Safe Healthcare Blog
In case you missed it: November HICPAC Public Meeting recap
The Healthcare Infection Control Advisory Committee (HICPAC) held a public meeting Nov. 2-3, in Atlanta, Ga. Per the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and as has been done throughout the HICPAC meetings, official meeting minutes will be available on the HICPAC website in the coming weeks. Until then, below is a summary of key issues from Read More >
Posted on by 2 CommentsAntibiotic Stewardship when an Allergy Label is Present Improves Our Antibiotic Care and Treatment Outcomes
Did You Know? Although 10% of the population in the U.S. reports a penicillin allergy, less than 1% of the population is truly penicillin allergic. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are often used as an alternative to penicillins. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in patients labeled “penicillin-allergic” is associated with higher healthcare costs, increased risk for antimicrobial resistance, Read More >
Posted on by 2 CommentsQ&A on HICPAC’s process to update 2007 Isolation Guideline
One way CDC protects the nation’s health is through guidelines for healthcare settings that protect patients, providers, visitors, and staff from infection. These guidelines are developed through an extensive process of scientific review and stakeholder engagement. This year, one of CDC’s advisory committees, the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), is reviewing and updating Read More >
Posted on by 15 CommentsEthiopian Hospitals Use Infection Prevention and Control Practices to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Two hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, are demonstrating that even when access to resources is limited, commitment to infection prevention and control (IPC) practices makes combating antimicrobial resistance (AR) possible. Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria can cause severe, hard-to-treat infections. They were associated with almost 5 million deaths worldwide in 2019. IPC practices such as proper hand hygiene, Read More >
Posted on by 4 CommentsMy Daughter Died from Sepsis–Public Awareness is Critical
When our 9-month-old daughter, Clover, got sick with a fever in 2017, sepsis did not even cross our minds. Clover was a healthy baby and in daycare since she was 8 weeks old. When in daycare, a fever becomes a normal occurrence for children. We were told babies were little “germ factories,” and that seemed Read More >
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