Moving the Needle on Healthcare Environmental Sanitation: Celebrating IIPW and Clean Hospital Day 2024

As we approach International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) and Clean Hospitals Day, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the critical importance of maintaining a clean and sanitary healthcare environment. We know that pathogens can survive on environmental surfaces for extended periods where they can hitch a ride on the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs) and be transmitted to vulnerable patients. In fact, direct and indirect contact accounts for 20-40% of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)¹. Did you know that for every dollar spent on healthcare environmental hygiene (HEH), a 7–16-fold return on investment can be realized?² For these reasons, HEH is a key domain in infection prevention and control (IPC). IIPW and Clean Hospitals Day, observed every October, serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to prevent infections and ensure patient safety in healthcare settings.

The Significance of International Infection Prevention Week

IIPW, established by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), aims to raise awareness about the importance of IPC in improving healthcare and saving lives. This week-long event highlights the role of infection preventionists (IPs) and HCWs in reducing the risk of HAIs.

HAIs pose a significant threat to patient safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 31 hospital patients and 1 in 41 long-term care residents has an HAI on any given day.^3,4 These infections can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased medical costs, and, in severe cases, loss of life.

Clean Hospitals Day: A Commitment to Sanitation

Clean Hospitals Day, celebrated on October 20th, was established by the Clean Hospitals Association. Their mission is to make hospitals safer through improved HEH to benefit public health by lowering rates of HAIs and reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Clean Hospitals Day complements IIPW by emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and sanitation in healthcare environments. This day is dedicated to recognizing the efforts of cleaning and environmental services staff who play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare workers (HCWs).

A clean hospital is not just about aesthetics; it is a fundamental aspect of IPC. Proper cleaning and disinfection practices help eliminate harmful pathogens that can cause infections. With the rise in AMR pathogens, cleaning and disinfection is as important — if not more so — than antimicrobial stewardship as it can stop transmission before an infection can even occur.

Threading the Needle: The Lean Approach to HAI Reduction

In addition to cleanliness, adopting a Lean approach in IPC, specifically HEH, can significantly enhance HAI reduction efforts. Lean principles, originally developed in the manufacturing industry, focus on maximizing value while minimizing waste. When applied to healthcare, Lean methodologies can streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies, and improve overall patient care.

One of the key aspects of Lean healthcare is the emphasis on continuous improvement. By regularly evaluating and refining processes, healthcare facilities can identify areas where infections are more likely to occur and implement targeted interventions. This proactive approach not only reduces the risk of HAIs but also enhances the overall quality of care.

An example of Lean methodology in action would be replacing dilutable disinfectants with ready-to-use (RTU) disinfectants. Simply put, RTU disinfectants are more efficient than dilutable disinfectants. They are plug-and-play if you will. There is no risk of dilution error and no secondary containers to label or clean after use. RTU disinfectants can be kept at the point-of-use to improve compliance with cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and mobile medical equipment.

Conclusion

As we celebrate IIPW and Clean Hospitals Day, let us recognize the vital role that a clean and sanitary healthcare environment plays in safeguarding patient health. By prioritizing cleanliness, we can create a safer and healthier environment for all.

IPC is a continuous journey that requires dedication, vigilance, and collaboration. Together, we can move the needle to reducing HAIs and support the well-being of patients and HCWs alike.

You are not alone in your endeavors to reduce HAIs through the provision of a sanitary healthcare environment. We, your partners here at CloroxPro, have a ton of resources to assist you which you can access here.

Thank you IPs! Your dedication and hard work does not go unnoticed.