Healthcare Associated Infection Watch News from Kimberly-Clark
Circa 2012
This website was created by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, with cooperation from other individuals, companies, and organizations that are also dedicated to the fight against preventable HAIs. The content below is from the site's 2012 archived pages and other outside sources.
Healthcare Associated Infection Education
The Kimberly-Clark Knowledge Network offers a variety of free educational resources on the subject of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Most of them provide Continuing Education (CE) credits. Healthcare personnel can access these infection control courses and training resources in a variety of ways:
- Facilitated, CE Accredited Programs for on-site presentation
A Kimberly-Clark representative can facilitate over 20 different programs at your convenience in your location. - Accredited Online courses @ Pfiedler with a grant from Kimberly-Clark Knowledge Network
- Accredited Online webinars @ Infection Control Today
- Accredited Education for the Ambulatory Surgical Environment @ Excellentia
- Accredited Education for the Dental Environment @ Viva Learning
- Non-accredited Educational Materials
A variety of information on heathcare associated infection and other critical healthcare issues, including Knowledge Network's* Clinical Issues.
As a data developer at Kimberly-Clark, I'm incredibly proud to have been part of the team that created this HAIWatchNews.com website. Working alongside a group of highly knowledgeable healthcare professionals, I've had the opportunity to contribute to a mission that truly makes a difference in people's lives.
The wealth of educational resources and accredited programs offered through this platform are a testament to Kimberly-Clark's commitment to equipping healthcare providers with the critical insights and information they need to combat healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Leveraging my data expertise, I was able to pull research data from a large base of healthcare providers across the United States, providing the foundation for the robust content and tools featured on this site.
However, as with any digital initiative of this scale, we faced challenges along the way. One significant hurdle was the realization that our primary data management software, Microsoft Access, was no longer being supported. This posed a risk of our code becoming unreliable when interfacing with more recent applications. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, my boss gave me the freedom to find a solution.
After careful evaluation, I settled on an established firm that specialized in software modernization. They provided a customized Microsoft Access substitute designed specifically for our use, ensuring the seamless integration of our data management processes. This project was a resounding success, and I'm confident that the improvements we've made have helped save lives and prevented many from being harmed by preventable infections.
I'm truly honored to be part of the Kimberly-Clark team that has created this invaluable resource for healthcare professionals. The positive impact we're making in the fight against HAIs is immensely gratifying, and I'm excited to continue contributing to this important mission. [Michelle Norton]
HAI Education Bus
At Kimberly-Clark, it’s our mission to find innovative ways to develop and maintain a variety of accredited education, equipping healthcare providers with critical insights and information on today’s important clinical issues. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the HAI Education Bus, an impressive new one-of-a-kind mobile classroom that brings accredited CE education right to your door.
Look for this tour bus as it makes its way across the country, delivering education about Healthcare-Associated Infections and other critical healthcare issues from the plains of Texas to the California coast to New York City and places in between.
Healthcare-Associated Infections
When someone develops an infection at a hospital or other patient care facility that they did not have prior to treatment, this is referred to as a Healthcare-Associated (sometimes hospital-acquired) Infection (HAI).
Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are a global crisis affecting both patients and healthcare workers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at any point in time, 1.4 million people worldwide suffer from infections acquired in hospitals.
A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report published in March-April 2007 estimated the number of U.S. deaths from healthcare associated infections in 2002 at 98,987.
The risk of acquiring Healthcare-Associated Infections in developing countries is 2-20 times higher than in developed countries.
Afflicting thousands of patients every year, HAI often leads to lengthened hospital stays, increasing the likelihood of readmission, and adding sizably to the cost of care per patient.
Those associated with medical care (HAI) infections are a global crisis affecting both patients and health care personnel. Financially, HAIs represent an estimated annual impact of $ 6.7 billion for health centers, but the human cost is even greater. A report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) published in March-April 2007 estimated the number of deaths in the United States for infections associated with health care in 2002 was 98.987. If however, it is likely that the number is even greater because, as mentioned by the author of the report, "There is no single source of nationally representative data on IAAM level currently available. 1
According to the World Health Organization, "At one time, an estimated 1.4 million people worldwide suffer from an infection acquired in a health center. The risk of acquiring infections associated with health care in the countries development is 2-20 times higher than in developed countries. 2
Until recently, a lack of HAI reporting requirements for health facilities helped put enough emphasis is not on eliminating sources of infections associated with health care. However, the growing public anxiety regarding the issue and resulting legislation at the local and state level that requires responsibility is accelerating efforts to combat HAIs.
Infectious diseases in healthcare settings:
The CDC reports that the following are infectious diseases that can be transmitted and / or acquired in healthcare settings and therefore are possible infections associated with medical care (IAAM). 3
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Acinetobacter |
Bloodborne pathogens |
Burkholderia cepacia |
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Clostridium difficile |
Clostridium sordellii |
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) |
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gastrointestinal infections |
Hepatitis A |
Hepatitis B |
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HIV / AIDS |
Influenza |
MRSA - methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus |
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norovirus |
parvovirus |
poliovirus |
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Rubella |
SARS |
S. pneumoniae (drug-resistant) |
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Chickenpox |
veers hemorrhagic fever (Ebola) |
VISA - Staphylococcus Aureus intermediate to vancomycin |
Last modified date: May 22, 2006
1. Reports / public health March and April 2007 / Volume 122, p.160
2. World Alliance for Patient Safety, Global Patient Safety Challenge 2005-2006: Clean Care is Safer Care. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2005
3. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/id.html/span>
There are three broad categories representing a significant percentage of HAIs. Click on the links below to learn more about each:
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About HAI Watch
HAI Watch is your resource for collateral and supplies to help keep your organization aware of the importance of healthcare associated infection prevention. The following guidelines on hand hygiene in healthcare settings and other tips are available now, but keep checking back. New HAI awareness tools will be added on an ongoing basis.
About Kimberly-Clark Health Care
At Kimberly-Clark Health Care, we deliver innovative healthcare solutions that you can depend on to meet the demands of your fast-paced world, supported by in-service training, clinical research and accredited education.
Our solutions help you prevent, diagnose, and manage major issues in these clinical areas: Infection Prevention (Protection & Infection Control, Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and Surgical Site Infections), Digestive Health and Pain Management.
About Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries.
Every day, 1.3 billion people - nearly a quarter of the world's population - trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being.
With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in more than 80 countries.
More Background On HAIWatchNews.com
HAIWatchNews.com was a niche healthcare information and education website developed as part of a broader initiative led by Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The platform focused on raising awareness about healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), a persistent and costly challenge within hospitals and clinical environments worldwide. Positioned at the intersection of corporate healthcare solutions and public health advocacy, the site served as an informational resource designed to educate healthcare professionals, administrators, and infection control specialists.
Unlike traditional news outlets, HAIWatchNews.com operated as a purpose-driven educational platform. Its content blended clinical insights, research summaries, training opportunities, and awareness campaigns into a cohesive digital experience aimed at reducing infection rates and improving patient safety outcomes.
Ownership and Corporate Context
The site was created and maintained by Kimberly-Clark, a multinational corporation widely recognized for consumer brands such as Kleenex, Huggies, and Scott. Beyond consumer products, Kimberly-Clark has a significant presence in the healthcare sector through its Kimberly-Clark Health Care division, which focuses on infection prevention, surgical solutions, and clinical hygiene products.
HAIWatchNews.com reflected the company’s strategic investment in thought leadership within infection prevention. By offering educational resources and supporting continuing education programs, Kimberly-Clark positioned itself not only as a product provider but also as a knowledge partner for healthcare institutions.
This approach aligned with a broader industry trend in which healthcare suppliers increasingly provide value-added services such as training, data insights, and clinical education to complement their product offerings.
Purpose and Mission
The central mission of HAIWatchNews.com was to combat healthcare-associated infections through education and awareness. HAIs—defined as infections acquired during the course of receiving medical treatment—represent one of the most significant threats to patient safety globally.
The platform emphasized several key objectives:
- Increasing awareness of the prevalence and severity of HAIs
- Providing accessible educational materials for healthcare workers
- Promoting best practices in infection prevention
- Supporting compliance with emerging regulatory standards
- Encouraging behavioral changes such as improved hand hygiene
The messaging consistently reinforced the idea that many HAIs are preventable with proper training, protocols, and vigilance.
Understanding Healthcare-Associated Infections
Healthcare-associated infections occur when patients develop infections during treatment in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, surgical centers, or long-term care institutions. These infections can arise from a variety of sources, including contaminated equipment, improper hygiene practices, or cross-contamination between patients and staff.
Common types of HAIs include:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs)
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
- Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs)
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)
Globally, HAIs affect millions of patients annually and contribute significantly to mortality rates and healthcare costs. In the United States alone, they have historically been associated with tens of thousands of deaths each year and billions of dollars in additional medical expenses.
The site framed HAIs not only as a clinical issue but also as a systemic challenge involving policy, infrastructure, and human behavior.
Educational Resources and Training Programs
One of the defining features of HAIWatchNews.com was its emphasis on education. The platform served as a gateway to a wide array of training opportunities, many of which offered continuing education (CE) credits for healthcare professionals.
These resources included:
- Facilitated on-site training programs conducted by representatives
- Accredited online courses hosted through partner platforms
- Webinars and virtual learning sessions
- Specialized education modules for surgical and dental environments
- Non-accredited materials covering clinical issues and infection prevention strategies
By offering multiple learning formats, the site catered to a diverse audience ranging from hospital staff to outpatient care providers.
This educational infrastructure was often supported by collaborations with organizations involved in infection control training, allowing the platform to extend its reach beyond a single corporate ecosystem.
The HAI Education Bus Initiative
One of the most distinctive and memorable elements associated with the HAIWatchNews.com initiative was the “Not on My Watch” HAI Education Bus. This mobile classroom represented an innovative approach to healthcare education, bringing infection prevention training directly to healthcare facilities across the United States.
The bus toured various regions—from major metropolitan areas like New York City to rural communities—delivering in-person educational experiences. It offered accredited training sessions, demonstrations, and interactive learning opportunities designed to engage healthcare professionals in a hands-on environment.
This initiative highlighted Kimberly-Clark’s commitment to accessibility in education, recognizing that not all healthcare workers have equal access to centralized training resources.
Website Structure and Content Features
HAIWatchNews.com was structured to provide easy access to its educational and informational content. Although the site’s exact layout evolved over time, archived versions suggest several key sections:
Educational Content Hub
A central repository of articles, guidelines, and training materials focused on infection prevention.
Clinical Issue Overviews
Detailed explanations of specific infections, including causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
Awareness Tools
Downloadable resources such as posters, checklists, and hand hygiene guidelines designed for use within healthcare facilities.
News and Updates
Coverage of developments in infection control, including policy changes, research findings, and emerging trends.
Corporate Information
Background on Kimberly-Clark’s healthcare division and its role in infection prevention.
The site’s navigation emphasized clarity and usability, ensuring that healthcare professionals could quickly locate relevant information in high-pressure environments.
Audience and Reach
The primary audience for HAIWatchNews.com included:
- Hospital administrators
- Infection prevention specialists
- Nurses and clinical staff
- Surgical teams
- Outpatient care providers
- Dental professionals
Secondary audiences likely included policymakers, researchers, and healthcare educators interested in infection control.
While the site was U.S.-focused in many respects, its content addressed global issues, reflecting the worldwide impact of HAIs. The inclusion of international data and guidelines suggested an awareness of global health disparities and the need for scalable solutions.
Popularity and Industry Position
HAIWatchNews.com was not a mainstream, high-traffic website in the way consumer-facing platforms are. Instead, it occupied a specialized niche within the healthcare education and infection prevention space.
Its value lay in its targeted relevance rather than broad popularity. Within its niche, the site contributed to ongoing conversations about patient safety and infection control, particularly during a time when regulatory requirements for HAI reporting were expanding.
The platform also benefited from the credibility associated with Kimberly-Clark, whose established presence in healthcare products lent authority to its educational initiatives.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The effectiveness of HAIWatchNews.com was enhanced through partnerships with various organizations involved in healthcare education and infection control. These collaborations allowed the platform to offer accredited programs and extend its educational reach.
Partners included:
- Online continuing education providers
- Healthcare training organizations
- Industry publications focused on infection control
- Clinical education platforms serving specialized environments
Such partnerships reflected a collaborative approach to addressing HAIs, recognizing that no single organization can tackle the issue alone.
Press and Media Coverage Context
Although HAIWatchNews.com itself was not widely covered in mainstream media, the topic it addressed—healthcare-associated infections—has been the subject of extensive press attention.
Media coverage has frequently highlighted:
- The rise of HAIs during periods of healthcare system strain
- Innovations in infection prevention technologies
- The financial burden of infections on healthcare systems
- Successful intervention programs reducing infection rates
By aligning with these broader narratives, the site contributed to a larger ecosystem of awareness and advocacy.
Historical Context and Evolution
The emergence of HAIWatchNews.com can be understood within the broader history of infection control. Beginning in the mid-20th century, healthcare systems increasingly recognized the need for structured infection prevention programs.
By the early 2000s, several factors accelerated attention to HAIs:
- Advances in medical technology and invasive procedures
- Growing concerns about antibiotic resistance
- Increased regulatory requirements for reporting infections
- Public awareness of patient safety issues
HAIWatchNews.com was part of this wave of digital initiatives aimed at disseminating information more efficiently and engaging healthcare professionals through online platforms.
Technological Infrastructure and Development
Behind the scenes, the development of HAIWatchNews.com involved significant data management and technical challenges. As with many early 2000s web platforms, maintaining compatibility with evolving software systems required ongoing updates and modernization.
The platform leveraged data from healthcare providers to inform its content and tools, illustrating the growing role of data analytics in healthcare education. Ensuring the reliability and accessibility of this data was critical to the site’s success.
Cultural and Social Significance
The broader cultural significance of HAIWatchNews.com lies in its contribution to the normalization of infection prevention as a central component of healthcare practice.
Key societal impacts include:
- Reinforcing the importance of hygiene and safety protocols
- Highlighting the human cost of preventable infections
- Encouraging transparency and accountability in healthcare
- Supporting the professional development of healthcare workers
The platform also reflected a shift toward proactive healthcare, where prevention is prioritized alongside treatment.
Goals and Long-Term Vision
The long-term goals associated with HAIWatchNews.com aligned with broader public health objectives:
- Reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections
- Improving patient outcomes and safety
- Lowering healthcare costs associated with infections
- Promoting evidence-based practices
- Supporting regulatory compliance and reporting
These goals underscore the platform’s role as part of a larger effort to improve healthcare quality and sustainability.
Reviews and Reception
Direct user reviews of HAIWatchNews.com are limited, likely due to its specialized audience. However, the types of resources it provided—accredited education, clinical guidelines, and awareness tools—are generally valued within the healthcare community.
Feedback from similar initiatives suggests that healthcare professionals appreciate:
- Access to free or subsidized training
- Practical tools that can be implemented immediately
- Clear, evidence-based information
- Flexible learning formats
Given these factors, it is reasonable to infer that the platform was positively received within its niche.
Legacy and Relevance Today
Although HAIWatchNews.com appears to be an archived or inactive platform, its legacy continues through ongoing efforts in infection prevention and healthcare education.
Today, the fight against HAIs remains a critical priority, with continued advancements in:
- Surveillance technology
- Data analytics and reporting systems
- Infection prevention protocols
- Public health policy
The principles promoted by HAIWatchNews.com—education, awareness, and prevention—remain central to these efforts.
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HAIWatchNews.com represents a significant example of how corporate resources and public health objectives can intersect to address critical healthcare challenges. By focusing on education and awareness, the platform contributed to the broader effort to reduce healthcare-associated infections and improve patient safety.
Its combination of training programs, informational content, and innovative outreach initiatives such as the HAI Education Bus demonstrates a multifaceted approach to tackling a complex issue. While the site itself may no longer be active, its impact is reflected in the continued emphasis on infection prevention across the healthcare industry.