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In this IPC Partners Journal Club (in partnership with GAMA Healthcare), Dr Phil Norville explores the performance of oxidising disinfectants against Clostridioides difficile spores, one of the most challenging pathogens in healthcare environments. The session reviews a journal paper examining the efficacy of chlorine-based and peracetic acid disinfectants under both clean and “medical dirty” conditions, using EN17126 testing standards. The discussion highlights how real-world factors (such as organic matter, product formulation, and correct application) can significantly impact disinfectant performance. Key topics covered: - Why environmental hygiene is critical for C. difficile prevention - How oxidising disinfectants perform in clean vs. dirty conditions - The importance of formulation (and why “bells and whistles” matter) - Implications for routine practice (e.g. 1,000 ppm chlorine use) - The role of cleaning as a precursor to effective disinfection - Practical IPC considerations: product selection, staff training, and compliance The session also explores broader challenges including real-world effectiveness, variability in practice across the NHS, and the need for better standardisation and evidence-based frameworks for disinfectant selection. 💡 Ideal for IPC teams, microbiologists, clinicians, estates & facilities, and anyone involved in environmental decontamination. 📌 Subscribe to IPC Partners for more journal clubs, expert panels, and webinars on infection prevention and control.

In this webinar, Dr Nneoma Okeke explores how AI and big data can transform infection prevention and control (IPC) from reactive to proactive. By analysing vast healthcare datasets, machine learning models can identify patients at high risk of infection in real time, enabling earlier, targeted interventions and more efficient use of resources. The session highlights the potential for personalised IPC strategies, improved patient outcomes, and smarter decision-making, while emphasising that AI supports (not replaces) clinical judgement. As this field evolves, integrating AI into routine IPC practice could unlock the full value of healthcare data and help prevent infections before they occur.

In this IPC Partners Journal Club, Jules Storr and Dr Claire Kilpatrick join Dr Jon Otter and Dr Phil Norville to explore how both what we do and how we communicate influence infection prevention and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) outcomes. The session examines two thought-provoking papers. The first highlights the critical (and often under-recognised) role of fundamental nursing care, such as oral care, hydration, mobilisation, and positioning, in preventing non-device associated healthcare-associated infections. The second explores how language shapes understanding and behaviour in AMR communication. It critiques commonly used metaphors, such as “war against superbugs” or “post-antibiotic apocalypse”, and raises important questions about whether current messaging drives meaningful action or unintended consequences. Together, the discussion challenges traditional IPC thinking, emphasising the importance of: - Bridging technical interventions with person-centred care - Recognising the impact of everyday clinical practices on infection outcomes - Using clearer, more thoughtful language to influence behaviour - Rethinking how we design and evaluate IPC communication strategies This session is essential for IPC professionals, clinicians, and researchers interested in improving practice through both evidence and communication. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more IPC Partners webinars, journal clubs, and expert insights.