Join us while we talk to infection preventionists to learn the facts about infection prevention, the truth about some common myths, and tips to keeping yourself and the people around you safe. Brought to you by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
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American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)
Join infection preventionists as they have conversations with authors of the latest research in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) about how to advance the science and practice of infection prevention and control. While learning how to put the latest science into practice, maybe you will be inspired to take the next steps to develop your own research projects.
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AJIC covers key topics and issues in infection control and epidemiology. Infection control professionals, including physicians, nurses, and epidemiologists, rely on AJIC for peer-reviewed articles covering clinical topics as well as original research. As the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). AJIC is the foremost resource on infection control, epidemiology, infectious diseases, quality management, occupational health, and d ...
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#68 Expert Review: A Deep Dive Into APIC’s CAUTI Implementation Guide
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36:46In this episode, our hosts chat with Dr. Rebecca Crapanzano-Sigafoos and Frankie Catalfumo about APIC’s updated CAUTI Implementation Guide and the collaborative efforts behind it. They share the guide’s origins and what inspired the guide, highlight key prevention strategies, and debunk some common misconceptions about CAUTI in healthcare. Tune in …
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#46 Burnout, Beds, and Budgets: The Hidden Reality of IP Staffing
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37:15In this special episode, our very own host, Jess, swaps the mic for the guest seat, joining co-author Brenna Doran to unpack their newly published study, “Quantifying the Progressing Landscape of Infection Preventionists.” This episode dives deep into what it really takes to keep infection prevention programs running in today’s complex healthcare e…
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#67 Global Infection Control: Strategies, Challenges and the Future of Healthcare
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40:30How do infection prevention strategies vary across the globe? In this episode, Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard talk with infection control experts Dr. Filippo Medioli from Italy and Dr. Tatiana Izakovic from Slovakia. They explore how cultural attitudes, institutional policies, and limited resources shape infection control efforts worldwide. The co…
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#45 Enhanced Barrier Precautions: Strengthening Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes
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44:06How can nursing homes stop the spread of deadly infections without isolating residents? In this episode, the hosts, Jess and Nicki, dive into Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) with experts Dr. Mary-Claire Roghmann and Stephanie Mayoryk. They explore real-world strategies for implementing EBP, overcoming staff challenges, and balancing infection co…
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#66 Silent Spread: Unmasking the Kansas Tuberculosis Outbreak
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35:38Tuberculosis remains a pressing public health challenge, with recent outbreaks highlighting its persistent threat. In this episode infectious disease expert Dr. Matt Shoemaker dives into the TB outbreak in Kansas. He unpacks the complexities of its transmission, the symptoms to watch for, and the obstacles faced in controlling its spread. Explore h…
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#44 Infection Control in Action: Mount Sinai's Screening Strategies for Candida Auris
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37:53How can hospitals stop the spread of Candida auris before it starts? In this episode, infection prevention experts from Mount Sinai share how an expanded screening protocol helped detect cases early and prevent outbreaks. Learn about the challenges of screening, patient isolation, and facility-wide collaboration. With real-world insights and a touc…
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#65 Crafting Your IP Future: Strategies for Career Advancement in Infection Prevention
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53:57What’s the next step in your career as an IP? Join hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard as they explore APIC’s Career Development and Advancement Guide with experts Chris Zirges and Angel Mueller. This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you evaluate your skills, build a standout professional portfolio, and navigate every career s…
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#43 Revolutionizing Infection Prevention: Empowering Healthcare Through Training Strategies That Work
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27:21How can we revolutionize infection prevention training in healthcare? Dive into this insightful episode as Dr. Terri Rebmann and Dr. Ashley Hughes explore game-changing techniques like simulation-based learning, just-in-time training, and empowering mentorship. Discover free, expert-developed tools from CDC’s Project Firstline and learn practical t…
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#64 Infection Prevention Across Borders: A Conversation With Dr. Carol McLay, APIC’s 2025 President
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25:33Tune into this episode of the 5 Second Rule Podcast where hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes interview Dr. Carol McLay, a leading infection prevention expert and 2025 APIC President. Hear about Dr. McLay's inspiring career journey including her experiences during the AIDS epidemic and the Ebola outbreak. Listen to her vision to strengthen infect…
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#42 Closing the Gap: Insights From APIC’s Infection Prevention Staffing Calculator
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23:45Can a staffing calculator really revolutionize Infection Prevention and Control? Join us for podcast number 42, where we dive into the world of infection prevention staffing and debunk myths with our expert guests, Dr. Becca Bartles and Dr. Sara Reese. Discover how this innovative calculator changes staffing dynamics and significantly reduces infec…
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#63 IP Strategic Partnership: The Critical Role of Infection Preventionists As Advocates in Sterile Processing – Featuring Rebecca Taylor Alvino
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39:27In this special holiday edition, hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes welcome Rebecca Taylor Alvino, a board-certified infection preventionist and perioperative nurse at UCSF Health. Rebecca shares her inspiring journey from a public health background to a focused career in surgical infection prevention. Rebecca dives into the challenges of infect…
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#41 Data, Defense, and Disease: How Washington State Tackled COVID-19
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36:55In this episode, the guests delve into the outstanding work of the Washington State Department of Health in infection prevention, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring healthcare experts like Melissa Feskin, Sarah Podczervinski, and Lisa Hannah, the discussion revolves around connecting healthcare systems to necessary resources, implem…
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#62 Confronting the Storm: Infection Control in the Eye of a Hurricane
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46:57In the 5 Second Rule podcast by APIC, hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes discuss infection prevention and control in the context of hurricanes with professionals, Lori Crow and Cindy Prins. From sharing personal experiences to breaking down the role of infection preventionists in such situations, the podcast covers a wide range of topics - from …
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#40 Infection Prevention Power Hour: Certification, Mentorship and Training Uncovered
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32:11Are you interested in infection control and prevention? This episode of the American Journal of Infection Control: Science into Practice podcast, features insightful discussions with experts Kelly Holmes, Jennifer McCarty, and Sandy Steinfeld. The panel examines different aspects of the field with a focus on certification, mentorship, and the power…
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#61 Moving the Needle on Health Equity and Healthcare
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28:35Hear about the intricacies of healthcare equity in this episode of the 5 Second Rule podcast, hosted by Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard. We welcome Caldwell Lewin and Jessica Tarabay from the APIC Health Equity Committee, diving deep into topics such as health equity, disparities, and crucial infection prevention strategies. Listen now to gain valu…
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#39 PEP Talk: Insights From the National Post-Exposure Hotline
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25:00In this fascinating AJIC Science Into Practice episode, hosts Nikki and Jessica explore the crucial topic of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with guest Dr. Carolyn Chu, Chief Clinical Officer of the National Clinician Consultation Center. They discuss the PEP line, a teleconsultation service supporting healthcare providers who manage exposures to b…
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#60 Community Health Heroes: Unpacking the Missouri Kids IPC Toolkit
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28:23In the latest episode of the 5 Second Rule podcast, guest Chris Smith delves into the collaboration between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and APIC, resulting in the development of a school-based IPC Toolkit for Missouri Schools. This initiative equips the school community with valuable resources to enhance infection preventi…
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#38 Genome Sequencing Reveals: COVID's 5-Hour Airborne Journey
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28:04In this podcast, hosts delve right into an enlightening discussion with Dr. Michael Charness, Dr. Kalpana Gupta, and Dr. Katherine Linsenmeyer about transmission dynamics in infection control. They particularly zero in on an investigation into the aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 hours after hospital room changeovers, touching on key findings suc…
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#59 Decoding the 2024 Infection Control Updates: A Deep Dive With The Joint Commission Expert Natalya Rosenberg
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34:29Are you up to date with the latest Infection Control Updates for 2024? Tune into the Five Second Rule Podcast, where hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard discuss these crucial updates with Natalya Rosenberg from The Joint Commission. Gain insights into competency-based training, protocols for high-consequence pathogens, ensuring vendor compliance,…
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#37 Unraveling the Sociospatial Patterns: Health Disparities in US Skilled Nursing Facilities Amid COVID-19
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41:31In the podcast, guests Dr. Cynthia Lakon and Dr. John Hipp discuss their research on the socio-spatial health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic in US skilled nursing facilities. They discuss the factors that influence the pervasiveness of the pandemic within these facilities, such as the social and economic condition of the surrounding area,…
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Listen in as our hosts, Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes, interview the authors of three impactful oral and poster presentations live at the 2024 APIC Annual Conference in San Antonio. Learn about a multi-prong approach to enhance outcomes in a dental unit, insights from a pediatric measles outbreak, and the adoption of a veterinary occupational and…
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#36 Neurosurgery Unplugged: Traffic Control in the Operating Room
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25:38In this engaging podcast episode our guests, Heather Dixon, Mathea Schafer, and Dr. Mohamed Yassin, discuss their article about the automated traffic monitoring of the Neurosurgical Operating Room. Listen to get insights on their research, professional journeys, and innovative techniques used in the study. With special guests: Mohamed Yassin, MD, P…
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#57 IP Strategic Partnership: Diving Into Occupational Health With Allison Zelikoff
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25:52In this insightful podcast, nurse manager Allison Zelikoff explores the history and importance of occupational health, its partnership with infection prevention, and how she found her calling in this field. Find out more about the critical role of occupational health in promoting workplace safety and the challenges this discipline faces including a…
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#35 The Hidden Impact of COVID-19: Rising Hospital-Acquired Candida Infections
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35:51Want to stay updated on the latest in infection prevention and control? Join hosts Nicki Shore and Jessica Swain in the "Science into Practice" podcast brought to you by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. In their most recent episode, they welcomed Dr. Jose Cadena and Ms. Delvina (Mimi) Ford to talk about their…
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#56 Pulling Back the Curtain on the APIC Abstract Review Process With Trent MacAllister
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26:40In this episode of the Five Second Rule podcast, hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard speak with Trent MacAllister, Infection Preventionist at the Washington State Department of Health and APIC Annual Conference Committee member. He shares insights into the abstract review process for the APIC Annual Conference. Trent provides information on how t…
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#34 Seasoned Warriors: Navigating Infection Prevention Standards in Critical Access Hospitals
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28:40Did you ever wonder how Infection Prevention Program Standards were developed for Critical Access Hospitals? In this podcast, IP experts discuss their work in customizing standards to meet the unique needs of smaller hospitals. They share the challenges faced, the importance of supporting IPs in such settings, and the role of the APIC-IP competency…
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#55 Nipping Infections in the Bud: Spotlight on IPs in Long-Term Care
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25:02Explore the world of infection prevention and control in the long-term care sector on APIC's 5 Second Rule podcast. This episode features A.C. Burke, a veteran of the public health and healthcare sectors, who shares her passion for infection control in long-term care facilities. From issues of staffing and burnout to the ongoing need for roles dedi…
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#33 Infection Preventionists Unplugged: Insights From Public Health, Consulting, and Academia
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46:18Dive into the lesser-known realms of infection prevention as we uncover the fascinating roles of Infection Preventionists (IPs) beyond the traditional healthcare settings. Our guests are renowned experts Joan Hebden, Dana Piatek, and Dr. Katreena Merrill, who will share insights from the 2020 APIC Mega Survey, discuss their work in public health an…
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#54 From MRSA to Influence: A Patient’s Path to Advocacy
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39:12In this engaging episode of the Five Second Rule podcast, hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard converse with patient advocate Rosie Bartel, sharing her incredible battle with a persistent MRSA infection, which began as a complication of knee replacement surgery. As a survivor and activist, Rosie's brave story takes us through her grueling journey …
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#32 Turning Chaos Into Opportunity: Surgical Site Infections in a Pandemic
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30:45In this podcast episode of Science into Practice by the American Journal of Infection Control, hosts Nicki Shore and Jessica Swain have a fascinating discussion with infection prevention experts, Dr. Sara Reese and Jordan Zepeda. They discuss an interesting study about the increase in Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Th…
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#53 Journey to Chapter Excellence: A Tale of Two Stories
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34:26In this episode of the 5 Second Rule podcast, hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes talk with Aayushi Chheda, past president of the Midnight Sun Chapter of APIC, and Talia Lefkowitz, past president of the Greater New York Chapter of APIC, both winners of a 2023 Chapter Excellence Award. Aayushi discusses their successful strategies to revitalize th…
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#31 Navigating the Link Between Ventilator-Associated Events and Strategic Weaning Protocols
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41:58In this episode of the American Journal of Infection Control Podcast, host Nikki Shore speaks with Dr. Jennifer Sanguinet, Director of Infection Prevention at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, and Gerard Marshall, Manager of Infection Prevention at the same institution. They discuss their recent study on ventilator-associated events and the impl…
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#52 Meet the 2024 President: Tania Bubb’s Outlook for the Future of APIC
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18:58Are you ready to be inspired by a conversation with Dr. Tania Bubb, APIC's 2024 president? Listen to this podcast to learn about her volunteerism, journey to the APIC presidency, initiatives, and values that she will promote during her leadership. Hear her discuss the importance of trust and collaboration, active listening, and valuing others' live…
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#30 UV Disinfection Deployment: A Quality Improvement Initiative at an Acute Care Facility
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49:46Do you want to know how to improve infection prevention in your hospital? Join us as we speak to those in the field of infection prevention and control, like us, as well as other experts to learn about the latest research in the field and how you can implement it. We are talking to Casey Lewis and Victoria Crall, two senior infection preventionists…
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#51 APIC's Emerging Infectious Diseases Task Force: Changing Infection Prevention One Playbook at a Time
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47:48Join us as we hear from Rosa Lozano, the chair of APIC's Emerging Infectious Diseases Task Force. She discusses her role in assembling the passionate, diverse members of the task force and how they are developing operational guidance to assist infection preventionists and public health professionals in combating novel pathogens and infectious disea…
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#29 Tackling C. difficile: Examining the Impact of Length of Treatment on Recurrence Rates
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26:41Does longer treatment of C. difficile infection lead to fewer recurrences in patients taking concurrent antibiotics? Join us as we interview Irina Rajakumar on her research into the impact of CDI length of treatment on recurrent rates. Hear her discuss the study design and the impact of demographics such as age, clinical services, and concurrent an…
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#50 Conquering Burnout: Heather Saunders' Recipe for Wellness
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36:47Heather Saunders, an Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Consultant and Research Nurse Program Manager, shares personal strategies to navigate and recover from burnout. Through Heather’s experience in healthcare she found her passion for infection prevention and is now creating awareness on the importance of self-care and practical approaches to…
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#28 A Tale of Two Hospitals: Investigating the Salmonella Javiana Outbreak
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22:47Have you ever wondered how infection prevention professionals investigate and mitigate food-borne illnesses? Join us to hear from Lisa Stancill and Madison Ponder on their study of a Salmonella Javiana outbreak in two hospitals. As they discuss the methodological challenges and lessons learned, they provide insight into the impact of immunocompromi…
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#49 Celebrating International Infection Prevention Week With Carole Kamangu: From Aspirations of Becoming a Surgeon to Gaining Tenacity and Grit in Public Health
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35:23This podcast hosted by APIC celebrates International Infection Prevention Week with guest Carole Kamangu. Carole is a nurse epidemiologist and infection prevention consultant who moved to the US in 2004 from the Democratic Republic of Congo and obtained her master's in public health. Listen to her inspiring story of her initial aspiration to become…
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#27 Putting CHG Bathing Into Practice: A Podcast With Yvette Williams
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30:55Have you ever wondered what prompted a CHG patient refusal bathing study? Join hosts Nikki Shore and Jessie Swain as the podcast "Science into Practice" dives into this topic with Yvette Williams, a nurse who studied CHG bathing in critical and non-critical areas. Hear how Yvette used her experience to create educational materials and one-on-one se…
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#48 Inside the Mind of a Vaccine Scientist: Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic and Preparing for the Future of IPC with Dr. Peter Hotez
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46:52In this episode of the 5 Second Rule, hosts Kelly and Lerenza interview Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine scientist and autism parent, who shares his insights from the recent COVID-19 pandemic and provides strategies to better equip IPC programs for the future. His enlightened advice about anticipating and preparing for emerging infections, combined with …
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#26 Putting Science Into Practice: A Talk with Dr. Stella Hines on Reusable Respirator Use in Healthcare"
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45:29Are you looking to learn about the latest research in the field of infection prevention and control? Join us as we speak to Dr. Stella Hines, MD, MSPH, an occupational medicine physician and pulmonologist, about her study on user acceptance and preference for a novel reusable respirator among healthcare workers. Find out the different types of reus…
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Our hosts are joined in-person by three oral and poster presenters at the 2023 APIC Annual Conference in Orlando! You'll hear about insights from a new IP director, hand hygiene compliance technology, and Candida auris. Check out more information about each oral or poster presentation in our Further Resources section. Hosted by: Lerenza Howard, MHA…
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#25 Exploring Antibiotic Resistance & Stewardship in New York State with Dr. Danielle Durant
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46:14Are you an Infection Preventionist looking to learn more about the Healthcare Association of New York's State Antibiotic Stewardship Collaborative in 2015? Join us as we talk to Dr. Danielle Durant about her research and paper evaluation of the Collaborative. Dr. Durant provides us with an extensive background on HANES and the AUR Module of NHSN, r…
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#46 The IP Researcher: Unraveling Implementation Science
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37:12Tune in to hear Dr. Gilmartin share her journey from her start as an infection preventionist in a rural hospital to a Doctor of Nursing. In this episode, she discusses using implementation science and to help IPs to close the gap between what we know and what we do. Dr. Gilmartin explains effective measures in conducting research on everyday IP iss…
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#24 Breaking the Silo: Understanding the Impact of Airborne Microbial Contamination in the Operating Room with Dr. John Harp"
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27:09Do airborne contaminants increase the risk of prosthetic joint infections? In this podcast, Dr. John Harp discusses his observational study on sterile field bioburden levels in operating rooms in the United States and the risks associated with rising microbe carrying particles. Dr. Harp shares his expertise in the field, as he has a background in e…
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#45 Navigating APIC's Annual Conference & Exposition
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25:47Whether you've attended before or are a first timer, you'll want to listen as our hosts interview the 2023 APIC Annual Conference Chair Maria Whitaker. Get the hot tips that will help you navigate the conference like a pro and maximize your time among the education sessions, posters, exhibit hall, and more. Whether you attend in person or virtually…
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#23 Reporting Device-Related Infections – Healthcare Workers’ Perspective
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34:08Concerns and frustrations about inconsistencies with the public reporting of device-related healthcare associated infections: Perspectives of hospital leaders and staff. With special guest: Sarah MacEwan PhD, Ohio State UniversityBy Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)
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#44 Mentor-Mentee Relationships in Infection Prevention: A Two-Way Street
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29:52Listen as an expert IP mentor and a successful IP mentee discuss their relationship, how they found each other, and the benefits of a mentor-mentee relationship in today's IPC workforce. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Sheri Ives, MBA, BSN Sheri Ives has been with VDH since May of 2020. She beg…
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#22 Weighing the Connection Between a Patient Safety Climate and Infection Prevention Practices.
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1:06:14In this episode, Drs Hessels and Larson describe how a positive patient safety climate contributes to improved adherence to infection prevention and control practices. This study produced findings not previously published thus advancing the state of the science in patient and occupational health and safety and infection prevention and control. Thes…
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