Significant improvements in disinfection processes can be achieved without added fiscal commitment, through the use of evidence-based practices and properly trained and rewarded environmental services staff, according to an article on the CleanLink website.
In 2003, the CDC’s Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities-Environmental Surfaces recommended that hospitals clean and disinfect all high touch surfaces.
In 2007, the CMS issued an interpretative guideline for its infection prevention and control programs — they “must include appropriate monitoring of housekeeping activities to ensure that the hospital maintains a sanitary environment.”
The Association for the Healthcare Environment’s Practice Guidance for Healthcare Environmental Cleaning recommends that to ensure consistent quality of cleaning and adequate staffing resources for infection prevention, a total facility cleaning standard should be agreed upon in advance by environmental services, infection control, and operations or administrative management.
Silent Undercount: HAI Deaths Are Far Higher Than Reported
Ground Broken on Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital Expansion Project in Ohio
Tennessee Oncology Opens New Tullahoma Medical Center
Rethinking Carpeting's Role in Senior Care Facilities
Parkview Health Breaks Ground on New Hospital in West Lafayette, IN