The Infection Prevention Society recently held its annual conference at the ACC in Liverpool. Central themes, this year, included ‘Antimicrobial Resistance, Preparedness and Environment’. In the wake of the pandemic, innovative technologies aimed at reducing the risk of airborne infection came to the fore and IP2023 highlighted some promising potential strategies going forward. Louise Frampton reports
With lessons learnt from the pandemic, airborne infection risks were high on the agenda at IP2023 – new technologies are currently being explored, but what do IPC teams need to know to ensure risk is managed effectively? Is ventilation enough or do we need to look to other solutions? A leading voice in this field is Professor Cath Noakes – a high profile expert in ventilation, indoor air quality and infection control. Prof. Noakes received an OBE in 2020 for Services to the COVID-19 Pandemic – from April 2020-2022, she co-chaired the Environment and Modelling sub-group of the UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) focusing on the science underpinning environmental transmission of COVID-19.
In recent years, Prof. Noakes has undertaken key research projects looking at technology solutions to mitigate risks associated with airborne transmission of infection. The focus of her most recent research has included exploring the potential use of ultraviolet technology to manage airborne infection risk in healthcare.
Speaking at IP2023, Prof. Noakes provided a valuable insight into a promising solution, in a presentation titled: ‘Into the blue - is ultraviolet the solution to managing airborne infection risk in healthcare?’
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