When an area or surface is contaminated, it can potentially be a source of healthcare-associated virus/infections. Examples of these viruses include Clostridium difficile, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), gram-negative bacilli and norovirus. Several studies have reported a reduction in healthcare-associated infections due to improvements in environmental cleaning.
In the healthcare setting, it is very easy for patients to shed viruses, bacteria and other organisms through the skin or through coughing and touching onto clothing, bedding, and other surfaces in the healthcare space. Infections are usually transmitted if contact is made with any of the listed points above. Using proper disinfection methods, is integral is interrupting a germs transmission route, thus stopping the spread of jerm. In this article, four strategies are listed below to stop the transmission of viruses, bacteria and other germs:
Improve cleaning and disinfection of rooms of patients known to have healthcare-associated germs after discharge. This will reduce the risk of germs being transmitted to a different patient using the same room.
Daily disinfection of frequently touched surfaces in isolation rooms may reduce risk of contamination of the hands of any healthcare personnel providing care to patients.
Disinfection of portable equipment’s or devices between patients (such as stethoscopes, thermometers etc.) may reduce risk of infection.
Finally, rather than just focusing on isolation rooms, a focus on disinfecting all rooms may eliminate the concern that many carriers are not identified.
Implementation of these systems in the healthcare space will help reduce or eliminate healthcare associated infections. It is also important to include your janitorial staff in the planning and implementation of these systems. Additionally, consider using color coded microfiber cleaning rags when implementing such systems.
