A strategic shift to conquering infections
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 6, 2026

Immunometabolic Circuits in Infection for Advancing Host Directed Therapies
Published on: September 13, 2024
James Monack1, Abigail Hebb, Joy Peters
1At Allegheny Health Network, Jefferson Hospital in Jefferson Hills, PA, James Monack is Director of Nursing, Abigail Hebb is Manager Nursing Quality and Patient Experience, and Joy Peters is Chief Nursing Officer.
Abstract:
A Magnet®-recognized hospital successfully reduced health care-associated infections through a nurse-led quality improvement initiative. In response to rising catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates, nursing leaders applied transformational leadership principles and the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework to redesign infection review and prevention processes. Key strategies included real-time infection tracking, standardized root cause analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, staff education, and evidence-based interventions. These efforts led to sustained reductions in standardized infection ratio rates for both CAUTIs and CLABSIs, demonstrating how operational excellence and nursing leadership can improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
Transduction
Colonisation of Pathogens
Stages of Infection
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...