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At the time of this recording, an ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is raising concerns about the potential scale of transmission. The outbreak, which is among the largest recorded, underscores the importance of preparedness for Ebola virus and other viral hemorrhagic fever viruses. Transmission can occur in both community and healthcare settings when adequate infection prevention and mitigation strategies are not in place. In response, healthcare facilities around the world are assessing and strengthening their preparedness to recognize and manage patients with suspected infections. In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, host Dr. David Calfee speaks with Dr. Justin Chan, Dr. Madeline DiLorenzo, Dr. Erica Shenoy, and Dr. Sarah Turbett about their research on high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) and healthcare preparedness. Dr. DiLorenzo and Dr. Chan discuss their paper, “Assessing Current Capabilities and Barriers to Performing Routine Laboratory Tests on Patients with Suspected High Consequence Infectious Disease at Frontline Acute Care Hospitals,” which examines the ability of a sample of U.S. hospitals to safely perform routine laboratory testing for patients with suspected HCIDs. Dr. Shenoy and Dr. Turbett discuss their paper, “Enabling Laboratory Readiness and Preparedness for the Evaluation of Suspected Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers: Development of a Laboratory Toolkit,” which describes the development of a toolkit designed to help hospital laboratories safely provide basic laboratory testing to support the initial care of patients with suspected viral hemorrhagic fever.   Featured ICHE papers: DiLorenzo MA, Lo Piccolo AJ, Bosk J, et al. Assessing current capabilities and barriers to performing routine laboratory tests on patients with suspected high consequence infectious disease at frontline acute care hospitals. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2026;47(8): 761-766. Turbett SE, Lazarus JE, Nardini MA, et al. Enabling laboratory readiness and preparedness for the evaluation of suspected viral hemorrhagic fevers: development of a laboratory toolkit. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024;45(9):1043-1049. Other relevant ICHE papers: Le AB, Figi CE, Herstein JJ, et al. Clinical laboratory equipment manufacturers’ lack of guidance for high consequence pathogen response is a critical weakness. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024;45(8):1019-1021.

Based on the 2019 NHSN Annual Hospital Survey, the CDC reported that 79.5% of critical access hospitals met all seven of the CDC’s Core Elements of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs, compared to 92% of general acute care hospitals. Similarly, 82% of hospitals with 50 beds or fewer met all the core elements, as compared to 96% of those with more than 200 beds. In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, Dr. Dave Calfee speaks with three people who have been working to reduce these disparities in antimicrobial stewardship in small rural hospitals. They discuss this important issue and two papers that were published in the July 2026 issue of ICHE. Dr. Calfee is joined by Dr. Chelsea Chambers, an inpatient clinical pharmacy specialist at the James E. Van Zant VA Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania; Dr. Julia Wasser, a clinical pharmacy specialist, inpatient program manager, and Pharmacy Residency Program director at the James E. Van Zant VA Medical Center; and Dr. Robin Jump, Associate Scientific Director of the Cleveland VA Medical Education and Research Foundation and a research physician at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System. Links and Recommendations: Recommendations made and accepted by a telehealth-enabled Antimicrobial Stewardship program implemented at rural veterans affairs medical centers: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/recommendations-made-and-accepted-by-a-telehealthenabled-antimicrobial-stewardship-program-implemented-at-rural-veterans-affairs-medical-centers/659F70C4B84BB0EC62C6A5876A7ECE19#article Staffing and workflow of an interactive telehealth Antimicrobial Stewardship program with the Veterans Health Administration: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/staffing-and-workflow-of-an-interactive-telehealth-antimicrobial-stewardship-program-with-the-veterans-health-administration/8764FF71B7A30A3702E0E01F10FFABDFDissemination and Implementation of a Telehealth-Enabled Program for Providing Infectious Disease Expertise in Rural Settings: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40860515/

In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, host Dr. David Calfee speaks with Dr. Daniel Morgan of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Dr. Jorge Salinas of Stanford University School of Medicine about the use of artificial intelligence for surgical site infection surveillance. The conversation highlights findings from their recent studies evaluating AI-assisted approaches to surgical site infection detection, including considerations related to performance, limitations, and the safe use of protected health information.   “Generative artificial intelligence for surgical site infection surveillance”: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/abs/generative-artificial-intelligence-for-surgical-site-infection-surveillance/7094A07CD043BD630DE3591AB2F01707   “Use of a large language model integrated within the electronic medical record for the evaluation of surgical site infections – Northern California, 2025”: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/use-of-a-large-language-model-integrated-within-the-electronic-medical-record-for-the-evaluation-of-surgical-site-infections-northern-california-2025/F2AF14E965608BC25367474685DA3949#article   ICHE’s Artificial Intelligence Special Collection: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/announcements/call-for-papers/special-joint-collection-the-role-of-artificial-intelligence-in-infection-prevention-antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology

In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, host Dr. Dave Calfee sits down with Kavita Bhavan, MD, Sara Keller, MD, MPH, MSHP, Deborah Lockard, BSN, MPH, and Sara Szathmary, BSN, RN, CNRI to discuss their recent publications in ICHE. The authors discuss what current evidence tells us about CLABSI incidence in outpatient infusion populations, why surveillance data remain limited, and the unique challenges healthcare organizations face when trying to monitor and prevent infections outside the acute care setting.     Featured ICHE papers  Hannum S, Marsteller J, Gurses AP, … Keller SC. Reducing home infusion CLABSI through a dashboard and toolkit implementation. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2026;47(5): 433-440.   Johnson K, Alvarez KS, Jaybanks A, …Bhavan K. Rates of line associated bloodstream infections in self-administered outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy compared to standard of care: 11 years of data at a safety net hospital. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2026;47(5): 533-535     Other relevant resources: Keller SC, Hannum SM, Weems K, et al. Implementing and validating a home-infusion central-line-associated bloodstream infection surveillance definition. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023;44:1748–1759.   https://nhicpc.org/

In this episode of THE ICHE Podcast, host Dr. David Calfee is joined by two authors from the April 2026 issue of ICHE to discuss current infection control practices and ongoing challenges in preventing multidrug-resistant organisms and Candidozyma auris in U.S. acute care hospitals.   During the conversation, Dr. KC Coffey and Dr. Sarah Sansom explain the rationale behind their studies, share key findings on current practices, and highlight the challenges hospitals face in their efforts to control transmission of these pathogens.   Articles discussed: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/current-infection-control-practices-for-multidrugresistant-organisms-mdro-a-survey-of-the-society-for-healthcare-epidemiology-of-america-shea-research-network-and-affiliated-usbased-hospitals/F6250FE7353AB4B56C4323CDC7EB7843   https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/candidozyma-auris-prevention-practices-in-the-united-states-insights-from-the-shea-research-network/681623BFF050669F472BB80F4DCB073F

In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, host Dr. David Calfee speaks with Jose Navarrete, MD. of Emory University School of Medicine and Marin Schweizer, PhD. of the University of Wisconsin about infection risks among patients receiving hemodialysis, including common pathogens and factors that increase vulnerability. They discuss their recent research and share key findings, along with practical insights on how to improve infection prevention in hemodialysis settings.   https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/trends-of-bloodstream-infection-incidence-rates-among-patients-on-outpatient-hemodialysis-national-healthcare-safety-network-20122021/3DC9CCED04161F16F274F12919DC3F7C   https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/abs/survey-of-hemodialysis-patients-knowledge-of-their-infection-risk-and-acceptability-of-an-intranasal-decolonization-intervention/EA68F7DAB1D54174D633E1DE5EE38136

In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, host Dr. David Calfee speaks with Bobby Warren of Duke University Medical Center and Ibrahim Ahmed El-Imam of the University of Maryland School of Medicine about their recent publications examining sink drain contamination as a reservoir for gram-negative bacteria and other healthcare-associated pathogens.   "Evaluation of hydrogen peroxide-based foam disinfection for reducing gram-negative bacterial contamination in hospital sinks": https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/evaluation-of-hydrogen-peroxidebased-foam-disinfection-for-reducing-gramnegative-bacterial-contamination-in-hospital-sinks/83B2F0FFD71D28FEE9C25311F2F6D82B    "Efficacy of a foamed disinfectant in reducing pathogen contamination in renovated inpatient in-room sinks: a randomized controlled trial": https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/efficacy-of-a-foamed-disinfectant-in-reducing-pathogen-contamination-in-renovated-inpatient-inroom-sinks-a-randomized-controlled-trial/8BF1DC52E1B37AA2D186C41EF0EAA86C

In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, host Dr. David Calfee explores non–ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP)—what it is, how common it is, and why it matters for patient outcomes.   He is joined by Dr. Barbara Jones (University of Utah) and Dr. Sheryl Kluberg (Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School) to discuss key risk factors for NV-HAP and how preventable it may be. The conversation highlights practical prevention strategies, including the role of routine oral care and patient mobility.   Dr. Jones shares insights from her ICHE study evaluating the impact of an oral care initiative using electronic clinical data and diagnostic coding, while Dr. Kluberg discusses her research on the associations between oral care, in-hospital mobility, and NV-HAP. Together, they break down the study questions, methods, key findings, and real-world implications for infection prevention efforts.   This episode offers a concise, evidence-based look at how everyday care practices can help reduce the burden of NV-HAP in hospitalized patients.   Links: Jones, Barbara E., Alec B. Chapman, Jian Ying, McKenna R. Nevers, Shannon Munro, Michael Klompas, Amy L. Valderrama, and Daniel O. Scharfstein. “Evaluating the Impact of an Oral Care Initiative on the Risk of Non-Ventilator-Associated Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia Using Electronic Clinical Data and Diagnostic Coding Surveillance Criteria.” Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 46, no. 12 (2025): 1190–98. https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2025.54.    Kluberg, Sheryl A., Tom Chen, Rui Wang, Robert Jin, Laura DelloStritto, Dian Baker, Karen Giuliano, et al. “Associations between Routine Oral Care and In-Hospital Mobility with Non-Ventilator Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia.” Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 46, no. 12 (2025): 1181–89. https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2025.10245.

In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, host Dr. David Calfee speaks with the authors of the newly released Multisociety Guidance for Infection Prevention and Control in Nursing Homes. He is joined by Dr. Lona Mody, Dr. Deborah Burdsall, Dr. Susan Huang, Dr. Robin Jump, and Dr. Rekha Murthy to discuss the development, key updates, and practical implications of this comprehensive guidance.   Developed by SHEA in collaboration with APIC, IDSA, PALTmed, and the American Geriatrics Society, the guidance document updates the earlier SHEA/APIC guideline: Infection prevention and control in the long-term care facility published in July 2008. The authors walk through how the updated guidance reflects current evidence and lessons learned, offering a flexible framework to help nursing homes prevent and control infections while preserving the social, rehabilitative, and quality-of-life goals that are central to residential care.   Links for this episode: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/multisociety-guidance-for-infection-prevention-and-control-in-nursing-homes/88B28E99CD7FDB3668DDAE9C3D2184A0

Host Dr. David Calfee speaks with Dr. Westyn Branch-Elliman, Dr. Rani Elwy, and Dr. Stephanie Stroever about their recent Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology (ICHE) papers, “The life cycle of infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship projects and interventions: The dynamic interplay of implementation and de-implementation science (Part I & II).” They discuss the role of deimplementation—removing or reducing low-value practices—in improving patient safety and care quality, how it complements implementation science, and real-world examples from diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship.   Links for this episode: Branch-Elliman, Westyn, David A. Chambers, Owen Albin, Lynne Batshon, Sandra Castejon-Ramirez, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng, Nkechi Emetuche, et al. “The Life Cycle of Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Stewardship Projects and Interventions: The Dynamic Interplay of Implementation and de-Implementation Science (Part I of II).” Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 46, no. 10 (2025): 961–72. https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2025.75. Branch-Elliman, Westyn, Samira Reyes Dassum, Stephanie Stroever, Owen Albin, Lynne Batshon, Sandra Castejon-Ramirez, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng, et al. “Leveraging De-Implementation Science to Promote Infection Prevention and Stewardship: A Roadmap and Practical Examples (Part II of II).” Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 46, no. 10 (2025): 973–83. https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2025.76.

Long-term care facilities face unique challenges in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and managing multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, Dr. Loren G. Miller (UCLA), Dr. Lyndsay M. O’Hara (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Dr. Mary-Claire Roghmann (University of Maryland School of Medicine) share insights from their recent studies on decolonization and enhanced barrier precautions—two promising approaches for reducing infection risk among residents. They explore what the latest research tells us, where evidence gaps remain, and how facilities can apply practical, evidence-based interventions today to improve safety and quality of care. UCI SHIELD Nursing Home Decolonization Toolkit: https://www.ucihealth.org/healthcare-professionals/shield/nursing-home-decolonization-toolkit Enhanced barrier precautions to prevent transmission of *Staphylococcus aureus* and Carbapenem-resistant organisms in nursing home chronic ventilator units: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/abs/enhanced-barrier-precautions-to-prevent-transmission-of-staphylococcus-aureus-and-carbapenemresistant-organisms-in-nursing-home-chronic-ventilator-units/43FBB459BB569B052DEDF87EA57193FB Impact of routine chlorhexidine bathing and nasal iodophor on MDRO colonization and environmental contamination in nursing homes: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/abs/impact-of-routine-chlorhexidine-bathing-and-nasal-iodophor-on-mdro-colonization-and-environmental-contamination-in-nursing-homes/EE2288CCE486EB4822A545BFE6210BA5

This episode of The ICHE Podcast explores the use of virtual reality (VR) in healthcare training, with a focus on infection prevention and control. Experts examine the current state of VR adoption, its effectiveness as an educational tool, and common challenges in implementation. Dr. Aline Wolfensberger (University Hospital Zurich), Dr. Erica Shenoy (Mass General Brigham/Harvard Medical School), and Dr. Thomas Murray (Yale University School of Medicine) present findings from their recent studies, outlining the research questions they addressed, study designs, key results, limitations, and implications for practice. The discussion concludes with actionable recommendations for institutions and practitioners considering the integration of VR into infection prevention training programs.

In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, we take a deep dive into the evolving role of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Hosted by experts from UCLA Health, this discussion breaks down what cfDNA mNGS is, how it differs from more traditional pathogen detection tools like PCR, and where it fits in the diagnostic landscape. Dr. Ishminder Kaur, Dr. Daniel Uslan, and Dr. Shangxin Yang join the episode to explore the clinical utility, benefits, and pitfalls of this rapidly emerging diagnostic modality. The group reviews several individual studies, highlighting how they approached their research questions, key findings, and the implications for patient care and antimicrobial stewardship. The conversation also addresses challenges such as interpreting complex results, cost considerations, and potential overuse. Whether you’re a clinician, laboratorian, or infection preventionist, this episode provides critical insights into when and how cfDNA mNGS may enhance your diagnostic toolkit—and when it might not. Each guest closes with a practical takeaway: concrete advice for healthcare professionals who are considering incorporating cfDNA testing into their own clinical or infection control practice.

In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, David Calfee joined by three experts who contributed to the development of the updated SHEA guidance on high-level disinfection (HLD) and sterilization: Dr. Emily Sickbert-Bennett, Dr. Audrey Calderwood, and Dr. Erica Shenoy. Together, they bring expertise in infection prevention and hospital epidemiology to a discussion of what’s new, what’s changed, and how this guidance can be applied in real-world settings. The episode begins by exploring why an update to the 2008 CDC guideline was necessary and how this new document builds upon and clarifies existing practices. The speakers walk through the multi-year process that began in 2018, outlining the rigorous evidence review and unanimous consensus required for each recommendation. They also clarify what was considered out of scope, including topics such as low-level disinfection, environmental cleaning, and access or cost concerns. Listeners will learn how to interpret the guidance within their own institutions, including when no formal recommendation is provided due to insufficient evidence. The episode highlights emerging technologies like disposable scopes, 3D printed devices, and borescopes—discussing which are ready for clinical use and which require further evaluation. To close, each guest offers a practical action item to help listeners improve safety and quality related to HLD and sterilization in their own facilities. This is a must-listen for anyone involved in infection prevention, reprocessing, or clinical safety.

In this episode of the ICHE Podcast, we bring together Dr. Loreen Herwaldt (University of Iowa) and Dr. Jessica Seidelman (Duke University) to explore the latest research and strategies aimed at reducing the burden of surgical site infections (SSIs). SSIs remain a significant cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality, contributing to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and serious complications for patients. The conversation begins with a broad discussion of the current landscape of SSI prevention and the continuing challenges that hospitals and infection prevention teams face. Both guests then share findings from their recent studies, explaining the key questions they set out to answer, the methods they used, and the implications of their results. They also reflect on important limitations and lessons learned along the way. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the real-world complexity of SSI prevention, from institutional barriers to the nuances of implementing evidence-based practices. The episode concludes with each guest offering a practical, actionable takeaway for infection preventionists—something you can do now to improve surgical safety in your facility.