sleep with the white noise in the background. I think this is how we respond to HAIs. It wakes us up for a short period, but then we get comfortable again by thinking we solved the problem. A spike in CLABSI rates, a CMS citation, or an outbreak investigation wakes us up. We respond quickly. We re-educate everyone. We audit their behaviors. We will initiate a campaign. Then, slowly, the white noise returns.
Solving the Problem
I once heard someone say that your chores are never truly done. While you might have completed the task temporarily, you will have to do it again later. It’ s part of an unending cycle. Infection prevention is much the same. We may reduce our HAI rates and improve cleaning and disinfection, but they will inevitably resurface if we are not diligent to maintain our progress. Historically, we have done overhauls or started a campaign to boost our compliance numbers. While this is effective in the short term, it typically doesn’ t last. It requires hardwiring and systems with small steps each day to sustain the results. Sustained improvement doesn’ t come from campaigns. I am convinced that it comes from redesigning workflows so that the safest choice is the easiest choice. We must make it easy for healthcare workers to comply with infection prevention measures.
Looking Ahead
I love to think about a world where infection prevention is top of mind for everyone. A place where we don’ t have precautions because those behaviors are built into our everyday practices. A culture where infection prevention isn’ t a project we complete; it’ s a practice we maintain.
The risks we think we’ ve solved are the very ones most vulnerable to complacency. If we want sustained progress, we must treat the fundamentals not as background noise— but as non-negotiable behaviors woven into the fabric of care. True infection prevention means treating“ solved” risks as ongoing commitments not completed checklists and passing scores.
Melissa Travis, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, is principal of IP & C Consulting, LLC. She has more than 20 years of experience working in a variety of healthcare settings, including acute care and public health.
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march-april 2026 • www. healthcarehygienemagazine. com •
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