Just when you thought things were improving with hospital safety and health care associated infections (HAIs), new research shows health care associated pathogens remain active on all types of surfaces for extended periods of time. Research concerning high-touch objects in patient rooms has led to many product advances and innovations. They include new cleanable TV [...]
You may be wondering why this publication has allowed a column specifically focused on health care-associated infections (HAIs) while so many changes are occurring in health care. Unfortunately, there are a few powerful forces that have collided over one specific spot that makes this focus on HAIs significant. With the continued rise in multi-drug resistant [...]
Endoscopic procedures involve a flexible or rigid tube with a light and camera attached to it which is inserted into an organ cavity. This invasive imaging technique is sometimes combined with specific surgical procedures. Endoscopes fall into categories based on the area of the body that they investigate. The Food and Drug Administration states [...]
Let's face facts. Hospitals need to make money, or at least be financially successful, in order to provide safe and effective patient care. This hinges on making sure medical facilities are properly managed, and that those receiving treatment are paying for the services they receive through insurance or government programs. Society needs successful, healthy hospitals. [...]
Proper building maintenance will help to mitigate the spread of infection Damp indoor air can foster the growth and transmission of viruses and bacteria-living organisms that cause diseases, like the common cold, coughs, influenza, tuberculosis, or other infectious agents. These infections can easily become airborne through simple sneezes or coughs. Offices and waiting rooms with [...]
A tipping point is defined as "the moment of critical mass, the threshold, and the boiling point." This definition can be applied in health care as it relates to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The apex has been reached and the weight is moving the entire balance of health care to incorporate change quickly. So what tipped [...]
The end of the year is an excellent time to reflect upon accomplishments and set goals for the coming year. Reviewing the concerning healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates, continuing emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MOROs) and innovative approaches to medicine provides an optimistic look into the near future. Innovation can be exciting for healthcare staff when it [...]
People in the U.S. are entering an age of potentially devastating and deadly forces merging in our hospitals. Almost all Americans will receive care in a medical setting at some point, and antibiotic resistance can affect anyone. Antibiotic resistance is the ability of microbes to resist the effects of drugs, resulting in germs not being [...]
"Change before you have to" is a famous quote attributed to Jack Welch, the former head of General Electric who was known for his aggressive and successful management style. Change doesn't just benefit industrial companies. Everyone benefits from change. Similarly, health care is constantly undergoing significant change to meet government standards, lower infection rates and it [...]
Don’t bring infection in from the outside Health care facilities consistently are filled with vendor employees performing necessary work. This includes elevator technicians, painters, flooring contractors, plumbers, electricians, cleaning crews, and more—and many of these contractors do not have functional knowledge of how their work can negatively affect an immune-compromised patient. Without proper training on [...]
