Infection control practices continue to be scrutinized as our healthcare industry faces an unforeseen public health crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing healthcare organizations to take quick action to protect patients and staff from potential exposure within their facilities. It’s also prompting leaders to consider how they can bolster infection control processes and train their staff to better prepare for the future.
Even once the coronavirus has been contained, serious infection prevention challenges will remain. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a serious threat to health systems and their patients, each year impacting two million patients and costing U.S. hospitals $28 billion to $45 billion. As the pandemic subsides, cash-strained providers will be paying even closer attention to preventable costs like HAIs.
In a discussion with Modern Healthcare Custom Media on this critical topic, three industry experts offered insights into how their organizations are responding to COVID-19 and shared best practices for infection prevention and control.
Panelists:
Cathy Campbell, CHESP, CMIP
National Director of Service Delivery
ABM Industries
Cathy Campbell is national director of service delivery for ABM’s healthcare division. She has contributed to leadership development, product innovations, sustainability efforts and technical training for all lines of support services within healthcare. She is on the COVID Response Team providing leadership across ABM’s business units.
Sean Gallimore
Senior Vice President and General Manager
PDI Healthcare
Sean Gallimore is senior vice president and general manager of PDI Healthcare. He is a disciplined leader with a strong skill set in strategic marketing and a deep commercial background in healthcare and medical devices. He leads PDI’s healthcare division including Tru-D SmartUVC.
Marcus Schabacker, MD, PhD
President and Chief Executive Officer
ECRI
Dr. Marcus Schabacker is president and chief executive officer of ECRI, an independent, nonprofit organization improving the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of care across all healthcare settings worldwide. He is a board-certified anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist with 35 years of healthcare experience.