American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice

How often do we compromise patient safety for convenience? In this episode, Nicki and Jess dive into the unsettling reality of central line access, discussing a scoping review that shows each unnecessary access increases the risk of bloodstream infections. Joined by experts Dr. Karen Brust and Mary Beth Hovda Davis, they explore effective strategies to reduce these risks and emphasize the need for...

Can artificial intelligence transform the way healthcare systems detect surgical site infections? Join us for a special episode of AJIC: Science Into Practice featuring our first international guest, Dr. Salma Abbas from the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore, Pakistan, as we explore innovative research comparing five large language models with traditional SSI su...

What if our perceptions of hand hygiene are far from reality? In this engaging episode, hosts Nicki and Jess explore the surprising gap between self-reported and observed hand hygiene practices among healthcare professionals. Joined by infectious diseases experts Dr. Prathit Kulkarni and Dr. Barbara Trautner, they delve into psychological biases, workflow challenges, and how these factors contribu...

Join Nicki and Jess as they dive into the journey of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections as patients move between hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). They're joined by special guests Kelly, Glenn, and Cory, who help unpack insights from a massive U.S. study of over 86,000 hospitalizations. Together, they explore why so many patients are discharged to SNFs after a C. diff inf...

Measles is back, and when a community outbreak hit in early 2025, one children's hospital had to move fast. In this episode, hosts Nicki and Jess are joined by Chris, Christie, and Lacey to break down how their multidisciplinary team rapidly designed and implemented infection prevention strategies to protect pediatric patients, families, and staff. From emergency department screening sheds and tem...

Have you ever tackled a complex job without a manual? In this episode, we dive into the reality of infection prevention training and explore how variability in orientation impacts CIC preparedness among infection preventionists in Texas. The conversation highlights a heavy reliance on on-the-job training, limited use of standardized onboarding tools, and significant disparities in certification, p...

Can a simple nasal antiseptic protect ICU patients from deadly MRSA infections? This episode dives into how a Michigan hospital team reduced bloodstream infections with a twice-daily antiseptic, why it worked, and what it takes to implement this approach. With expert insights and real-world challenges, this is prevention in action, right under your nose. With special guests: Sarah Prascius, MPH, C...

Can benchmarking data actually improve antibiotic prescribing for kids? In this episode of AJIC: Science into Practice, hosts Nicki and Jess talk with Dr. Rana El Feghaly and Dr. Matthew Kronman about how collaborative reporting, smart guidelines, and EMR nudges help reduce unnecessary prescriptions. Hear how 22 institutions are reshaping outpatient stewardship with one smarter antibiotic choice a...

How did a soil-dwelling parasite infiltrate a New York care facility? Hosts Jess and Nicki dig into a real-life outbreak of Strongyloides stercoralis with experts Kelly Barrett and Dr. Geetika Sood. What began as an unexpected lab finding spiraled into 17 confirmed infections across residents and staff. Tune in for sharp insights, big data talk, and infection prevention lessons you won't want to m...

Why do infection preventionists stay or walk away? In this episode, hosts Nicki and Jess sit down with guests Dr. Sara Reese and Albert Shackelford to unpack new data on retention and attrition in the field of Infection Prevention (IP). From burnout and workload pressures to flexible schedules and opportunities for growth, they explore the factors shaping career decisions for infection preventioni...

What happens when infection prevention meets Southern charm? In this episode of AIC Science Into Practice, experts from UAB spotlight Alabama's Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control. Discover how they tackled misinformation, trained 70,000+ participants statewide, and built a powerful network of infection preventionists, all while having a little fun along the way. With special gues...

What really happens when you flush the toilet? In this episode, environmental microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba reveals the science behind aerosolized germs, viral cross-contamination, and the surprising role toilet flushing plays in spreading pathogens like norovirus. Discover how air sanitizer sprays can reduce airborne and surface contamination and what that means for infection prevention. If yo...

Confused by endoscope reprocessing gaps? Join hosts Nikki, Jess, and guest Frankie Catalfumo as they dig into brush types, drying myths, storage debates, and why IFUs can't be trusted blindly. Packed with humor, hard truths, and baking analogies, this episode arms you with practical advice and a few laughs to stop biofilm from crashing your sterile party. Tune in! With special guest: Frankie Catal...

Are you curious how infection preventionists are shaping the future of their field? Tune into this episode on the APIC 2025 MegaSurvey. Learn about the MegaSurvey, why it matters, and how it's evolved. Explore how the findings may influence staffing models, compensation trends, emerging technologies, and more. Most importantly, discover how your voice can shape the tools, standards, and career pat...

In this special episode, our very own host, Jess, swaps the mic for the guest seat, joining co-author Brenna Doran to unpack their newly published study, "Quantifying the Progressing Landscape of Infection Preventionists." This episode dives deep into what it really takes to keep infection prevention programs running in today's complex healthcare environment. Tune in as Jess and Brenna reveal eye-...

How can nursing homes stop the spread of deadly infections without isolating residents? In this episode, the hosts, Jess and Nicki, dive into Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) with experts Dr. Mary-Claire Roghmann and Stephanie Mayoryk. They explore real-world strategies for implementing EBP, overcoming staff challenges, and balancing infection control with resident quality of life. Don't miss th...

How can hospitals stop the spread of Candida auris before it starts? In this episode, infection prevention experts from Mount Sinai share how an expanded screening protocol helped detect cases early and prevent outbreaks. Learn about the challenges of screening, patient isolation, and facility-wide collaboration. With real-world insights and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyo...

How can we revolutionize infection prevention training in healthcare? Dive into this insightful episode as Dr. Terri Rebmann and Dr. Ashley Hughes explore game-changing techniques like simulation-based learning, just-in-time training, and empowering mentorship. Discover free, expert-developed tools from CDC's Project Firstline and learn practical tips to improve patient safety and frontline worker...

Can a staffing calculator really revolutionize Infection Prevention and Control? Join us for podcast number 42, where we dive into the world of infection prevention staffing and debunk myths with our expert guests, Dr. Becca Bartles and Dr. Sara Reese. Discover how this innovative calculator changes staffing dynamics and significantly reduces infection rates in hospitals. Listen in and find out ho...

In this episode, the guests delve into the outstanding work of the Washington State Department of Health in infection prevention, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring healthcare experts like Melissa Feskin, Sarah Podczervinski, and Lisa Hannah, the discussion revolves around connecting healthcare systems to necessary resources, implementing robust education strategies, and sharing be...

Are you interested in infection control and prevention? This episode of the American Journal of Infection Control: Science into Practice podcast, features insightful discussions with experts Kelly Holmes, Jennifer McCarty, and Sandy Steinfeld. The panel examines different aspects of the field with a focus on certification, mentorship, and the power of structured training for infection preventionis...

In this fascinating AJIC Science Into Practice episode, hosts Nikki and Jessica explore the crucial topic of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with guest Dr. Carolyn Chu, Chief Clinical Officer of the National Clinician Consultation Center. They discuss the PEP line, a teleconsultation service supporting healthcare providers who manage exposures to bloodborne pathogens. The trio delves into the intr...

In this podcast, hosts delve right into an enlightening discussion with Dr. Michael Charness, Dr. Kalpana Gupta, and Dr. Katherine Linsenmeyer about transmission dynamics in infection control. They particularly zero in on an investigation into the aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 hours after hospital room changeovers, touching on key findings such as the significance of reversion mutations. They...

In the podcast, guests Dr. Cynthia Lakon and Dr. John Hipp discuss their research on the socio-spatial health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic in US skilled nursing facilities. They discuss the factors that influence the pervasiveness of the pandemic within these facilities, such as the social and economic condition of the surrounding area, the funding allocated to the nursing home, and th...

In this engaging podcast episode our guests, Heather Dixon, Mathea Schafer, and Dr. Mohamed Yassin, discuss their article about the automated traffic monitoring of the Neurosurgical Operating Room. Listen to get insights on their research, professional journeys, and innovative techniques used in the study. With special guests: Mohamed Yassin, MD, PhD, Infectious Disease Physician, and Associate Pr...