OSHA Terminates COVID-19 Rulemaking
On January 15, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) terminated its healthcare COVID-19 rulemaking (90 Fed. Reg. 3665).
How Proper Workwear Improves Safety for Healthcare Workers
This article provides helpful information on fabric choices and fit considerations unique to the healthcare industry for anyone unsure how to select the right scrubs or workwear for these settings.
Experts: Bird Flu Outbreak Spreading, But Not Expected to Become Pandemic
In a January 10 media briefing, experts from the Infectious Diseases Society of America said that despite a recent death attributed to the H5N1 bird flu, the virus poses a low public health risk and is not expected to become a pandemic.
SHEA Releases 10-Year Research Agenda Focusing on HAIs
To help combat this ongoing challenge, the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released a comprehensive 10-year research agenda aimed at reducing HAIs and improving outcomes for patients.
IHI Forum: Dr. Fauci Reflects on the Challenges from a Distinguished Career
As he reflected on his work during the HIV/AIDS crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci urged attendees at the IHI Forum to continue the hard work of patient safety and healthcare quality despite the current environment of mistrust.
How to Reduce Sepsis Mortality at Hospitals and Health Systems
The Providence health system and a hospital that is part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System have made strides in reducing sepsis mortality.
Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grades Find Patient Safety Improvements Nationwide
The Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 30 performance measures to assign an “A, “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” to individual hospitals and uses a public, peer-reviewed methodology, calculated by top patient safety experts under the guidance of a National Expert Panel. It is transparent and free to the public. Leapfrog analysts use the data to observe national performance trends and state rankings.
New Leapfrog Analysis Looks at HAI Rates
A new analysis from Leapfrog has found a steady downward trajectory for HAIs since COVID-19—but while these improvements are encouraging, there’s still more work to be done with transparent reporting and patient empowerment to get to zero-lives-lost from preventable infections.
Improving Sepsis Education, Identification, and Awareness
The CDC also included several questions in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) 2023 Annual Survey seeking to understand the current state of sepsis programs in healthcare organizations.
Making a Business Case for Infection Preventionists
An infection prevention and control executive at Boston Children’s Hospital recently made a business case for hiring more infection preventionists and was able to gain approval to increase staffing by more than 50%.