On this episode of The ICHE Podcast, we dive into research priorities in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial stewardship (AS) with experts Robin Jump, Jennie Kwon, Daniel Livorsi, Lona Mody, and Eli Perencevich. The discussion explores the importance of publishing research agendas to stimulate focused research, guide researchers in prioritizing critical topics, and inform funding decisions. By addressing these goals, the panel aims to align research efforts with pressing clinical challenges, foster innovation, and bridge gaps between research and implementation. The guests also discuss the structured methodologies used to draft these research agendas, detailing how key priorities were identified and refined to address the most urgent needs in the field.

The panel reviews three recently published agendas in ICHE: A Call to Action: The SHEA Research Agenda to Combat Healthcare-Associated Infections, Research Agenda for Transmission Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration, 2024–2028, and Research Agenda for Antibiotic Stewardship within the Veterans Health Administration, 2024–2028. Key topics include addressing antimicrobial resistance, improving diagnostic tools, and tackling HAIs in vulnerable populations. The conversation further examines the applicability of findings from VA-specific agendas to non-VA healthcare settings, concluding that many insights are broadly relevant.

Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of the research landscape and actionable ways to contribute to advancements in patient safety and healthcare quality. For further details, explore the full articles discussed in this episode at Cambridge.org/ICHE.