Last updated on Aug 6, 2024

How can you identify high-risk areas for infections in healthcare facilities?

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a serious threat to patient safety and quality of care. HAIs can cause complications, prolonged hospital stays, increased costs, and even death. Environmental services (ES) play a vital role in preventing and controlling HAIs by ensuring a clean and sanitary environment in healthcare facilities. However, not all areas in a facility are equally prone to harboring pathogens and transmitting infections. ES staff need to identify and prioritize high-risk areas for infections and apply appropriate cleaning and disinfection protocols. Here are some tips on how to do that.

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1 Assess the level of risk

The level of risk for infections depends on several factors, such as the type of patient, the type of procedure, the type of equipment, and the frequency of contact. Generally, areas where invasive procedures are performed, where immunocompromised patients are treated, or where contaminated devices are used are considered high-risk. Examples include operating rooms, intensive care units, isolation rooms, dialysis units, and endoscopy suites. These areas require more frequent and thorough cleaning and disinfection than low-risk areas, such as administrative offices, waiting rooms, or hallways.

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2 Follow the standards and guidelines

ES staff should follow the standards and guidelines established by relevant authorities and organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE), and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). These standards and guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations on how to clean and disinfect different types of surfaces, equipment, and textiles in healthcare facilities. They also specify the frequency, methods, products, and quality indicators for effective cleaning and disinfection.

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Martha Levinski

I'm unsure what the future holds, but I'm grateful for the blessings I've received. Thank you, God, for your incredible gifts. I love you more than words could possibly describe.🙏🏾😍😘
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Effective leadership is crucial in developing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive plan that prioritizes patient care. Nurses, already overwhelmed with direct patient responsibilities, cannot be expected to assume additional roles, such as educating coworkers on their job responsibilities. Ensuring patient safety requires a collaborative team effort, and it is leadership's responsibility to facilitate this cooperation. By doing so, leaders can ensure that all team members are working efficiently and effectively towards a common goal: delivering exceptional patient care.

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3 Use the right tools and techniques

ES staff should use the right tools and techniques to clean and disinfect high-risk areas for infections. They should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, to protect themselves and prevent cross-contamination. They should use color-coded microfiber cloths, mops, and buckets to avoid mixing clean and dirty items. They should use EPA-registered disinfectants that are compatible with the surfaces and equipment they are cleaning. They should follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use, store, and dispose of the disinfectants. They should also use mechanical or chemical indicators to verify the effectiveness of the disinfection process.

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4 Communicate and collaborate with other staff

ES staff should communicate and collaborate with other staff in the healthcare facility to identify and address high-risk areas for infections. They should coordinate with the infection prevention and control (IPC) team to receive updates on the outbreak status, the transmission modes, and the prevention measures for specific pathogens. They should also coordinate with the clinical staff to ensure that the high-risk areas are properly prepared, cleared, and isolated before and after cleaning and disinfection. They should report any issues, concerns, or feedback to their supervisors and managers to improve the quality and safety of their work.

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Martha Levinski

I'm unsure what the future holds, but I'm grateful for the blessings I've received. Thank you, God, for your incredible gifts. I love you more than words could possibly describe.🙏🏾😍😘
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As a seasoned floor nurse in a lung transplant and cardiothoracic unit, I was acutely aware of my patients' vulnerability to opportunistic microbes. Many of my patients were immunocompromised due to immunosuppressants, surgical incisions, age-related and some suffered from chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, further complicating their cases. , which increased their morbidity risk. Managing the demanding direct care requirements consumed all my time and energy.

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5 Educate and train yourself and others

ES staff should educate and train themselves and others on how to identify and prioritize high-risk areas for infections and how to apply the best practices for cleaning and disinfection. They should attend regular in-service sessions, webinars, workshops, and conferences to update their knowledge and skills. They should also share their experiences, challenges, and solutions with their peers and colleagues. They should seek feedback and guidance from their mentors, coaches, and experts. They should also educate and train other staff, patients, and visitors on the importance of environmental hygiene and infection prevention and control.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Martha Levinski

I'm unsure what the future holds, but I'm grateful for the blessings I've received. Thank you, God, for your incredible gifts. I love you more than words could possibly describe.🙏🏾😍😘
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In my expert opinion, environmental care teams require specialized training on cleaning biohazard spills to ensure optimal patient safety. In my subsequent role as a medical salesman, I introduced innovative solutions to pre and post-op rooms, including easily replaceable curtains and UVC light technology. The efficacy of these products hinges on proper usage, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training and education.

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How can you identify high-risk areas for infections in healthcare facilities?

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1 Assess the level of risk

2 Follow the standards and guidelines

3 Use the right tools and techniques

4 Communicate and collaborate with other staff

5 Educate and train yourself and others

6 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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How can you identify high-risk areas for infections in healthcare facilities?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess the level of risk

2 Follow the standards and guidelines

3 Use the right tools and techniques

4 Communicate and collaborate with other staff

5 Educate and train yourself and others

6 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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