In 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, implementing robust education strategies, and sharing best practices amidst the chaos of the pandemic. The focus on proactive measures rather than reactive responses validates their efforts in handling emergencies and preventing more significant complications.

With special guests:

• Melissa Feskin, MPH, Infection Prevention and Control Epidemiologist, Washington State Health Department of Health's Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section
• Lisa Hannah, RN, BS, CIC, CDIPC, Infection Prevention Team Supervisor, Washington State Health Department of Health's Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section
• Sara Podczervinski, RN, MPH, DNP, CIC, Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section Manager, Washington State Department of Health

Are 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 of structured training for infection preventionists. Holmes shares the significance of on-the-job training, McCarty discusses the prevalence and distribution trends of nursing in the infection prevention sphere, and Steinfeld talks about the impact of retirement on the field. Tune in to learn about the latest research and its application.

With special guests:

Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC, Infection Preventionist, IP&MA, Jennifer McCarty, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, Infection Preventionist, IP&MA, and Sandi Steinfeld, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, Infection Preventionist, IP&MA

In 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 bloodborne pathogens. The trio delves into the intricacies of PEP, the delay in its initiation, managing various exposures, and ensuring healthcare workers, particularly in urgent care, receive appropriate training and preparation to handle exposure properly and safely.

With special guest:

Carolyn Chu, MD, MSc, FAAFP, AAHIVS, Chief Clinical Officer/Principal Investigator of the National Clinician Consultation Center

In 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 such as the significance of reversion mutations. They underline the key takeaways from this genomic epidemiology study and its implications for infection prevention.

With special guests:

• Michael E. Charness, MD, Chief of Staff, VA Boston Healthcare System
• Kalpana Gupta, MD, MPH, Associate Chief of Staff and Chief of Infectious Disease, VA Boston Healthcare System
• Katherine Linsenmeyer, MD, Hospital Epidemiologist, VA Boston Healthcare System

In 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, the funding allocated to the nursing home, and the size of the nursing home itself. They also delve into the methodology of their research, their data sources, and the crucial role of considering geographic context in their study. Tune in to learn more about this critical aspect of public health.

With special guests:

Cynthia M. Lakon, Ph.D, Professor in the Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, University of California - Irvine and John R. Hipp, Ph.D, Professor in the Department of Criminology, Law, and Society, and Sociology, University of California - Irvine

In 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, PhD, Infectious Disease Physician, and Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Mathea Schafer, MPH, Infection Preventionist, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Heather Dixon, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CIC, Director of Quality, Safety, and Infection Prevention, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Want 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 recent research on Hospital-Acquired Candida Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The guests unraveled their experiences, shared concerning insights on the increased incidence of candidemia due to extended ICU stays during the pandemic, and discussed the shift in species detected and the challenges posed by multidrug-resistant strains. Tune in as they dive deeper into the intersection of infection control and COVID-19. Get inspired and find areas for your own research!

With special guests:

Delvina (Mimi) Ford, MPH, BSN, CIC, CPHQ, CCRN-k, Quality Management Consultant, VISN 17 and Dr. Jose Cadena, MD, Infection Prevention and Control Medical Director, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System

Did 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 model. They also discus the impact of these changes on staffing, management, and critical areas like ENDO and OR. Join them as they share valuable insights and strategies that led to their success. Listen now!

With special guests:

Kathleen McMullen, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, Director for Infection Prevention at Mercy, Angela Gray, BA, BSN, RN, CIC, Infection Prevention Specialist for Aspirus St. Luke's, and Jessica Banks, RN, Infection Preventionist and Education Coordinator, Mercy Hospital Aurora and Cassville

Dive 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 and academia, and reveal how they are striving to multiply the field of infection prevention. Learn about their paths, achievements, and the critical work they are doing in infection prevention and control.

With special guests:

Katreena Merrill, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Professor, Brigham Young University (BYU) College of Nursing, Joan N. Hebden, MS, RN, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, President of IPC Consulting Group LLC, and Dana Piatek, MPH, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Clinical Consultant with GOJO Industries

In 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. The experts shed light on whether supply chain disruptions and protocol changes may have contributed to the phenomenon while discussing modifiable risk factors that could impact prevention strategies. A must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the intricate links between the pandemic and other healthcare challenges.

With special guests:

Sara Reese, PhD, MPH,CIC, FAPIC, Regional Director of Infection Prevention, Intermountain Health and Jordan Zepeda, MPH, CIC, Infection Prevention Manager, Swedish Medical Center