Whole-room disinfection
Germ-zapping robots are a new innovation in infection pre-
vention. Eleven percent of our survey respondents say they're
using ultraviolet (UV) or hydrogen peroxide whole-room disinfec-
tion units. While these robots may help boost terminal cleaning or
turnover efforts after cases with a serious infection, evidence on
their impact on SSIs is limited. Because of that, consider these
only as an add-on to your meticulous cleaning efforts, says Ms.
Nucci.
Single-dose vials
In an effort to save time and supply costs, staff may reuse
medication vials on multiple patients, spreading bloodborne
pathogens. Though not foolproof, Ms. Nucci recommends pur-
chasing single-dose vials whenever possible, as well as mandating
annual safe injection training for all staff. As with every new addi-
tion to your infection prevention efforts, the most important part
is getting staff to use the products correctly. "Education is the
key," says Beth Summerlin, MSN, RN, CNOR, manager of surgical
service at Wellstar Windy Hill East Bobb Health Park OSC in
Marietta, Ga. "All of the products are good, but if not used cor-
rectly, it defeats the effort."
OSM
E-mail kgapinski@outpatientsurgery.net.
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