SHEA Press Release Archives
Pet Partners Online “Infection Prevention and Control: Therapy Animal Visitation in Healthcare Settings” Course Endorsed by SHEA
Bellevue, WA July 7, 2016 – A new online training course for handlers of therapy animals that visit healthcare settings has received the endorsement of the infection prevention medical organization, The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA). SHEA recommends all animal handlers in healthcare settings participate in a formal training program to address zoonotic diseases and proper hygiene, as defined in the SHEA expert guidance, “Animals in healthcare facilities: recommendations to minimize potential risks.” The guidance addresses the increased presence of animals in acute care hospitals and ambulatory medical settings related to animal-assisted therapy, animal-assisted activities, and research in the context of patient and healthcare provider safety.
Central Line Infection Prevention Bundles Reduce Number of Deadly Infections in Newborns
Infection prevention bundles, a package of evidence-based guidelines implemented in unison, are effective for reducing central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) in critical care newborn infants, according to a new study published today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. The bundle helped reduce the number of lines placed, the duration of time used and the number of infections.
New Legionella Toolkit Puts Patients First
Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data on the frequency, location, and source of recent Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks and information on proper water management programs for buildings, including healthcare facilities. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) applauds the CDC’s efforts to protect patients from this dangerous pathogen.
New Antibiotic Stewardship Guidelines Focus On Practical Advice For Implementation
Preauthorization of broad-spectrum antibiotics and prospective review after two or three days of treatment should form the cornerstone of antibiotic stewardship programs to ensure the right drug is prescribed at the right time for the right diagnosis. These are among the numerous recommendations included in new guidelines released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Six-Step Hand-Washing Technique Found Most Effective for Reducing Bacteria
New research demonstrates that the six-step hand-hygiene technique recommended by the World Health Organization is superior to a three-step method suggested by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in reducing bacteria on healthcare workers’ hands. The study was published online today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
SHEA Applauds Recommendations of Presidential Advisory Council on Combatting Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Today, the Presidential Advisory Council on Combatting Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) met and plans to release the report, “Initial Assessment of the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria,” an in-depth analysis of federal efforts to date and recommendations for continuing national progress related to antibiotic resistance. This comprehensive report uses the assessment completed by the PACCARB work groups to set the stage for future coordinated initiatives by U.S. Federal Agencies and interested private sector partners.
SHEA Announces Newest Delegation of the International Ambassador Program
Strong infection prevention practices are critical for healthcare institutions around the world. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) has announced its 2016 International Ambassador Program delegation. This year’s delegation includes 18 outstanding individuals from six continents, all with extensive experience in healthcare epidemiology and infection prevention.
Effective Antibiotic Controls Needed to Combat Growing Threat of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
On March 3, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released significant new data showing a reduction in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), but warning about the persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the United States. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, representing leaders in infection prevention and control, urges all healthcare facilities and healthcare systems to establish and fully fund robust infection-prevention programs to protect patients from the spread of these lethal pathogens.
Antibiotic Stewardship Practices Widely Implemented in VA Healthcare System
New research highlights the robust presence of antibiotic stewardship practices in most Veterans Administration-affiliated facilities, manifested in both formal and informal policies. The study was published online today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
Antiseptic Baths to Prevent Infections Deemed Effective for Long-Term Use
Long-term use antiseptic soap in bathing critically ill patients to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) did not cause high levels of resistance in bacteria on the patients’ skin, according to a new study published online in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
U.S. Capability for Treating Ebola Outbreak Appears Sufficient but Limited
The United States has sufficient capacity for treating another outbreak of the Ebola virus, but financial, staffing and resource challenges remain a hurdle for many hospitals and health systems attempting to maintain dedicated treatment centers for highly infectious diseases, according to new study released today. The research was published online in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Complex Hospital Infection Data Confuses Consumers
Patients have difficulty deciphering complex numeric data on healthcare-associated infections used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to help consumers choose hospitals, according to a new study published online today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
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.