(osmag.net/RmfG7U) may further enhance the technology's ability
to battle multidrug-resistant organisms. We're considering this
option as we build a new ICU tower.
The technology is also evolving into smaller and more portable
devices. UV wands are already being used in foodservice and other
industries, but it's inevitable that these kinds of devices will make
their way into health care as a way to treat high-touch items like room
curtains, which are among the biggest carriers of pathogens.
Feeling justified
Every time we have a patient readmitted with an HAI, it's on us, mean-
ing it adds tens of thousands of unreimbursed dollars to the cost of
care. It's also tying up the hospital, and we'd much rather have a new
patient than a repeat patient who has been readmitted because of an
infection. Each UV disinfection unit costs more than $100,000, but we
justified the expense by preparing a pro forma to show our C-suite the
savings we would experience by reducing HAIs by 30% per year.
Based on our 2016 numbers, cutting HAIs by one-third should save
more than $500,000 this year and more than $1.1 million in 2018.
It's a sizeable investment, but we anticipate a return in less than 4
months. I haven't seen a tool with this kind of game-changing poten-
tial in my 35 years in this field, as it addresses all the prongs that are
important to every healthcare facility: reducing HAIs, curbing read-
missions, driving patient satisfaction and making the hospital safer for
everyone who walks through your door. It also gives us an assurance
we've never had before, and it's tough to put a price on that.
OSM
J U L Y 2 0 1 7 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 7 7
Mr. Barnes (trbarnes@stcharleshealthcare.org) is the director of hospitality
services for St. Charles Bend (Ore.) Medical Center.