SHEA Continues to Emphasize the Importance of Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee’s Process for CDC Guidelines

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) supports the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) and its members as they work to enact comprehensive evidence-based, inclusive, transparent guideline recommendations for preventing Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs). In light of CDC’s clarification questions sent back to the HICPAC Isolation Guideline workgroup earlier today, Thomas R. Talbot, MD, MPH, FSHEA, FIDSA, President of SHEA, released this statement:

“Through the HICPAC process and guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receives crucial input from experts on best practices for the surveillance and prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the spread of multidrug-resistant infections.  This clarification process reflects the iterative process for guideline development, which requires an ongoing dialogue and consideration of all the evidence to the get to the best possible outcomes for patients and healthcare personnel. SHEA supports efforts to improve the HICPAC guidelines process, diversify its representation, and provide clarifications on guidance.”

“HICPAC experts, who are mostly healthcare epidemiologists, possess specialized training, knowledge and professional experience in the prevention of infectious disease transmission in healthcare settings. This makes them the right experts to address these concerns and adjust the guidance. Patient and healthcare personnel safety is central to our day-to-day responsibilities of preventing and intervening in outbreaks, leading multidisciplinary patient safety and quality initiatives, and collaborating with public health entities.  This step in the CDC’s review process provides reassurance that the final guidance weighs existing evidence in a clear and thoughtful process.”

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About the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) 

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is a professional society representing more than 2,000 physicians and other healthcare professionals around the world who possess expertise and passion for healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. The society’s work improves public health by establishing infection-prevention measures and supporting antibiotic stewardship among healthcare providers, hospitals, and health systems. This is accomplished by leading research studies, translating research into clinical practice, developing evidence-based policies, optimizing antibiotic stewardship, and advancing the field of healthcare epidemiology. SHEA and its members strive to improve patient outcomes and create a safer, healthier future for all. Visit SHEA online and on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Contact: Christine Vaughan / cvaughan@thereisgroup.com / 703-587-6177