Incidence of health care-associated extended-spectrum β-lactamase-positive patients before and after discontinuation of contact precautions.

Background: Isolation of patients with multidrug-resistant organisms has been recommended in several guidelines. Recent evidence has suggested potential negative effects of isolation on patient well-being and facility throughput. Published literature shows a difference in transmission risk of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms, suggesting that contact precautions may not be necessary for all ESBL-positive organisms.

Assessment of operating room airflow using air particle counts and direct observation of door openings.

Background: The role of the operating room (OR) environment has been thought to contribute to surgical site infection rates. The quality of OR air, disruption of airflow, and other factors may increase contamination risks. We measured air particulate counts (APCs) to determine if they increased in relation to traffic, door opening, and other common activities.

Assessment of Endoscope Reprocessing Using Peer-to-Peer Assessment Through a Clinical Community.

Background: Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization (CDS) of medical devices are intended to help prevent health care-associated infections (HAIs), a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. In February 2013 the Johns Hopkins Health System (JHHS; Baltimore) formed a clinical community of experts and stakeholders--physicians, nurses, administrators, infection control practitioners, risk managers, and regulatory staff--to assess CDS practices across facilities.

Methods: A survey administered to leadership indicated endoscopy areas of risk.

Hand hygiene in emergency medical services.

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) affect millions of patients annually (World Health Organization. Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Healthcare. Geneva: WHO Press; 2009).