Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
February 8, 2011

Rodney E. Rohde, associate professor in the College of Health Professions, Clinical Laboratory Science, at Texas State University-San Marcos, has been appointed to a board position to investigate strategies associated with Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) (a Johnson & Johnson company) invited Rohde to sit on a National Environmental Decontamination Advisory Board. The board consists of global thought leaders in infectious diseases, infection prevention, microbiology, environmental health, healthcare advocacy and risk management.

HAIs are a significant health concern resulting in increased mortality rates and elevated healthcare costs. Environmental disinfection approaches may be utilized to help prevent HAIs. The board will be discussing critical issues and current standards in the prevention of HAIs and different approaches to environmental disinfection of pathogens, including automated area disinfection technologies.

Rohde participated in the initial meeting, Jan. 21-22 in Dallas. The meeting topic was Healthcare Environmental Disinfection Advisory Board: Exploration of Standards and Science for Unique Approaches to Practice. The goals and proposed objectives of the meeting were:

• To determine the relationship between the healthcare environment and healthcare-associated infections
• To establish the scientific rationale for the use of different system and solution approaches to environmental disinfection
• To identify key issues that are important for achieving optimal environmental disinfection of pathogens

Rohde’s background in clinical microbiology, multi-drug resistant organisms (such as MRSA) and transmission in unique study populations make him an integral member of the board. He will continue to provide critical feedback as ASP and J&J move ahead globally in the realm of environmental decontamination, infectious disease transmission prevention, and healthcare-based public health.

For additional information, call (512) 245-2562 or email rrohde@txstate.edu.