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Research Focuses on Development of a Longer-acting Injectable Contraceptive

With the trend toward increased use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as the intrauterine device and contraceptive implant, science is looking at development of longer-acting injectable contraceptives.

Research Eyes Use of Withdrawal

Don’t discount withdrawal as a form of contraception. One-third of women at risk of unintended pregnancy used coitus interruptus as a contraceptive method within the past 30 days, often in combination or rotation with more effective methods, according to findings from a new U.S. study.

Herpes Vaccine Research May Be Propelled Toward Possible Candidate

Researchers have designed a new type of vaccine that could be the first for preventing genital herpes. By using a counterintuitive scientific approach, scientists were able to prevent active and latent infections caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the virus that causes genital herpes.

Double jeopardy: Hospitals, surgeons dinged twice by CMS for surgical infections, readmissions

Surgical site infections are a costly twice-told tale, as surgeons and hospitals are penalized when they occur and again if the patient is readmitted.

Bioethics panel: After chaotic Ebola response, IPs should be key players in future outbreaks

A bioethics panel report on the response to the Ebola outbreak gave a ringing endorsement to infection preventionists, saying in times of a public health crisis U.S. policy should provide “this group the support to act to the fullest extent of their licensure and abilities.”

Empowered nurse practitioners in ID medicine?

In the wake of Ebola, other emerging infectious diseases, common HAIs, and an ever-expanding array of reporting requirements and regulations, infection preventionists and their infectious disease colleagues are too often short-staffed and stretched to the breaking point.

Nurse infected with Ebola blasts hospital in suit

A lawsuit by Nina Pham, RN, against Texas Health Resources includes some explosive allegations regarding her occupational Ebola infection after caring for an infected patient at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas in early October 2014.

National Action Plan: Five goals to best the bugs

The White House recently released a national action plan that calls for “aggressive action” to move the nation towards major reductions in the incidence of urgent and serious drug-resistant threats including carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium difficile. Here are key goals and strategies in the pla.:

National antibiotic action plan targets top threats

The recently issued “National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria” includes goals to be achieved by 2020.

D-Day: Unprecedented national plan aims to save the antibiotic era

Antibiotic stewardship to rein in the rampant misuse and overuse of drugs is a national priority involving the highest levels of the federal government.