Healthcare Associated Infections
Using new technology to combat HAIs
April 08, 2015Even when you do everything right, setbacks still regularly occur. One of the most prevalent and needless obstacles is failing to protect residents from healthcare-associated illnesses.
Combatting CRE in long-term care
March 16, 2015While rare among healthy people, certain types of infections are on the rise in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare settings where up to half of all bloodstream infections caused by this type of bacteria result in death.
WetKeys Washable Keyboards launches screen protectors
December 16, 2014WetKeys Washable Keyboards is launching and distributing Seal Shield's Medical-Grade Screen Protectors, which can reduce microbial growth and withstand hospital-grade disinfectants.
New UV system reduces HAIs
May 06, 2014A new combined lighting and air purification system may be able to heavily reduce healthcare-acquired infections in nursing homes and hospitals.
Budgeting for hand hygiene
March 06, 2014One of my former colleagues, who had moved to the healthcare sector from television, shared with me the story of how she began her new job and was told, "Oh, yeah, you can figure out the budget, right?" Administrators with limited budgeting experience might hesitate to make big investments, but when it comes to hand hygiene, spending a little more today could lead to big savings down the line.
Preventing HAIs in long-term care
May 01, 2013Preventing the spread of MRSA, CRE and other hospital-acquired infections(HAI's) is quickly becoming a top priority in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities. Yet we often overlook disinfecting procedures on our vital signs monitoring equipment.
Reimbursement penalties did not reduce hospital-acquired infection rates; harsher sanctions might be needed, Harvard researchers say
October 15, 2012Financial penalties did not reduce healthcare facility-acquired infections in acute-care settings, a new study finds. Researchers say harsher sanctions might help.
New tracking tools, guidance help nursing homes treat and prevent facility-acquired infections
September 19, 2012Government health officials have released a tracking tool that can help nursing homes monitor healthcare-acquired infections.
Silver-based fiber technology available in healthcare textiles
March 07, 2012X-STATIC, the silver-based fiber technology, is now available in healthcare textiles, its maker announced. This new technology will aid facilities in implementing a proper soft surface bacterial management strategy as part of a larger effort to reduce healthcare associated infections, officials with Noble Biomaterials said. Soft surfaces (lab coats, scrubs, privacy curtains, bed linens) make up 90% of the patient care environment but are often overlooked in everyday infection prevention practices. X-STATIC fibers are permanently bonded with a layer of 99.9% pure metallic silver. This silver layer creates an ionic shield that permanently inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi on the fabric surface, according to the firm.
