results
Infection preventionists have been drawn into the white-hot national spotlight on health care-associated infections in recent years, sometimes being accused by overzealous patient advocates as being as much a part of the problem as the solution.