Regardless of whether you’re a longtime service provider or a novice in the industry, disinfection of dangerous pathogens in the healthcare industry can be a daunting task consisting of numerous variables. You find yourself having to factor in considerations such as: what critical pathogens need to be reduced in the surrounding environment? Are you prepared to treat a Candida auris outbreak? How quickly does the room need to be turned over? What rooms require disinfection, and do those rooms include electronic and delicate medical equipment? While these issues may seem overwhelming, it is prudent to answer every question in turn. Over time, they begin to get easier to address.
To help understand and navigate these considerations, the gravity of protocols must be understood. Protocols are essential in the healthcare industry. To create these protocols, infection preventionists work with the Environmental Services (EVS) team to reduce resistant pathogens levels including healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and reduce the spread of them. Creating these protocols includes implementing the best and most cutting-edge disinfection technologies to produce a successful room reduction in these resistant pathogens and HAIs. There are multiple disinfection technologies that healthcare facilities use, and it is important that the right questions are asked when selecting the solution. When seeking out the most suitable technology for a given facility, you need to consider facets of both the technology and the environment. Does the disinfectant have proven efficacy with a high-log reduction? Does the disinfectant kill the rapidly spreading drug-resistant fungus spore Candida auris? Does the product disinfect the area quickly? Does the disinfectant have a wet contact time? Does the disinfectant have to be wiped after the treatment? Does the disinfectant leave any residue? Can the disinfectant be used in many areas including rooms with sensitive materials and electronics? Most importantly, is the disinfectant EPA registered? These answers will ultimately determine which product will be used, and the outcome of that decision can have long-reaching effects on the facility, staff, and patients.