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The ASHE Podcast

Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America

The ASHE Podcast discusses articles recently publishing in the journal, Antimicrobial Stewardship and Healthcare Epidemiology (ASHE). ASHE is the official publication of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.

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#36
Thursday · 30 min
Episode 36: Creating EcoRxChoice.com, An Antibiotic Waste Calculator
Antimicrobial stewardship has traditionally focused on optimizing antibiotic use to improve patient care, but growing attention to environmental sustainability is expanding how stewardship teams think about resource use. From the plastic waste generated during medication preparation and administration to opportunities to incorporate environmental considerations into antibiotic selection, stewardship offers a natural opportunity to address both clinical and environmental priorities. Dr. Pam Lee and Dr. Gary Fong developed EcoRxChoice.com, a free calculator designed to integrate environmental metrics into antimicrobial stewardship. The calculator estimates the amount of plastic waste associated with different antimicrobial regimens by accounting for materials used in medication preparation and administration. In their paper published in ASHE, "EcoRxChoice.com— an SIDP-funded calculator integrating environmental metrics with antimicrobial stewardship," the authors describe how they developed the calculator, including physically weighing items ranging from IV bags and tubing to needle hubs and medication packaging. In this episode, Dr. Lee and Dr. Fong discuss the origins of EcoRxChoice.com, the surprising amount of plastic waste generated through routine medication preparation, and how environmental impact can be incorporated into antimicrobial decision-making. They also explore the role of IV-to-oral conversion, the challenges of integrating sustainability into pharmacy and medical education and electronic medical records, and future opportunities to expand the calculator to other areas of stewardship and infection prevention. Links and Recommendations: EcoRxChoice.com— an SIDP-funded calculator integrating environmental metrics with antimicrobial stewardship: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/ecorxchoicecom-an-sidpfunded-calculator-integrating-environmental-metrics-with-antimicrobial-stewardship/83C55C51C9C446C4728FF1980CD2EC14 https://ecorxchoice.com/?page=plasticWasteCalculator Development of a Novel Carbon Emissions Estimation Tool for Disposable Waste Associated With Antimicrobial Packaging, Preparation, and Administration in the Hospital Setting: https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/12/10/ofaf308/8183152
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#35
August 19 · 41 min
Episode 35: Guidance for the Knowledge and Skills required for Antimicrobial Stewardship Leaders
Antimicrobial stewardship has evolved dramatically over the past decade, driven by expanding regulatory requirements, broader implementation across healthcare settings, advances in diagnostic stewardship, and growing opportunities to leverage technology. As stewardship programs continue to mature, leaders must develop skills in leadership, change management, collaboration, quality improvement, and strategic planning. Dr. Sarah Cosgrove, Dr. Whitney Buckel, and a multidisciplinary group of experts from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS), and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) developed an updated guidance document outlining the knowledge and skills required for antimicrobial stewardship leaders. Building on the original 2014 publication, the guidance provides a framework for stewardship programs across acute care, ambulatory care, and long-term care settings, with competencies spanning basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. In this episode, the authors discuss how antimicrobial stewardship has changed since the original guidance was published, the growing role of diagnostic stewardship and collaboration, and the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence. They also share practical advice for using the guidance to strengthen stewardship programs, build future leaders, and prepare for the next decade of antimicrobial stewardship. Links and Recommendations: Guidance for the Knowledge and Skills required for Antimicrobial Stewardship Leaders: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/guidance-for-the-knowledge-and-skills-required-for-antimicrobial-stewardship-leaders-an-update-from-the-society-for-healthcare-epidemiology-of-america-infectious-diseases-society-of-america-pediatric-infectious-diseases-society-and-the-society-of-infectious-diseases-pharmacists/3B710B07D042BDF0A2B3D2090E1B9665
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#34
July 21 · 32 min
Episode 34: Infection Prevention and Control of Candida auris in Pediatric Settings
Candida auris has emerged as a major healthcare-associated pathogen due to its multidrug resistance, environmental persistence, and ability to spread between patients and healthcare facilities. Until now, infection prevention guidance has focused almost entirely on adults. Dr. Thomas Murray, Dr. Natalie Neu, and an international multidisciplinary panel developed the first comprehensive pediatric-specific infection prevention and control recommendations for Candida auris using a rigorous Delphi consensus process. The guidance addresses children's hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term pediatric care settings, and other congregate environments, balancing transmission prevention with family-centered care. The recommendations cover screening, Contact Precautions, room placement, caregiver involvement, breastfeeding, shared play spaces, environmental cleaning, equipment management, and coordination with public health agencies, while also providing expert consensus where evidence is limited. In this episode, the authors discuss why pediatric-specific guidance was needed, how the recommendations were developed, and what healthcare facilities can do to prepare for the continued emergence of Candida auris. Links and Recommendations: Infection prevention and control of Candida auris in pediatric settings: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/infection-prevention-and-control-of-candida-auris-in-pediatric-settings/D1012137F51BF268BC89FE5DBCC1DA8A
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#33
July 14 · 45 min
Episode 33: Rethinking Glove Use for Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability
“We should not be practicing medicine in a way that contributes to the pollution and emissions that harm the health of those we have pledged to serve.” The U.S. healthcare sector is responsible for approximately 8.5% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to an estimated 388,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost in 2018. While non-sterile gloves are essential for reducing the transmission of pathogens, an estimated 100 billion exam gloves are used annually in the United States, generating approximately 400,000 tons of medical plastic waste each year. Evidence suggests that gloves are used inappropriately in up to 50% of clinical encounters. Beyond creating avoidable plastic waste, inappropriate glove use can compromise patient safety and infection prevention efforts by reducing hand hygiene compliance. These practices have downstream environmental and public health consequences that extend well beyond the clinical setting. Fortunately, a growing body of evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of glove stewardship initiatives. Educational campaigns that promote evidence-based, appropriate glove use have reduced glove consumption by 15% to 50% across a variety of healthcare settings without compromising patient care. In this episode of the ASHE Podcast, hosts Dr. Priya Nori and Dr. Elizabeth Monsees are joined by Dr. Laurie Lalakea and Dr. Radhika Sheth to discuss their recent publication, Using Gloves Wisely: Rethinking Glove Use for Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability. Together, they explore the far-reaching public health and environmental impacts of non-sterile glove overuse and share practical strategies for implementing a successful glove stewardship program. Links and Recommendations: Read Dr. Lalakea and Dr. Sheth’s article in ASHE: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/using-gloves-wisely-rethinking-glove-use-for-health-safety-and-environmental-sustainability/EB82A26AE6E05E298688F4005AB6F0CB?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=bookmark Sustainabil-ID: https://sustainabil-id.com/ What If We Get It Right? by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: https://www.getitright.earth/
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#32
June 25 · 27 min
Episode 32: A Survey of the Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist Workforce in the United States
In this episode of The ASHE Podcast, hosts Dr. Gonzalo Bearman and Dr. Priya Nori speak with Elizabeth Hirsch, PharmD and David Mott, PhD about their national survey of infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship pharmacists in the United States. They discuss the workforce's diverse responsibilities, training and resource challenges, and key findings that have implications for workforce development, retention, and the future of antimicrobial stewardship programs. Read the full article: Hirsch EB, Mott DA, Gilson AM, et al. A national survey of the infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist workforce in the United States: work settings, characteristics, employment activities, resources and needs. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology. 2026;6(1):e76. doi:10.1017/ash.2026.10312
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#31
June 18 · 31 min
Episode 31: Preventing Infections at the World Cup™ and Beyond
In this episode of The ASHE Podcast, host Dr. Gonzalo Bearman and Dr. Priya Nori speak with the authors of “Sports fever! Getting the ball rolling to prevent infections at the World Cup™ and beyond,” Dr. Preeti Mehrotra and Dr. Trini Mathew. Sporting events provide athletes with an opportunity to compete on the world stage and bring together millions of fans in celebration. However, mass gatherings and mega sporting events also present unique public health challenges, including the risk of communicable disease transmission and the need for extensive preparedness planning. As the world looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, which will feature 48 teams competing across three host countries, Drs. Mehrotra and Mathew discuss the infectious disease risks associated with large-scale sporting events, including commonly encountered infections and high-consequence pathogens. They explore practical preparedness strategies for healthcare personnel, infection prevention and control teams, emergency departments, and disaster preparedness leaders, while emphasizing the importance of closed-loop communication, multidisciplinary collaboration, and innovative technology solutions. Tune in to learn how healthcare systems and public health agencies can prepare for one of the largest sporting events in history—and how the lessons learned can serve as a blueprint for future mass gatherings worldwide. Read “Sports fever! Getting the ball rolling to prevent infections at the World Cup™ and beyond”: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/sports-fever-getting-the-ball-rolling-to-prevent-infections-at-the-world-cup-and-beyond/DA92F515F40CE1C201E7D89456850DED#article
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April 22 · 35 min
Episode 30: What should infectious diseases clinicians know about pharmacy benefit managers?
In this episode of The ASHE Podcast, hosts Dr. Gonzalo Bearman and Dr. Priya Nori sit down with Antoinette Acbo, PharmD, BCIDP and Karan Raja, PharmD to discuss their recent publication on pharmacy benefit manager practices and their impacts on infectious diseases patients. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/what-should-infectious-diseases-clinicians-know-about-pharmacy-benefit-managers-and-their-impact-on-our-patients/37A2F39BEADB2E8BF1D0302709279DA3
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March 20 · 41 min
Episode 29: The Top 10 OPAT Publications in 2024
In this episode of The ASHE Podcast, hosts Dr. Gonzalo Bearman and Dr. Priya Nori sit down with Dr. Lindsey Childs-Kean and Dr. Alexandra Yamshchikov to discuss their recent publication highlighting a curated bundle of the top 10 OPAT-related studies from 2024. Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) remains a cornerstone of infectious diseases practice, with a growing body of research shaping how clinicians deliver safe and effective care outside the hospital setting. In this conversation, the authors break down the most clinically impactful OPAT publications of the year, offering key insights, emerging trends, and practical takeaways for providers. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/bundle-of-the-top-10-opat-publications-in-2024/F22DABCC50AED0A66CA53840508B8BD8#article
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February 21 · 21 min
Episode 28: The Impact of Microlearning Quizzes on Antibiotic Duration for Pediatric Acute Otitis Media
On this episode of the ASHE Podcast, hosts Dr. Gonzalo Bearman and Dr. Priya Nori speak with Dr. Brittany Lehrer, and Dr. Sophie Katz, about their new study in ASHE, “It’s QuizTime! The impact of web-based microlearning quizzes on guideline-concordant antibiotic duration for pediatric acute otitis media.” They explore the prescribing gap in pediatric acute otitis media that inspired their microlearning approach and discuss why brief, web-based quizzes can be a high-yield stewardship tool in busy outpatient settings. The authors highlight key design elements that drove engagement, share surprising findings from their pre/post evaluation of guideline-concordant antibiotic duration, and offer practical advice for institutions looking to replicate this low-burden, scalable intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/its-quiztime-the-impact-of-webbased-microlearning-quizzes-on-guidelineconcordant-antibiotic-duration-for-pediatric-acute-otitis-media/C23CBF28D3DBA0985491820A5DC52382#article
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January 20 · 30 min
Episode 27: A Research Agenda For Burn Infection Prevention
Hosted by Dr. Gonzalo Bearman and Dr. Priya Nori, this episode features Dr. Madhuri Sopirala, Dr. Werner Bischof, and Dr. David Weber discussing their recent ASHE publication, A research agenda for burn infection prevention: identifying knowledge gaps and prioritizing future directions. The conversation explores why a dedicated research agenda is needed for burn patients, highlights priority areas with near-term clinical impact, and examines key gaps in our understanding of the burn wound microbiome and biofilms. The episode also looks ahead to how evolving research could shape infection prevention practice, policy, and stewardship over the next five years.
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Dec 23, 2025 · 41 min
Episode 26: Unraveling Indications for Discharge Antibiotics
Hospital discharge is a critical and often overlooked moment for antibiotic stewardship. In this episode of The ASHE Podcast, hosts Dr. Gonzalo Bearman and Dr. Priya Nori are joined by Dr. David Ha (Stanford University) and Dr. Ritika Prasad (University of California, San Francisco), authors of the recent ASHE article “Unraveling indications for discharge antibiotics: the Devil’s in the details.” The conversation explores why discharge prescribing is so challenging, the limitations of ICD-10 codes, and how using indication-based fields like the Last Inpatient Indication can more accurately capture clinician intent and improve stewardship at transitions of care. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/unraveling-indications-for-discharge-antibiotics-the-devils-in-the-details/00D66BAC14D6C6B878572EB7069C7014
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Nov 22, 2025 · 41 min
Episode 25: Stewardship Opportunities in Peripartum Infections
In this episode of The ASHE Podcast, host Dr. Priya Nori speaks with Dr. Alexia Foy-Crowder, Dr. Pam Bailey, and Dr. Grace Pazienza about their ASHE paper, “Stewardship opportunities in peripartum infections: a review of quality improvement initiatives and future directions” (September 2025). They discuss why they focused on the peripartum population, the unique implementation challenges in obstetric care, and key findings from their study—including the high proportion of mother–baby dyads receiving antimicrobials and the striking variability across 199 identified regimens. The authors reflect on guideline discordance, the frequent presence of penicillin allergy labels, and how these issues create opportunities for stewardship intervention. The conversation also covers practical strategies for engaging obstetric teams, metrics for improving antibiotic use, remaining research gaps, and how stewardship in obstetrics connects to maternal health disparities and global antimicrobial resistance. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/stewardship-opportunities-in-peripartum-infections-a-review-of-quality-improvement-initiatives-and-future-directions/BC262D79208E5215F7FF7562B579C6B2#article
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Oct 27, 2025 · 24 min
Episode 24: Prioritizing Isolation Precautions
In this episode of *The ASHE Podcast*, hosts Dr. Gonzalo Bearman and Dr. Priya Nori are joined by Dr. Emine Alp Meşe, author of "Prioritizing isolation precautions: a patient-centered approach to infection prevention and control," published in Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology (Cambridge University Press, June 2025). Together, they discuss how a patient-centered framework can transform infection prevention and control by balancing the benefits and potential harms of isolation precautions. Dr. Alp Meşe outlines a risk-based approach that considers patient, pathogen, and healthcare system factors; explores how advanced tools like omics-based susceptibility analysis and machine learning can enable personalized infection prevention; and highlights the importance of environmental controls and patient engagement in improving outcomes.
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Sep 23, 2025 · 29 min
Episode 23: Uniting Disciplines Against Antimicrobial Resistance
In this episode, Dr. Brittany Rodriguez, Dr. Andrea Prinzi, and Dr. Denver Niles discuss their recent ASHE publication, “Uniting disciplines against antimicrobial resistance (AMR): highlights from a multidisciplinary inaugural AMR Summit.” They share key takeaways from the inaugural AMR Summit, held in November 2024, including rapid diagnostics, implementation science, next-generation sequencing, and strategies for engaging hospital leadership. The conversation closes with a call to action and priorities for advancing AMR efforts over the next two years.
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Aug 20, 2025 · 33 min
Episode 22: Insights from the SHEA Research Network: Advancing SSI Prevention Bundles
In this episode of the ASHE Podcast, we are joined by guests Michael Moran and Aurora Pop-Vicas to explore new survey findings from 42 hospitals in the SHEA Research Network on implementing colorectal surgical site infection (SSI) prevention bundles. While most hospitals consistently use IV antibiotics and CHG-alcohol skin prep, practices like glove changes, separate trays, and oral antibiotics with bowel prep lag behind. The study highlights barriers such as resistant culture, clinician non-compliance, and gaps in audit and feedback—especially in high-volume centers. Our guests share practical strategies and success stories to strengthen adherence and improve SSI prevention.
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Jun 17, 2025 · 7 min
Episode 21: Can We Rely on AI to Guide Antimicrobial Therapy?
In this special episode of The ASHE Podcast, we explore the potential—and limitations—of artificial intelligence in guiding antimicrobial therapy decisions. The episode features a fully AI-narrated summary of the recent ASHE article, “Can We Rely on Artificial Intelligence to Guide Antimicrobial Therapy? A Systematic Literature Review.” Using DeepSeek, an advanced AI tool, ASHE Editorial Board member Rajalakshmi Arjun transformed this article into an accessible, audio-friendly format—offering listeners a new way to engage with research. This episode breaks down the current landscape of AI tools in clinical decision-making for infectious diseases. The review critically examines the accuracy, reliability, and clinical integration of AI models designed to recommend or guide antimicrobial use. The episode opens with a brief introduction from ASHE Editor-in-Chief Dr. Gonzalo Bearman, followed by the AI-generated narration of the article. It’s a first for ASHE—and possibly a glimpse into the future of how research is consumed.
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May 26, 2025 · 34 min
Episode 20: Navigating Ambulatory Stewardship Metrics: HEDIS® and Beyond
In this episode, hosts Gonzalo Bearman an Priya Nori sit down with Dr. Anita Shallal and Dr. Michael Veve to explore performance metrics that guide effective antimicrobial stewardship in outpatient settings. Drawing on their recent review article, the discussion focuses on key measures from the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®), which assess the quality of antibiotic prescribing—particularly for common upper respiratory tract infections. Drs. Shallal and Veve walk through the four core HEDIS® measures relevant to stewardship, explain how these metrics are used by organizations like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and share insights on how performance data can drive programmatic goals. The episode also covers the unique challenges hospitals face in implementing stewardship programs beyond the inpatient setting, and the essential components—personnel, tools, and patient engagement—needed for success. Tune in for a practical and timely conversation about how healthcare systems can integrate performance measures into clinical workflows, leverage them to improve antibiotic use, and ultimately combat antimicrobial resistance in the community.
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May 14, 2025 · 39 min
Episode 19: Strengthening Infection Prevention: National Strategies, Local Impact
Join hosts Dr. Gonzalo Bearman and Dr. Priya Nori as they explore the vital role of infection prevention and control in healthcare with Dr. Erica Kaufman West and Catriona Hong, authors of the article "National Partnerships Address Critical Needs in Infection Prevention and Control." In this episode, the guests discuss the goals of Project Firstline, a CDC-AMA initiative designed to strengthen IPC practices across the nation. Dr. Kaufman West and Hong delve into how five critical IPC areas were identified, the importance of social determinants of health data, and the impact of burnout among IPC professionals. They also explore strategies for improving IPC training in medical schools, the future of masking policies, and balancing infection control with environmental sustainability. The conversation concludes with a look at the challenges of implementing national IPC strategies and the innovations and policy changes that will shape the future of infection prevention in the next decade.
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Jan 10, 2025 · 41 min
Episode 18: Sustainable Steps in Infectious Diseases: Tackling the Climate Crisis
Join hosts Gonzalo Bearman and Priya Nori as they dive into the critical intersection of infectious diseases and climate change with experts Dr. Shreya M. Doshi and Dr. Preeti Jaggi. This episode explores actionable steps that infectious diseases professionals can take to address the climate crisis, based on the article, "Ten Sustainable Steps Infectious Diseases Professionals Can Take to Mitigate the Climate Crisis." Our expert guests discuss how global warming exacerbates disease spread and the specific contributions of healthcare activities, from diagnostics and pharmaceutical waste, to greenhouse gas emissions. The conversation highlights strategies for reducing healthcare waste, transitioning from disposable to reusable medical supplies, and balancing infection control needs with environmental sustainability in PPE. Additional topics include optimizing pharmaceutical use to reduce waste, advocating for climate action in healthcare systems, and optimizing telehealth. The importance of tracking and reporting environmental benefits is emphasized, along with an invitation to join a new sustainability interest group. Listeners should note that this submission is part of an ongoing Call for Papers in ASHE on Environmental Sustainability. Links: - https://sustainabil-id.com/
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Dec 12, 2024 · 35 min
Episode 17: Rethinking Contact Precautions: A Genomic Lens on MRSA in Acute Care
In this episode of The ASHE Podcast, we explore how innovative approaches in infection prevention are reshaping healthcare practices. Guests Graham Snyder, Elise Martin, and Ashley Ayers join the discussion to discuss their study titled "Impact of Discontinuation of Contact Precautions on Surveillance- and Whole Genome Sequencing-Defined Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Healthcare-Associated Infections" and what it means for the future of infection control. The conversation explores the evolving role of contact precautions (CP) in managing MRSA transmission. The discontinuation of CP has sparked debates in infection prevention, with this study providing a fresh perspective through whole genome sequencing (WGS). Unlike traditional surveillance methods, WGS offers deeper insights into MRSA transmission dynamics, unveiling patterns that can redefine how we approach infection control in acute care settings. The study's findings revealed a surprising drop in MRSA healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) post-discontinuation of CP, raising questions about how to balance infection prevention with resource management and patient safety. By reducing reliance on CP, hospitals may gain advantages such as cost savings and fewer adverse effects for patients, without compromising care quality. Finally, the episode delves into challenges faced during the study and the need for further research to refine infection prevention strategies. Future efforts could focus on tailoring CP to specific risks and developing more precise methods for tracking and preventing MRSA transmission. Be sure to read the full article available at Cambridge.org/ASHE. And for the official SHEA recommendations for MRSA treatment and prevention visit: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/sheaidsaapic-practice-recommendation-strategies-to-prevent-methicillinresistant-staphylococcus-aureus-transmission-and-infection-in-acutecare-hospitals-2022-update/5DB835D2E13F7E813A8A2FD7CB8386BD
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