In a clinical trial at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Va., the facility started using sheets, towels and patient gowns and hard surfaces infused with copper, according to an article on The Daily Progress website.
Modern studies have found that materials enhanced with copper are effective at eliminating 99.9 percent of bacteria within a few hours.
In the Sentara study, researchers found an 83 percent reduction in infections caused by Clostridium difficile and a 78 percent overall reduction in multidrug-resistant organisms.
As a result of these findings, as well as a follow-up study involving other Sentara hospitals, Sentara Healthcare will install copper linens, bedside tables and bed handrails in all 12 of its hospitals.
How Efficiency Checklists Help Hospitals Save Energy, Water and Money
Intermountain Healthcare Receives $50M Gift for Standalone Children's Hospital
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Reports Data Breach via Third Party
Safety Synergy: Infection Prevention That Protects Patients and Workers
Prefabricated Wall Panels Speed UCF Lake Nona Medical Center Construction