The Importance of Infection Prevention Compliance
HAIs exact great costs—in terms of human harm, and in the dollars spent to treat infections that could have been prevented with more diligent efforts. It can be challenging to maintain IP procedures in the ER for a number of reasons. For one, invasive procedures are performed in the ER, placing patients at risk for device-related infections. Secondly, trauma response is more important than infection control compliance, meaning priority is given to immediate care over maintaining IP procedures.
Here is a checklist your team can use to ensure a facility is maximizing IP efforts:
Inventory what IP methods are being used in different areas of the facility (i.e., ER, OR, patient rooms, common areas). Engage your IP and EV teams to determine if these are sufficient or if modifications are needed to maximize disinfection procedures.
Align annual facility plans and budgets to technology upgrades as appropriate.
Determine the methods for monitoring cleaning adherence and effectiveness including direct observation, logs, automated reporting, and others as necessary. Using IP solutions that offer automated, cloud-based monitoring systems can help with compliance standards.
Develop a list of all personnel who monitor IP efforts, ensuring they are credentialed, trained, and compliant with facility protocol. Deploy a clear schedule of disinfection monitoring.
Ensure the entire team has an understanding of local, state, and federal audit or compliance regulations so they align monitoring validation and records for that reporting.
Assess various disinfection needs, IP procedures, and compliance necessities for the varied surfaces or air quality depending on the facility’s specific design.
Conduct routine internal audits of adherence to cleaning and disinfection procedures along with device checks and upgrades as needed. Ensure UVC bulbs and other devices are in working order by monitoring performance on a regular basis.
To increase their chances of winning the battle, IP professionals must stay on top of the leading technology and techniques available to combat harmful pathogens and infections. UV disinfection technology has shown to be an effective, efficient, and user-friendly way to target and reduce pathogens. Contact us to get more information on how to ensure your facility is reducing pathogen spread by using UVC disinfection.