Scientists, researchers and healthcare professionals to convene in Atlanta to set agenda for HAI prevention

Researchers will present latest science at landmark meeting

Three thousand scientists, researchers and healthcare professionals from throughout the world specializing in epidemiology and infectious diseases will convene March 18-22 in Atlanta with the goal of setting the agenda for healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention for the next decade.

More than 900 studies will be presented during the five-day program entitled, "The Fifth Decennial: International Conference on Healthcare-Associated Infections 2010." The meeting marks the first time that the four leading scientific organizations committed to infection prevention are working together to further a scientific and educational agenda toward elimination of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The organizations include: the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

"Healthcare-associated infections can have tragic outcomes," said Thomas Frieden, MD, MPH director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "This meeting brings together experts from around the world to share the latest strategies in infection prevention, bringing us closer to our goal of eliminating healthcare-associated infections."

The Fifth Decennial will review and update scientific evidence highlighting emerging evidence-based practices for handling and preventing the spread of infectious diseases including organisms such as MRSA, C. difficile and Gram-negative bacteria, standardization of reporting so that adequate comparisons may be made across healthcare settings, and development and implementation of best practices in all types of healthcare facilities across the country.

"As healthcare professionals, our relentless goal is safety, for our patients, ourselves and our colleagues," said Neil Fishman, MD, president of SHEA. "The research presented at the Fifth Decennial represents the work of the best minds in the field that will ultimately provide meaningful data that can be used at the bedside to improve patient care and patient outcomes, while moving the bar forward in protecting both patients and healthcare workers."