Epidemiologists and Infectious disease doctors have suggested the sudden re-emergence of germs we once thought were eradicated. Furthermore, the arrival of novel viruses and other bacterial illnesses further confirms what research scientists have concluded in recent times. To this end, it is very critical that healthcare facilities globally continue to enhance their strategies to curb these infections. One of the best ways a healthcare facility can control these infections is by partnering with commercial janitorial service providers (JSP), who specialize in healthcare facility cleaning. This recommendation is not limited to inpatient Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals only, but to outpatient healthcare facilities such as pediatric associate offices, urgent care clinics, and outpatient rehabilitation centers to list a few.
To understand how infectious disease spread or communicate with the environment, you must first understand the Chain of Infection. “The chain of infection is a set of six intertwined links that describe how communicable diseases may spread. Each step of the chain is required to transmit infectious illness effectively. Breaking any of the six links inhibits the spread of an infectious disease.” (Texas Health and Human Services, 2023). Therefore the job of the janitorial service provider or simply the cleaning team is to disrupt the cycles of the chain of infection. This involves consistently implementing industry-proven strategies, such as the cleaning standards framework, which delivers optimum results. The cleaning standards framework has a total of 49 standards covering the following parts of a healthcare facility:
Walls
Patient equipment
Flooring
Fixed assets(e.g., light switches, plug sockets)
Furnishings, fixtures, and fittings
Fixtures and appliances in kitchens and bathrooms
Source: Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Certified nurse aide annual in-service education. Module 4: Infection and infection control. Retrieved from https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/NF/credentialing/cna/module4/CNA_Inservice_Mod4_Infection_and_Infection_Control16.html.
In inpatient settings, part of the role of the janitorial service provider is to work with the Infection Prevention Department to implement infection prevention strategies within the policies and guidelines of the healthcare facility. In outpatient facilities, the JSP works with the practice manager or decision maker to come up with a cleaning structure that is practical and effective for the control of the disease.
Another role of JSP in infection control and prevention is their awareness and application of innovations within the cleaning industry to appropriate settings. While manual cleaning of healthcare facilities is critical, modern systems ensure all pathogens are eradicated. Some equipment used frequently by JSP for healthcare facilities includes automated decontamination systems, electrostatic sprayers, and ultraviolet light. When combined with routine, manual cleaning, it results in an even safer patient environment.
References
Decker, B. (2022). The role of health care laundry in infection
prevention. Infection Control Today, 26(6). https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/the-role-health-care-laundry-infection-prevention
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Certified nurse aide annual in-service education. Module 4: Infection and infection control. Retrieved from https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/NF/credentialing/cna/module4/CNA_Inservice_Mod4_Infection_and_Infection_Control16.html
Resources
Here are additional resources for you to increase your janitorial knowledge further and stay updated on new trends in facility maintenance.
Distinct Cleaning News and Media Post: Easy to read blog articles on various topics and trends in the commercial janitorial space.
Janitorial Work and Tutorial Videos: Quick cleaning tutorial and before and after videos intended to give the audience a glimpse into various janitorial works.
Janitorial Coaching Business Hub: This is an excellent place for anyone who has a regular job yet wants to start their own janitorial business. You can find coaching and other strategic opportunities available.
