June 2010
In many respects, environmental services (ES) employees, frequently referred to as housekeeping staff in days gone by, are now recognized as a major defense against the spread of infections in hospitals. In fact, when it comes to patient safety, no single role is more important than that of the ES team.
Thus it is time the ES field be elevated to the stature of a profession. If patient survival rate and outcomes are to be improved, additional attention must be invested in ES staff ranging from enhanced education and training to credentialing, certifications and resources.
- Collaboration between ES and infection control teams is fundamental
- Cleaning methods involving push carts, mop buckets with wringers, terry cloths with spray bottles, water pails, string mops and dust mops have been replaced with color-coded microfiber cloths(ie yellow for toilets, blue for patient rooms), single-use mops and cleaning stations
- Examples of surfaces that must be disinfected to control contamination and prevent transmission of disease include:
Doorknobs, Telephones, Light Switches, Clinical Equipment, Bedrails, Over-Bed Tables, Linen Hampers, Waste Receptacles, Window Sills, IV Poles, Thermometers, Monitors, Computer Keyboards, TV Controls, Nurse Call Buttons, Call Light Deactivators, Handrails, Faucet Hardware, Toilet Walls, Benches, Other High Touch Areas
- Surfaces are classified into critical and non-critical categories, dictating the cleaning protocols
- It will be important to develop a dashboard or scorecard that includes ES performance metrics tied to infection prevention patient outcomes
- While patient satisfaction surveys contain important feedback, quantitative data linked to infection control, patient safety and patient outcomes are needed for ES performance improvements
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Taking measures to reduce
Healthcare Acquired Infections.
Western Paper Distributors in partnership with Network Services Company is proud to offer the innovative Healthy Measures program to reduce Healthcare Acquired Infections. We consult with your team to reduce Healthcare Acquired Infections, streamline cleaning procedures, and elevate patient satisfact scores. Call Western Paper Distributors at 1.800.835.4812 to learn more!
Also visit the all new Healthy Measures website at www.healthymeasuresonline.com for HAI Prevention Best Practices, Training Resources, Checklists, Toolkits, Product Guides, Articles and Research.
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