By David Banach of Woodbridge
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped almost every part of healthcare, but perhaps no area experienced a more dramatic transformation than hospital infection control. As a physician, epidemiologist, and leader in infection prevention, I had a front-row seat to the challenges and breakthroughs that unfolded. While the pandemic brought tremendous hardship, it also drove critical innovations and lasting improvements that will shape the future of healthcare for years to come.
A New Urgency for Infection Control and Prevention
Before the pandemic, infection prevention was always a priority in hospitals, but COVID-19 elevated it to an entirely new level. Suddenly, infection control wasn’t just a departmental concern—it became everyone’s concern. From executives to environmental services staff, infection prevention was at the center of daily hospital operations.
We learned quickly that rapid decision-making was necessary. Guidelines evolved week by week, and sometimes day by day, requiring infection control teams to be flexible, communicate clearly, and maintain a calm, consistent presence. This urgency led to faster adoption of best practices that had previously taken months or years to implement.
Personal Protective Equipment: More Than Just a Supply Issue
One of the most visible challenges early in the pandemic was the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Hospitals across the country faced critical shortages of masks, gowns, gloves, and face shields. Managing PPE became a daily, strategic operation.
Beyond the supply issues, we also saw a major shift in how PPE was used. Proper donning and doffing (putting on and removing PPE safely) became a key focus of training for all hospital staff. Fit testing for N95 masks, once done occasionally, became widespread. The pandemic reinforced that simply having PPE was not enough—proper use was just as important to protect healthcare workers and patients.
Today, hospitals have stronger systems in place for PPE inventory, staff education, and emergency stockpiles. These improvements will serve us well, not just for COVID-19, but for future infectious disease threats.
Rethinking Hospital Spaces
COVID-19 also forced us to rethink the physical design of hospital spaces. Negative pressure rooms, once limited to certain units, became a high priority throughout hospitals. Temporary structures were built to separate COVID-19 patients from others, and creative solutions like repurposing conference rooms or outpatient clinics for patient care became common.
We also saw greater emphasis on ventilation systems, air filtration, and physical distancing measures. Infection prevention expanded from focusing solely on hand hygiene and surface cleaning to include the movement of air and people through hospital buildings.
Going forward, hospitals are likely to incorporate more flexible designs that can adapt quickly to future outbreaks. Infection control will be considered from the ground up in new construction and renovations.
The Rise of Universal Masking and Beyond
Before 2020, universal masking in hospitals was rare. Masks were typically reserved for operating rooms or specific infection scenarios. COVID-19 changed that overnight.
Universal masking became the norm for all healthcare workers, patients, and visitors. This practice not only helped prevent COVID-19 transmission but also led to dramatic decreases in other respiratory infections, like influenza, within hospital settings.
Masking is now recognized as a powerful tool in protecting vulnerable patients and reducing transmission from symptomatic patients in healthcare settings, especially during respiratory virus seasons. It’s one example of how a change driven by crisis has produced lasting benefits.
A New Emphasis on Communication and Collaboration
Infection prevention has always relied on teamwork, but the pandemic highlighted just how essential communication is in a crisis. Infection control professionals worked side-by-side with administrators, nursing leadership, facilities teams, and frontline staff to develop and adjust protocols in real time.
Clear, consistent messaging to hospital staff became vital. When guidelines changed rapidly, it was critical to explain the “why” behind every update to maintain trust and compliance.
The experience reinforced that infection control is not an isolated department—it’s a shared responsibility across every part of the healthcare system. Strengthening these collaborative relationships has been one of the most positive outcomes of this challenging time.
Preparing for the Future
Perhaps the most important lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic is the need for readiness. Infection control cannot be reactive; it must be proactive. Hospitals must maintain preparedness plans, continue staff training, invest in infrastructure, and ensure strong partnerships with public health agencies.
Simulation exercises, scenario planning, and regular reviews of infection control policies are more important than ever. Preparedness must become part of the hospital culture, not something that is only dusted off during an emergency.
Additionally, we must continue investing in the infection prevention workforce. The pandemic demonstrated the critical role of infection preventionists, epidemiologists, and public health professionals. Supporting and expanding these roles will be key to future success.
Final Thoughts
The COVID-19 pandemic tested our healthcare system in ways we could never have imagined. From the early days of uncertainty to the waves of patients and evolving challenges, infection control was at the heart of the response.
As difficult as it was, the pandemic has made us stronger. It has shown us the importance of flexibility, teamwork, and preparedness. It has reinforced the need to invest in systems, infrastructure, and people dedicated to protecting patients and healthcare workers.
From my perspective, the future of hospital infection control looks brighter than ever. We have learned tough lessons, but we have also gained invaluable knowledge and experience. By carrying these lessons forward, we can build a safer, more resilient healthcare system for all.