SHEA Press Release Archives
Antibiotic-Preserving Strategies Must Be Implemented to Battle Resistance
Modern medicine is largely dependent on the efficacy of antibiotics and other antimicrobials. Yet, the ability to treat infections successfully with antibiotics is hampered by resistance due to their overuse and misuse. Well-documented and properly coordinated strategies like stewardship of antibiotics, expanded surveillance of antibiotic resistance, as well as investment in new drug development and diagnostic testing can work to reverse this alarming trend. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is pleased to join the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other partners in "Get Smart about Antibiotics Week" to raise awareness of strategies and programs to address antibiotic resistance.
Diabetes Identified as a Risk Factor for Surgical Site Infections
Diabetic patients are at considerably increased risk for developing surgical site infections (SSIs) while undergoing most types of surgeries, compared to non-diabetic patients, according to a new study published online today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Drug-Resistant E.coli Bacteria Increasingly Found in Community Hospitals
The number of infections caused by highly antibiotic-resistant extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria is increasing in community hospitals, a setting in which most Americans receive care, according to a new study published online today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
Infection Control Experts Announce Recommendations to Reduce Overuse in Medicine
Today the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), released a list of five practices to avoid for better infection prevention and control and safer care as part of the ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely® campaign. The recommendations can support conversations between patients and physicians about what care is really necessary.
Dominant Strain of Drug-Resistant MRSA Decreases in Hospital Settings But Persists in the Broader Community
The incidence of the most common strain of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections has decreased in hospital-onset cases, but has failed to decline in the broader community, according to new research published online today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
Ensuring Appropriate Antibiotic Use in Long-Term Care Settings to Improve Patient Care
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is encouraged by a new report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlining key elements of sustainable and effective antibiotic stewardship plans in long-term care settings. SHEA strongly believes that addressing antibiotic resistance across the healthcare continuum must include efforts geared towards improving antibiotic-prescribing practices through the creation of antibiotic stewardship programs improve patient care practices and make important strides in addressing the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria.
Probiotics Show No Impact in Preventing Gastrointestinal Colonization with Drug Resistant Organisms
Probiotics show no benefit for preventing or eliminating gastrointestinal colonization with drug-resistant organisms in patients in the intensive care unit compared to standard care, according to new research published online today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
Multiple Strains of C. difficile Cause Severe Patient Outcomes
No single genetic strain of the widespread Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) bacteria appears to be any more harmful than other strains, according to new research published online today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
Controlling Inappropriate Antibiotic Use Across Settings Provides for Better Patient Outcomes
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) supports all of the nation’s healthcare providers across the spectrum of healthcare stepping up coordinated efforts to curb improper use of antibiotics by practicing antibiotic stewardship. A new Vital Signs report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spotlights the issue of healthcare communities working together on antibiotic misuse and overuse to improve patient safety.
SHEA Applauds Proposed Rule Requiring Implementation of Infection Control and Antibiotic Stewardship Programs in Long-Term Care Institutions
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) thoroughly supports a new proposed rule released last week by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which includes new requirements for all long-term care facilities to improve programs for infection prevention and control and establish antibiotic stewardship programs as a Condition of Participation in Medicare.
Best Practices Highlighted to Prevent Infections During Laundry Process of Healthcare Textiles
Proper laundering and handling are important in achieving and maintaining the hygienically-clean quality of healthcare fabrics and textiles delivered to the point of care, according to a new review that highlights evidence-based strategies to inhibit potentially serious contamination. The review, based on findings and recommendations from peer-reviewed studies, as well as current standards and guidelines, is published online in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Whole Genome Sequencing Found to Rapidly Enhance Infection Control
Whole genome sequencing can quickly isolate the specific strain of bacteria causing an outbreak, identify the source of contamination, and enable rapid infection prevention to stop the spread of infection, according to a study published today. The findings, based on the examination of an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an Australian neonatal unit, appear in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
SHEA Applauds Administration's Continued Support to Combat Antibiotic Resistance
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) strongly supports the ongoing efforts by the Obama Administration to tackle antibiotic resistance with a focus on antibiotic stewardship and will be in attendance at today's Antibiotic Stewardship Forum at the White House. As part of the initiative, SHEA has committed to address needs across all healthcare settings to create, implement and sustain antibiotic stewardship programs through a variety of programming, educational and stakeholder opportunities.
High Rates of MRSA Transmission Found Between Nursing Home Residents and Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers frequently contaminate their gloves and gowns during every day care of nursing homes residents with drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA, according to a new study funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The findings were published online today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
Diagnostic Errors Linked to High Incidence of Incorrect Antibiotic Use
New research finds that misdiagnoses lead to increased risk of incorrect antibiotic use, threatening patient outcomes and antimicrobial efficacy, while increasing healthcare costs. The study was published online today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
APIC and SHEA statement on FDA proposed rule on safety and effectiveness of healthcare antiseptic products
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) issued the following statement in response to release of a proposed rule by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relative to healthcare antiseptic products.
Drug Resistant Bacteria Common for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia
A new study found one in five nursing home residents with advanced dementia harbor strains of drug-resistant bacteria and more than 10 percent of the drug-resistant bacteria are resistant to four or more antibiotic classes. The research was published online today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
New Guidance on Contact Precautions for Hospital Visitors
Leading infectious diseases experts have released new guidance for healthcare facilities looking to establish precautions for visitors of patients with infectious diseases. The guidance looks to reduce the potential for healthcare visitors in spreading dangerous bacteria within the healthcare facility and community. The recommendations are published online in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Ebola Planning Created Need for Unprecedented Preparedness in Hospitals
Hospitals and health systems preparing for and treating patients with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the fall of 2015 faced unexpected challenges for ensuring safety of staff, patients and the community. The experiences are detailed in two studies published online in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Endoscopes Linked to Outbreak of Drug-Resistant E.coli
An outbreak of a novel Escherichia coli (E.coli) strain resistant to antibiotics has been linked to contaminated endoscopes in a Washington state hospital. The study indicates that industry standard cleaning guidelines, which were exceeded by hospital staff, may not be sufficient for sterilizing endoscopes adequately. The research was published online in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.