Managing Ventilation To Prevent Airborne Illnesses

Management plan can help managers maintain compliance with applicable accreditation, licensure and regulatory standards

By By Dan Hounsell


The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a bright spotlight on operating, maintaining and upgrading HVAC systems in healthcare facilities and, in particular, ventilation. For managers seeking to ensure these systems continue to protect patients and staff from airborne illnesses, one logical step is to formalize the process of ventilation management.

Given the increased emphasis on ventilation requirements in healthcare spaces and the conflicting requirements of various authorities having jurisdiction, a comprehensive ventilation management plan (VMP) will help healthcare organizations manage ventilation to maintain compliance with all applicable accreditation, licensure and regulatory standards, according to Health Facilities Management

The process of developing a framework for a VMP includes several key steps, including forming a committee. An effective VMP will need buy-in from a multidisciplinary group of leaders across the organization. Engineering; planning, design and construction; accreditation; infection prevention; nursing; pharmacy; and perioperative services should be represented on the committee.



April 8, 2021


Topic Area: HVAC


Recent Posts

Designing for Distraction: Benefits for Children, Families

Designers who can incorporate distractions into pediatric healthcare facilities can help children and families successfully navigate healthcare journeys.


Staffing and Consolidation Reshape Outpatient Facility Strategies

Labor shortages and health system consolidation are driving new approaches to outpatient facility planning.


Adams Health Network Falls Victim to Phishing Attack

Adams Health Network does not have any evidence that the attacker was seeking patient information.


Ventilation and Filtering for Infection ControlĀ 

Poor IAQ can be deadly in healthcare facilities, so maintaining proper air conditioning and filter systems is key in controlling the spread of infection.


ChristianaCare Opens Aston Campus Neighborhood Hospital

The hospital is expected to care for approximately 15,000 patients each year.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.