Infection Control Exchange

This special preview episode of the Infection Control Exchange Podcast highlights some of the important conversations that will be recorded live during the upcoming IPAC Canada 2026 National Conference in Toronto, Ontario.Topics already booked for the conference podcast series include:• IPAC and the Butterfly Model• Education, Training, and Certification Pathways in IPAC• Emerging Fungal Pathogens and Antifungal Resistance• IPAC Risk Assessment in Long-Term Care• Virulent Scabies in Healthcare Settings• Infection Prevention in Correctional Health• IPAC in Dental Healthcare• Healthcare Construction and Renovation Risk ManagementThis episode provides a brief overview of the range of topics, emerging challenges, and healthcare environments that will be explored during the conference conversations.The Infection Control Exchange Podcast will be recording onsite throughout the conference and a limited number of podcast recording opportunities are still available for attendees interested in participating.Thank you for listening to the Infection Control Exchange Podcast.

Outbreak Management in HealthcareOutbreaks don’t fail because we don’t know what to do — they can fail when systems can’t keep up in real time.In this episode of the Infection Control Exchange, we explore how outbreaks actually unfold across healthcare settings and why traditional approaches to tracking and managing cases often break down under pressure.Drawing on experience across public health, acute care, and long-term care, this episode focuses on the operational realities of outbreak response — and what’s needed to improve visibility, coordination, and speed when it matters most.How outbreaks escalate across units and teamsThe limitations of manual tracking systemsWhy real-time visibility is criticalWhat better outbreak management can look likeHealthConnex supports healthcare teams with:Outbreak trackingAudit and compliance toolsImmunization data managementIn this episode: Sponsored by HealthConnex

Outbreak Line Listing: Why the Details Matter in Infection Prevention and ControlIn this episode of The Infection Control Exchange Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most important—and often underappreciated—tools in outbreak management: the line list.Using an outbreak scenario, this episode walks through the structure of a line list and explains how each data element contributes to effective outbreak control.Topics covered include:• Case identification and unit tracking• Symptom documentation and baseline considerations• The importance of symptom onset timelines• Intervention tracking, including vaccination and antiviral• Identifying complications and severity indicators• Interpreting laboratory test results• Common mistakes that impact outbreak responseLine lists are more than documentation—they are the foundation for surveillance, decision-making, and communication during outbreaks.This episode is particularly relevant for IPAC professionals, acute care teams, long-term care teams, and public health practitioners.

In this Infection Control Exchange – Quick Insight episode, Wayne Tucker discusses the critical role leadership plays in the success of infection prevention and control programs.While IPAC is often associated with technical practices such as PPE, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning, the effectiveness of these measures is strongly influenced by organizational leadership.In this episode, Wayne explores:Why infection prevention should be viewed as a systems issue rather than simply a policy issueHow leadership behaviour influences staff behaviour and compliance with infection prevention practicesThe importance of ensuring adequate resources and organizational support for infection prevention programsHow strong leadership contributes to building a culture of patient safetyEffective infection prevention programs depend not only on guidelines and protocols, but also on leadership that actively supports and prioritizes patient safety.

In this episode of The Infection Control Exchange Podcast, Wayne Tucker steps behind the mic to share the story behind the platform.This episode explores:• The professional journey that led to the creation of the podcast• 24+ years of healthcare leadership experience across public health, long-term care, acute care, and primary care• Advanced education, including an MSc in Infection Control and an Executive MBA• Dual infection prevention certifications (CIC and LTC-CIP)• Experience leading outbreaks, construction IPAC initiatives, and system improvement projects• Why infection prevention gaps continue to exist in healthcare• The vision for The Infection Control Exchange podcast and the broader EcosystemThis episode is for healthcare leaders, infection prevention professionals, consultants, and organizations seeking innovative, system-level thinking in infection control and patient safety.The Infection Control Exchange Podcast is committed to strengthening infection prevention practice through leadership, innovation, and collaboration.

IPAC and Leadership | The Infection Control Exchange (Season 2)In this episode, I am addressing a gap that increases infection prevention and control (IPAC) risk in every healthcare setting: leadership not consistently following the same IPAC practices expected of frontline staff.I have repeatedly seen situations where leaders reported to work while symptomatic — a decision that increases risk to patients/residents, staff, and overall organizational resilience. This episode is not about blame — it’s about accountability, culture, and closing preventable gaps that contribute to infectious disease transmission.In this episode, I cover:Why leadership behavior sets the real “standard” for IPAC cultureThe risk impact of coming to work symptomatic (and the message it sends)Psychological safety and why staff stop speaking up when leaders don’t model complianceHow inconsistent adherence becomes a system-level risk (not a “people problem”)Practical ways leaders can strengthen IPAC culture immediatelyWhat “IPAC leadership” should look like during routine operations and outbreak pressureIf we want safer care environments for vulnerable residents/patients, IPAC can’t be optional for anyone — especially leadership.Host: Wayne Tucker, MSc (Infection Control), CIC, LTC-CIPPodcast: The Infection Control Exchange

In Part 4 of this construction and infection prevention series, we focus on what happens after construction is complete and spaces become operational — a phase where infection risk often resurfaces quietly and unexpectedly.This episode explores:• Post-occupancy infection risks and blind spots• HVAC and water system recommissioning• Residual dust and environmental cleaning/disinfecting• Orientation training of all staff and additional training post occupancy• Infectious diseases and outbreak risks following construction handover• Accountability challenges once projects are “complete”And post-occupancy is one of the most critical periods for prevention.This episode is essential listening for IPAC professionals, healthcare leaders, facilities teams, and anyone involved in healthcare construction and redevelopment.🎙️ The Infection Control Exchange Podcast

In Part 2 of this three-part Construction Series, we focus exclusively on design-stage decisions in healthcare construction and renovation.This episode examines how infection risk is often quietly embedded during planning — through assumptions about workflow, room size, hand hygiene placement, storage, materials, and airflow design intent.This is not an episode about construction execution or outbreaks.It’s about what happens before the first wall is built.Part 3 will move into active construction, barriers, dust control, PPE storage, HVAC disruption, commissioning, and early occupancy.

CIC Exam Preparation: How to Think, Study, and SucceedPreparing for the CIC exam can feel overwhelming — especially when balancing clinical work, audits, outbreaks, and leadership responsibilities.In this episode of The Infection Control Exchange Podcast, we break down:• How the CIC exam is structured• What candidates often misunderstand• How to align real-world IPAC practice with exam expectations• The importance of practicing exam questions to get an idea of priority content, and get comfortable with challenging multiple choice questions. • Time is a significant factor in doing the CIC or LTC-CIP exam. Important to complete the exam to increase your chance of success.• Practical study strategies that work. This episode is ideal for:✔ CIC candidates✔ Early-career infection preventionists✔ IPAC professionals considering certification🎙️ Hosted by Wayne Tucker, CIC, LTC-CIP

Episode 12 (Part 3): COVID-19 Lessons Learned – What Must ChangeIn Part 3 of this COVID-19 Lessons Learned series, Wayne Tucker explores the deeper, long-term implications of the pandemic and what healthcare systems must change to be better prepared moving forward.This episode discusses:• System-wide gaps revealed during COVID-19 across Canada• Infection prevention capacity and readiness• Workforce burnout, leadership, and accountability• New healthcare construction and the critical role that infection control plays right from the start at the design stage• Lessons that still apply across long-term care and acute care• Why meaningful change cannot be delayedThis conversation is intended for infection preventionists, infection control leads and managers, healthcare leaders, frontline staff, policymakers, and quality professionals committed to improving patient and resident safety.🎙️ Infection Control Exchange Podcast📍 Canada | Global perspectives

Episode 11 - COVID-19 Lessons Learned (Part 2 of 3) : LTC on the Front LinesPart 2 of the COVID-19 Lessons Learned series explores the real-world operational challenges faced by infection prevention and control teams during the pandemic.This episode focuses on how system design, workforce decisions, and shared responsibility affected outbreak management — particularly in long-term care. Topics include the importance of embedding infection control into new construction, the responsibilities that come with working in environments serving vulnerable populations, and the critical role of both staff and families in preventing transmission.Key discussion areas include:Staffing issues: burnout, lack of staff capacity during surges, for example, outbreaks, pandemics, etcDownside of having additional external oversight and internal organizational processes: less time for the IPAC manager to be on the floor due to the tasks that need to be completed for an outbreak or multiple outbreaks.Infection prevention considerations in healthcare facility designWorkforce responsibility in caring for vulnerable populationsThe importance of not attending work when symptomaticThe role families play in protecting residents by delaying visits when they are unwellThis episode builds on Part 1 and sets the stage for Part 3, which will examine long-term change, resilience, and future preparedness.COVID-19, Infection Prevention, IPAC, Pandemic Preparedness, Long-Term Care, Outbreak Management, Patient Safety, Healthcare Leadership, Public Health, Healthcare Systems,Lessons Learned

Bonus Episode – Colour-Changing Hand Sanitizer ConceptIn this episode, host Wayne Tucker (MSc, EMBA, CIC, LTC-CIP) walks through the early development of a new colour-changing hand sanitizer designed to make hand hygiene more visible, teachable, and reliable in real-world settings.Instead of focusing on dispensers or hardware, this product concept centers on what happens after the sanitizer is applied. The formulation temporarily changes colour on the hands, helping the user see which areas were well covered — and which were missed. This has potential applications in staff education, resident and patient engagement, audits, and real-time feedback on hand hygiene technique.Wayne discusses:• The problem of “invisible” hand hygiene and risks associated with missed areas (current frontline practice)• How a colour-changing sanitizer could support training and daily frontline practice• Potential use in any healthcare setting, including long-term care and acute care. • Product development has global implications that could significantly transform the hand sanitizer industry. • Early considerations for formulation, safety, and usability• Next steps in moving this concept toward testing and development are support through partnerships and collaborations. Need to create a prototype that can be tested in the field at a limited number of healthcare settings. This short episode provides a focused look at one hand hygiene innovation and the thinking behind turning a simple idea into a practical infection-prevention tool that can significantly reduce the transmission of infectious diseases by showing staff the areas they miss when applying hand sanitizer.Hand HygieneInfection PreventionInfection ControlIPACHealthcare innovationProduct developmentInfection Control ExchangeHand Sanitizer

Healthcare teams need PPE systems that adapt to real-world needs—not rigid designs that never fit the environment. After 23 years in infection control and healthcare leadership, I’ve seen the same challenges repeated across LTC, acute care, and community settings.To solve this, I’m building a modular, configurable PPE storage system—a “LEGO-style” approach that allows gloves, masks, gowns, wipes, face shields, and other components to be rearranged, removed, added, or replaced in seconds.The next step is developing a full CAD-engineered, 3D-printed prototype.To make this possible, I’m seeking:1️⃣ Engineering or Capstone Teams– Schools of engineering, design, CAD, product development– Looking for a meaningful, real-world innovation project2️⃣ Sponsors & Industry Partners- GOJO, Diversey/Solenis, Virox, Medline, Clorox Healthcare, Sani Marc, Cardinal Health, 3M, Ecolab, and others– Funding or material support for prototype development3️⃣ Healthcare Pilot Sites- Extendicare, Shannex, Revera, Northwood, Bayshore, Nova Scotia Health, Horizon, Acute Care & LTC partners– For real-world testing and workflow validationIf your organization is interested in collaborating, sponsoring, or piloting this modular PPE system, I’d be happy to connect.📩 Contact:Wayne Tucker, MSc, EMBA, CIC, LTC-CIPFounder – Infection Control Exchange Ecosystemtuckerwayne100@gmail.comLet’s build infection-control tools that actually work for healthcare teams.