American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice

44:16

#63 Behind the Mic: Reintroducing Your Hosts!

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2026/10/01

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!

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24:56

#62 Before the Breaking Point: The Future of...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2026/09/03

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

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30:25

#61 Leading the Charge: Transforming Infection...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2026/08/06

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

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21:54

#60 Rethinking Central Line Access: A Path to Safer Care

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2026/07/02

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

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23:54

#59 AI in Infection Prevention: Revolutionizing SSI...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2026/06/04

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

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29:41

#58 The Hand Hygiene Illusion: Are We Really Washing...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2026/05/07

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

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38:56

#57 Beyond Discharge: The Skilled Nursing Facility's...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2026/04/02

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

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40:03

#56 Measles is Back: Inside a Children's Hospital...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2026/03/05

Measles is back, and when a community outbreak hit in early 2025, one children's hospital had to move fast. In this episode, hosts Nicki and Jess are joined by Chris, Christie, and Lacey to break down how their multidisciplinary team rapidly designed and implemented infection prevention strategies to protect pediatric patients, families, and staff. From emergency department screening sheds and temporary negative pressure rooms to staff education, fit testing, and coordination with public health, our

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32:51

#55 Building CIC Confidence: Why Infection Prevention...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2026/02/05

Have you ever tackled a complex job without a manual? In this episode, we dive into the reality of infection prevention training and explore how variability in orientation impacts CIC preparedness among infection preventionists in Texas. The conversation highlights a heavy reliance on on-the-job training, limited use of standardized onboarding tools, and significant disparities in certification, particularly among rural and non-acute care professionals. Join hosts Nicki and Jess as they unpack why

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35:56

#54 Stopping MRSA at the Nose: Inside a Breakthrough...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2026/01/01

Can a simple nasal antiseptic protect ICU patients from deadly MRSA infections? This episode dives into how a Michigan hospital team reduced bloodstream infections with a twice-daily antiseptic, why it worked, and what it takes to implement this approach. With expert insights and real-world challenges, this is prevention in action, right under your nose. With special guests: Sarah Prascius, MPH, CIC, Infection Prevention Specialist, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital - Michigan Alex Wells, MPH,

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43:32

#53 Antibiotic Intelligence: Reshaping Outpatient...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2025/12/04

Can benchmarking data actually improve antibiotic prescribing for kids? In this episode of AJIC: Science into Practice, hosts Nicki and Jess talk with Dr. Rana El Feghaly and Dr. Matthew Kronman about how collaborative reporting, smart guidelines, and EMR nudges help reduce unnecessary prescriptions. Hear how 22 institutions are reshaping outpatient stewardship with one smarter antibiotic choice at a time. With special guests: Rana El Feghaly, MD, MSCI, CPHQ, Pediatric Infectious Diseases

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24:04

#52 Strongyloides in Plain Sight: What Happened in a...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2025/11/06

How did a soil-dwelling parasite infiltrate a New York care facility? Hosts Jess and Nicki dig into a real-life outbreak of Strongyloides stercoralis with experts Kelly Barrett and Dr. Geetika Sood. What began as an unexpected lab finding spiraled into 17 confirmed infections across residents and staff. Tune in for sharp insights, big data talk, and infection prevention lessons you won't want to miss. With special guests: Kelly Ann Barrett, MPH, Infectious Disease Epidemiologist, New York State

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23:28

#51 Retention vs. Attrition: The Push and Pull of...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2025/10/09

Why do infection preventionists stay or walk away? In this episode, hosts Nicki and Jess sit down with guests Dr. Sara Reese and Albert Shackelford to unpack new data on retention and attrition in the field of Infection Prevention (IP). From burnout and workload pressures to flexible schedules and opportunities for growth, they explore the factors shaping career decisions for infection preventionists today. Plus, get a sneak peek at even more analyzed data coming soon. Tune in for an eye-opening

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36:47

#50 Strengthening the Pipeline: Alabama’s Model for...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2025/09/04

What happens when infection prevention meets Southern charm? In this episode of AIC Science Into Practice, experts from UAB spotlight Alabama’s Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control. Discover how they tackled misinformation, trained 70,000+ participants statewide, and built a powerful network of infection preventionists, all while having a little fun along the way. With special guests: Matthew Fifolt, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Organization, The

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25:02

#49 Airing Out the Dirty Truth: Reducing Viral...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2025/08/07

What really happens when you flush the toilet? In this episode, environmental microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba reveals the science behind aerosolized germs, viral cross-contamination, and the surprising role toilet flushing plays in spreading pathogens like norovirus. Discover how air sanitizer sprays can reduce airborne and surface contamination and what that means for infection prevention. If you’ve ever used a public restroom, this is one episode you don’t want to miss. With special guest:

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25:29

#48 Inside the Scope: Fixing the Gaps in Endoscope...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2025/07/03

Confused by endoscope reprocessing gaps? Join hosts Nikki, Jess, and guest Frankie Catalfumo as they dig into brush types, drying myths, storage debates, and why IFUs can’t be trusted blindly. Packed with humor, hard truths, and baking analogies, this episode arms you with practical advice and a few laughs to stop biofilm from crashing your sterile party. Tune in! With special guest: Frankie Catalfumo, MPH, CIC, CRST, Director of Practice Guidance and Health Equity, APIC

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29:15

#47 The APIC 2025 MegaSurvey and the Future of...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2025/06/05

Are you curious how infection preventionists are shaping the future of their field? Tune into this episode on the APIC 2025 MegaSurvey. Learn about the MegaSurvey, why it matters, and how it’s evolved. Explore how the findings may influence staffing models, compensation trends, emerging technologies, and more. Most importantly, discover how your voice can shape the tools, standards, and career pathways supporting your work. Join the conversation and claim your seat at the table! With special guests:

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37:15

#46 Burnout, Beds, and Budgets: The Hidden Reality of...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2025/05/01

In this special episode, our very own host, Jess, swaps the mic for the guest seat, joining co-author Brenna Doran to unpack their newly published study, “Quantifying the Progressing Landscape of Infection Preventionists.” This episode dives deep into what it really takes to keep infection prevention programs running in today’s complex healthcare environment. Tune in as Jess and Brenna reveal eye-opening insights from their national survey, including why infection preventionists consistently work

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44:06

#45 Enhanced Barrier Precautions: Strengthening...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2025/04/03

How can nursing homes stop the spread of deadly infections without isolating residents? In this episode, the hosts, Jess and Nicki, dive into Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) with experts Dr. Mary-Claire Roghmann and Stephanie Mayoryk. They explore real-world strategies for implementing EBP, overcoming staff challenges, and balancing infection control with resident quality of life. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on protecting both patients and healthcare workers! With special guests:

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37:53

#44 Infection Control in Action: Mount Sinai's...

American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into... ·

2025/03/06

How can hospitals stop the spread of Candida auris before it starts? In this episode, infection prevention experts from Mount Sinai share how an expanded screening protocol helped detect cases early and prevent outbreaks. Learn about the challenges of screening, patient isolation, and facility-wide collaboration. With real-world insights and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone battling superbugs in healthcare! With special guests: Aaron Cheng, MPH, CIC, Infection Surveillance

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