American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice

What does effective leadership look like for infection preventionists (IPs) in today's healthcare landscape? In this episode, we explore the insights from the groundbreaking LEED IP study, focusing on how IPs can transition from task-based roles to systemic leaders. With guests Dr. Kayla Ruch and Dr. Al Mohajer, we discuss the significance of the Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Prevention and Control, the barriers IPs face, and the transformative impact of formal leadership training on their professional identities. Tune in to discover how to elevate your leadership journey!

With special guests:
Dr. Kayla E. Ruch, PhD, MPH, CPH, HACP, CIC, Clinical Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control, Becton Dickenson (BD) and Dr. Mayar Al Mohajer, MD, MBA, CIC, AL-CIP, Professor of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine

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 a paradigm shift in healthcare practices. Tune in to discover how even small changes can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes!

With special guests:
Karen Brust, MD, Hospital Epidemiologist, The University of Iowa Health Care and Mary Beth Hovda Davis, PhD, RN, VA-BC, Pediatric Nurse Scholar, The University of Iowa Health Care

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 surveillance methods. Learn how AI-driven tools demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and showed promise in supporting infection prevention efforts by reducing the burden of manual chart review while improving the efficiency and scalability of surveillance. From the future of AI in infection prevention to the importance of global innovation in healthcare epidemiology, tune in for a conversation on how this work from Pakistan could help shape the next generation of SSI surveillance worldwide.
With special guest:
Salma Abbas, MD, MPH, Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine Physician, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre

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 contribute to adherence discrepancies. Tune in to uncover how improving awareness and behavior can enhance infection prevention in healthcare settings!

With special guests:
Prathit Kulkarni, MD, FACP, Assistant Chief of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Barbara W. Trautner, MD, PhD, Co-Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Washington University

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 infection, why those coming from SNFs face higher mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher costs, and what this all means for care coordination.
Additionally, they break down the stats, discuss the real-world implications, and explain how hospitals and SNFs can work together to improve outcomes for older adults. Tune in for a lively, informative conversation about the challenges and opportunities of navigating care transitions after C. diff.

With special guests:
Kelly R Reveles, PharmD, PhD, Associate Professor, The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Glenn S Tillotson, PhD, Partner, GST Micro, and Cory Evans, OTR/L, CEO, Clinware Solutions, Inc.