M A Y 2 0 1 6 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 5 1
sterile technique, perhaps
you're overlooking the ques-
tion that needs to be asked:
Are your surface disinfection
practices effective? Keep the
following insights in mind to
Surface
• WATCH CLOSELY Monitor your staff's turnovers
after different types of procedures to improve the
effectiveness of their disinfection efforts.
improve your staff's cleaning efforts and lower the
risk of cross-contaminating patients.
When surfaces are suspect
A growing body of evidence has pointed to the
impact of surfaces in the spread and persistence of
pathogens in the healthcare environment. Put sim-
ply: Surfaces that harbor infectious organisms can
easily transfer them from one person to another.
"Surfaces are active in the spread of infection,"
says Linda Lybert, president of Healthcare Surface
Consulting in Seattle, Wash., and co-founder of the
• CLOTH COST Should you apply disinfectants with reusable cloths or disposable wipes?
Cost-effectiveness and laundry capabilities can provide an answer.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
