This issue covers some of the most significant news from February. Topics include a Joint Commission advisory on reusable instruments, infection risk associated with mattress failure, growing threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, federal funding for LTC, and printable PPE.
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Quick Safety Issue 64: Ensuring Critical Instruments and Devices Are Appropriate for Reuse — The Joint Commission issued a new Quick Safety advisory on ensuring the safety of critical medical instruments and devices. The advisory highlights reprocessing guidance from FDA and special circumstances for single-use devices.
Hospital Mattress Failure Is a Potential Threat to Patient Safety — A study shows that patients can potentially be at increased risk for infection from damaged hospital mattresses and beds.
Handrails, Equipment Controls Among Most Contaminated High-Touch Surfaces in Long-Term Care Facilities — A study of LTC facilities shows that these surfaces were 4 times more likely to register high levels of contamination.
Dublin VA May Have Exposed 4,000 Veterans to Infection With Improperly Cleaned Equipment — An internal review found there may have been times when "all the steps needed for a complete or safe sterilization weren't followed." We wrote about the importance of strictly adhering to IFUs, which you can read here.
APIC Calls for Increased Investment in Infection Prevention — In response to a NEJM Group perspective, APIC called for healthcare organizations to strengthen infection prevention programs by adding personnel, resources, and training to support prevention and surge capacity for future pandemics.
Report Highlights 'Fragile and Failing' Antibiotic Pipeline — A concerning analysis shows that the breadth and novelty of the clinical antibacterial pipeline is insufficient to meet the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
CMS Unleashes New Tool for Improving Facility Air Quality — Funding is available for LTC providers that want to make air quality upgrades to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Inhaled COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Against Variants of Concern — Research shows that intranasal COVID-19 vaccines may be more effective at protecting against current and future variants than a shot.
Not Enough PPE? Print Some Out — The more we can learn from our experience over these past two years, the better prepared we will be for the next public health emergency. One key takeaway: 3D printing may prove to be a big help.