#49 Airing Out the Dirty Truth: Reducing Viral Aerosol Risk After Toilet Flushing
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
Release Date: 08/07/2025
#58 The Hand Hygiene Illusion: Are We Really Washing Our Hands?
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
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 infection prevention in healthcare settings! With special guests: Prathit Kulkarni, MD, FACP,...
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#57 Beyond Discharge: The Skilled Nursing Facility's Role in C. diff Management
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
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 what this all means for care coordination. Additionally, they break down the stats, discuss the...
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#56 Measles is Back: Inside a Children's Hospital Outbreak Response
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
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 guests walk through what worked, what was challenging, and the real-world lessons learned...
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#55 Building CIC Confidence: Why Infection Prevention Training Consistency Matters
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
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 structured resources like the APIC Novice Roadmap and APIC Text matter. We also hear key insights...
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#54 Stopping MRSA at the Nose: Inside a Breakthrough ICU Intervention
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
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, CIC, CPHQ, Manager of Safety and Reliability, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital - Michigan...
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#53 Antibiotic Intelligence: Reshaping Outpatient Stewardship With Smart Guidelines and Data Benchmarking
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
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 Physician, Infectious Diseases Clinical Director, Pediatric Department Director of Quality and Safety,...
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#52 Strongyloides in Plain Sight: What Happened in a New York Care Facility?
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
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 Department of Health and Geetika Sood, M.D., ScM, Medical Director, New York State Division...
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#51 Retention vs. Attrition: The Push and Pull of Infection Prevention Careers
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
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 conversation filled with data, lived experiences, and practical strategies that every healthcare...
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#50 Strengthening the Pipeline: Alabama’s Model for Infection Prevention Training
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
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 University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Public Health and Lisa McCormick, DrPH,...
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#49 Airing Out the Dirty Truth: Reducing Viral Aerosol Risk After Toilet Flushing
American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice
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: Charles Gerba, PhD, University of Arizona
info_outlineWhat 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:
Charles Gerba, PhD, University of Arizona