There is a lot of dialogue around hospital cleanliness and its importance. Many articles will show that unclean surfaces and infected substances can contribute to HAIs, which are a leading cause of increased hospitalisations. Therefore, it is proven that keeping infections at an all-time low in these premises is the best way to protect patients, staff and guests.
However, how much does hospital cleanliness contribute to the recovery of those in hospitals?
The following blog will explore how infection control practices and the correct infection control equipment can occasionally reduce the time it takes for patients to recover. It will also explore the correct way to clean hospitals to ensure that assisting patient recovery through cleaning and sanitisation becomes a reality in more hospitals.
What are HAIs, and how do they impact patient recovery?
HAIs, or Hospital Associated Infections, are any infections that are transmitted throughout a hospital. This can be through airborne infections, other people or through cross-contamination. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and they can affect any part of the body, including the skin, lungs, urinary tract, bloodstream, and surgical sites. Common HAIs include urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.
Patients in hospital will more often than not have compromised immunity. This may be due to the condition they are experiencing, or because of their medication. This means they are more susceptible to falling ill when other contagions enter the area. In reality, this can also prolong their hospital stay and place nurses and doctors beyond their capacity.
So, it’s essential that HAIs, though not completely avoidable, are minimised to guarantee patients see the best chance of recovering quickly.
Assist Patient Recovery Through Frequent Cleaning and Sanitisation
Though cleaning staff don’t have a direct duty of care over patients, the depth of their cleaning and sanitisation can improve patient recovery. Using HYGEN Microfibre cloths and mop heads, which are specially innovated to pick up pathogens from surfaces, can ensure the chance of HAIs is minimised.
To maximise their effectiveness, cleaning surfaces with HYGEN must be completed at a minimum of every hour. Cleaning floors must be done at a minimum of once every two hours or when soiled.
Cleaning schedules should also focus on more than just generic surfaces such as tables, chairs and bed rails. All high touch points, including handrails, taps and light switches, must also be cleaned and sanitised hourly. Then, less frequent touchpoints, such as the top of cupboards, must be cleaned daily to avoid dust build-up. This is because dust is a key way that HAIs can grow and spread.
The Rubbermaid Commercial Products team is passionate about making cleaning and sanitisation easy for all. For this reason, dust can also be cleaned using the HYGEN range. High-reach spots can be accessed with connectors and HYGEN accessories.
Other Infection Control Practices to Assist Patient Recovery
Though cleaning and sanitisation are the most effective way to prevent HAIs and assist patient recovery, they are not the only means. Some other to assist patient recovery include:
Hand Hygiene: Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare facilities. Hospital staff should wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitiser before and after contact with patients.
Personal Protective Equipment: Hospital staff should use personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, and masks, when caring for patients with infectious diseases to avoid transmission among one another.
Screening and Isolation: Hospitals should screen patients for infectious diseases and isolate patients with contagious illnesses to prevent the spread of infections to other patients.
Staff Training: Hospital and cleaning staff should receive regular training on infection control procedures to ensure they are following best practices.
Rubbermaid Commercial Products is here to help
At Rubbermaid Commercial Products, we know the power cleaning can have over patient recovery in hospitals. We are passionate about helping you understand what cleaning supplies can help you achieve the highest level of cleanliness, so you can reduce the chances of transmitting additional illnesses to patients and extending their stay. Contact us today to get started on elevating cleanliness in your hospital.