Patient Safety Series: Strengthening Infection Prevention with Technology, Teamwork, and Best Practices

In this session, two hospitals share infection prevention strategies that addressed persistent, high-risk challenges through interdisciplinary teamwork, technology, and evidence-based practices.

Sinai Hospital will present their response to an outbreak of Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen with significant implications in ventilator-capable and high-acuity units. Their team implemented an intensive infection control approach combining advanced disinfection technologies, enhanced isolation protocols, and real-time collaboration across departments. The initiative resulted in a 67% reduction in patient colonization post-admission and serves as a model for managing emerging infectious threats in vulnerable patient populations.

The second presentation from Luminis Health focuses on reducing CLABSI rates despite already successful efforts to reduce central line days. Through detailed case reviews, the team identified central line maintenance as a key opportunity for improvement. They implemented a comprehensive maintenance bundle and introduced the “Illuminator” role—unit-based champions who serve as clinical experts and coaches. Together, these efforts led to measurable improvements in line care practices and outcomes across the organization.