equipment. It should also include by what means and how frequently shared equipment will be cleaned. When developing such a framework it’s important to include all necessary stakeholders (Environmental Services, Nursing, Patient Transport, etc.). Interdepartmental collaboration will help to streamline processes across departments, prevent rework and enhance communication. Ensure materials for environmental services staff are assessed for potential language and reading level barriers. At a minimum, include the following materials and assessments: educational materials, instructions/checklists, cleaning equipment, cleaning solutions/bottles, and Safety Data Sheets required by OSHA. Use audits as an opportunity for improvement, not for punishment, i.e. as a “ladder,” not a “hammer.” Use a frequent and consistent approach to audits to provide valuable information that can identify opportunities for improvement and track progress over time. Provide feedback to staff on environmental cleaning and disinfecting practices in a timely, clear and consistent manner, focusing on improvement rather than punishment. Encourage a team atmosphere when providing feedback by using “we” statements (e.g., how can “WE” work together to improve MRSA cleaning and disinfection?). Spend time listening to staff concerns and refrain from placing blame. Verify environmental services staff receive feedback about MDRO rates, too. As they engage and learn how critical their work is for patient safety, it is important for them to know they are making a difference. Include them in unit staff meetings where infection data are shared and patient stories are told. They are a critical part of the infection prevention team. Tools, Resources and Further Reading STRIVE Content: (CBT101, CBT102, CBT103) (EC101, EC102, EC103, EC104) (MRSA101, MRSA102) Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE). Quality Assurance (Section 11) & Environmental Monitoring Technologies (Section 12). Practice Guidance for Healthcare Environmental Cleaning, 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: AHE. (2012). Pgs. 173-195. Dancer SJ. Dos and don'ts for hospital cleaning. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2016; 29(4):415-23. Mitchell BG, Dancer SJ, Anderson M, Dehn E. Risk of organism acquisition from prior room occupants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hosp Infect. 2015; 91(3):211-7.
equipment. It should also include by what means and how frequently shared equipment will be cleaned. When developing such a framework it’s important to include all necessary stakeholders (Environmental Services, Nursing, Patient Transport, etc.). Interdepartmental collaboration will help to streamline processes across departments, prevent rework and enhance communication. Ensure materials for environmental services staff are assessed for potential language and reading level barriers. At a minimum, include the following materials and assessments: educational materials, instructions/checklists, cleaning equipment, cleaning solutions/bottles, and Safety Data Sheets required by OSHA. Use audits as an opportunity for improvement, not for punishment, i.e. as a “ladder,” not a “hammer.” Use a frequent and consistent approach to audits to provide valuable information that can identify opportunities for improvement and track progress over time. Provide feedback to staff on environmental cleaning and disinfecting practices in a timely, clear and consistent manner, focusing on improvement rather than punishment. Encourage a team atmosphere when providing feedback by using “we” statements (e.g., how can “WE” work together to improve MRSA cleaning and disinfection?). Spend time listening to staff concerns and refrain from placing blame. Verify environmental services staff receive feedback about MDRO rates, too. As they engage and learn how critical their work is for patient safety, it is important for them to know they are making a difference. Include them in unit staff meetings where infection data are shared and patient stories are told. They are a critical part of the infection prevention team. Tools, Resources and Further Reading STRIVE Content: (CBT101, CBT102, CBT103) (EC101, EC102, EC103, EC104) (MRSA101, MRSA102) Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE). Quality Assurance (Section 11) & Environmental Monitoring Technologies (Section 12). Practice Guidance for Healthcare Environmental Cleaning, 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: AHE. (2012). Pgs. 173-195. Dancer SJ. Dos and don'ts for hospital cleaning. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2016; 29(4):415-23. Mitchell BG, Dancer SJ, Anderson M, Dehn E. Risk of organism acquisition from prior room occupants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hosp Infect. 2015; 91(3):211-7.