Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are the most common complication people develop during their time in a hospital. In the developed world, 7 out of every 100 inpatients catch some kind of infection from their environment, while HAIs are the principal reason for 1 out of every 25 hospital admissions. Worse, facility-caused infections lead to 99,000 preventable […]
Why Do Healthcare-Associated Infections Persist? Read More »
For more than a decade, the Joint Commission has stressed good hand hygiene as a condition of accreditation at its 21,000 associated healthcare facilities. Despite this, the Commission reports that proper procedures – by which they mean handwashing practices endorsed by either the CDC or the World Health Organization – are observed only around half
How the New Joint Commission Mandate Impacts Hospital Hygiene Read More »
What goes down the drain in hospitals is not pretty – Learn how hospital environments could be “potential reservoirs of bacteria”. The rise of superbugs has long been an issue, but perhaps we haven’t realized how quickly they are able to spread in the most unexpected places, until now. A recent report unveils how hospitals
Superbugs in hospital pipes – Is anyone really safe? Read More »
It’s no secret that sometimes animals are inadvertently responsible for passing on dangerous—possibly even fatal—illnesses and infections to humans. From tiny ticks carrying Lyme disease to cuddly cats whose litter boxes can spread toxoplasmosis, it seems like any animal or insect can go from friend to foe in an instant. So, it might come as
How Animals Are Helping Hospitals With Infection Control Read More »
If the word “superbug” doesn’t send chills down your spine, it should. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria are growing both in number and in strength. Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a list of the 12 most serious superbugs humanity is now finding itself up against. The WHO divided these 12 bacteria into three
WHO: Superbugs Are ‘The Greatest Threat to Human Health Read More »
Before hospital-acquired infections struck three of their family members in a 10-month period—and ultimately took the life of their son, Joshua, in 2006—Armando and Victoria Nahum had no idea how much of an issue this very serious health threat is. Today, they are fighting to raise much-needed awareness about infection prevention and patient advocacy through
The Safe Care Campaign: Promoting Infection Prevention Awareness Read More »
It’s no secret that hand hygiene programs should be a key part of any hospital’s infection prevention efforts. But, often, simply telling employees to wash up is not enough. Turning this concept into an actionable campaign can require creativity. Here are 5 hospitals who have met this challenge head-on and implemented innovative handwashing programs
5 Hospital Handwashing Programs Proven to Save Lives Read More »
It goes without saying that hand washing is a crucial part of infection control in hospitals. But even though this is a universally accepted fact, it’s still an issue that hospitals struggle with. Getting handwashing compliance rates up to par is often more than just a matter of infection control. In fact, it’s actually part
How To Build A Culture Of Accountability Around Hand Hygiene Read More »
It’s an honor and an accreditation that only 8% of US hospitals can boast: Magnet recognition. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program is reserved for the select few healthcare organizations who have demonstrated excellence in nursing, innovations in professional nursing practice, and high-quality patient care. Magnet hospitals are known for patient safety
Is Magnet Recognition Worth The Effort? Read More »
It’s almost impossible to discuss the changing healthcare landscape without acknowledging the shift into consumerism. Today, Americans don’t just shop for clothing, cars, food, or homes. They shop around for their healthcare. And as cases of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) continue to make the news, they might just start wondering about hospital safety ratings. It’s yet
Healthcare Consumers: Raising Expectations for Hand Hygiene Read More »
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