American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice

Ever wonder what the hosts of AJIC do in their free time? Join 5 Second Rule Podcast hosts, Kelly Holmes and Jess Fargher, as they flip the script on Nikki Shore and Jessica Swain, the dynamic duo from "AJIC Science into Practice." In this episode, they explore their unique journeys into infection prevention, share memorable podcast moments, and discuss how humor and personal stories shape their discussions. Get ready for insights, laughter, and a deeper understanding of the science behind the mic!

With special guests:
Kelly Holmes and Jess Fargher

What if the field of infection prevention collapsed by 2029? In this thought-provoking episode, experts Dr. Elizabeth Monsees and Dr. Stephanie Stroever explore a pre-mortem analysis that asks leaders to imagine setbacks in infection control and uncover the reasons behind them. They delve into critical themes such as workforce attrition, funding loss, and public distrust. How can understanding potential failures empower professionals today? Tune in to discover actionable insights that could reshape the future of infection prevention.

With special guests:
Elizabeth Monsees, PhD, RN, CIC, AL-CIP, FAPIC, FSHEA, FAAN, Nurse Research Scientist at Children's Mercy Hospital and an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Stephanie Stroever, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education and the Director of Research for the Division of Emergency Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

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