Category: Latest Articles from KyIP

Central lines, indwelling urinary catheters, and other invasive devices can be life‑saving when used appropriately. However, without meticulous insertion and maintenance practices, these same devices can increase the risk of serious infection. To prevent this, healthcare organizations rely on evidence‑based bundles—sets of proven strategies grouped together to reduce complications associated with device use and other clinical procedures. Why Bundle Compliance Matters To ensure these bundles are used effectively, teams routinely conduct audits that evaluate whether each bundle element is met. These findings produce an overall compliance score. The higher the compliance, the lower the infection risk; conversely, low compliance signals an opportunity for improvement. But the real question is: What do we do with that information? There are two important steps: Provide immediate, individualized feedback to the nurse or clinician…

Kentucky currently has one of the highest antibiotic prescribing rates in the nation, with 1,089 prescriptions per 1,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This rate exceeds the national average and highlights an urgent need for stronger antimicrobial stewardship efforts across the state. Unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance, a growing global threat. Infection Preventionists play a critical role in stewardship efforts. They are uniquely positioned to educate both clinical staff and patients about the risks of inappropriate antibiotic use and to reinforce that most respiratory infections—such as viral bronchitis, colds, and the flu—do not require antibiotics. IPs can help dispel myths and clarify that supportive care, not antibiotics, is the standard for viral illnesses. In addition to education, IPs should…

Infection Prevention Week is almost here! Rather than just a week, this month we are celebrating the incredible work of Infection Preventionists—true heroes behind safe healthcare. Every day, you save lives through your dedication to improving practices and preventing infections. From surveillance to hand hygiene, water management, and everything in between, you know the ins and outs of your facility and understand the strengths and challenges of your teams. It takes a unique perspective to see the unseen—the pathogens invisible to the naked eye—but you recognize the risks and act with precision. You investigate and educate. You intervene and implement changes that drive infection rates down. You are trusted colleagues, vital team members, and leaders who make safe healthcare possible. Despite juggling many responsibilities and keeping up with extensive guidelines,…

Environmental cleaning is one of the most essential actions taken to prevent the spread of illness. Because pathogens are not visible to the naked eye, cleaning every area is necessary. While any staff member can keep patient areas clean, trained EVS workers perform thorough cleaning and disinfection. In order to remove pathogens, EVS staff work methodically to clean and disinfect within the healthcare environment. This must be done with the appropriate cleaning or disinfecting product. It is also crucial to know which areas are most likely to be contaminated, as those areas need disinfection that is more frequent. CDC High Touch Surfaces Pathogens can live on surfaces for months How long do pathogens live on surfaces. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains lists of approved disinfectants, which can be searched…

Respiratory season is upon us once again, bringing an increased risk of illnesses such as influenza, RSV, and other viral infections. As an infection prevention professional, now is the time to ensure that your teams, patients, and communities are ready. Reinforce your facility’s infection prevention plan, review respiratory hygiene protocols, and help others understand the critical role of everyday precautions in limiting the spread of respiratory illnesses. Take time to assess your facility’s readiness by ensuring that respiratory hygiene stations are well-stocked with masks for patient use, signage is visible, and staff are trained to recognize and respond to respiratory symptoms quickly. Foster open communication so everyone feels empowered to report concerns and follow prevention measures consistently. Encourage vaccination among staff and patients, as immunizations remain the most effective way…

It’s a busy time of year for employee health! Recent graduates from nursing and medical school are entering the field of healthcare. These folks bring energy, skill, and new potential to your healthcare team. But before they can jump into patient care, there is an essential stop the must make: Employee Health. Employee Health (EH) plays a critical role in onboarding safely and efficiently, ensuring that new staff are protected, cleared to work, and ready to join the healthcare team. Incomplete records or missed steps can delay start dates, create patient safety risks, or lead to gaps in care. In this newsletter, we break down what new hires will likely need to meet EH requirements—and how you can help set them up for success. Here’s what your new staff must…

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