Influential Papers that Shaped Paradigms and Changed Practice in Infection Prevention in the Last 60 Years: Then, Now, and Future Directions

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAdvancements in infection prevention reduce morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. We recognize the authors and publications with substantial impact on health care epidemiology and clinical practice in the last 60  years.Recent FindingsSubstantial advancements in infection prevention include hand hygiene monitoring and feedback, prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections, the use of chlorhexidine patient bathing, transmission-based precautions and improved environmental cleaning. Advancements in technology, including whole genome sequencing and hand hygiene sensor badges, may improve infection prevention efforts. While improvements in study design are necessary in infection prevention to best guide practice, current nosocomial infection prevention efforts are generally a cost-effective investment for healthcare systems.SummaryAdvancements in healthcare epidemiology over the last 60  years improved patient outcomes in hospital settings. Future well-designed studies are required, with a focus on implementation science and evolving technologies, to better define effective infection prevention strategies.
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research