Surface Disinfection in Healthcare: Risks, Challenges, and Solutions

In the healthcare industry, effective cleaning and disinfection strategies are critical for patient safety and mitigating the spread of deadly infections. However, the use of chemical disinfectants can damage surface materials, rendering them uncleanable and shortening their lifespan. This can result in additional costs for replacement and ongoing maintenance.

The Healthcare Surfaces Institute brings together global experts to focus on the threat damaged surfaces present to patients and staff in healthcare environments. A case study on the institute’s website highlights the risks associated with surface disinfection incompatibility with medical devices. In this case, a large hospital purchased state-of-the-art monitoring systems that were damaged by chemical exposure during the disinfection process, posing a risk to patient safety and presenting significant liability for the healthcare facility and manufacturer.

To address this problem, healthcare facilities must focus on selecting surface materials that can be effectively cleaned and disinfected with standard disinfectants without damaging the materials. The hospital in the case study established a single point of contact between the medical device company and the hospital’s value analysis staff to facilitate effective communication. They ultimately chose to continue using a disinfectant indicated in infection prevention and control guidelines that are not approved for use on the monitoring devices and implemented an ongoing service program to repair damaged monitor enclosures as necessary.

In summary, healthcare facilities must be mindful of the risks associated with surface disinfection incompatibility with medical devices and other surface materials. By selecting compatible surface materials and disinfectants and establishing effective communication and service programs, healthcare facilities can reduce patient risk and ensure effective cleaning and disinfection strategies.

Bacoban disinfecting solutions have passed aviation’s most stringent surface compatibility tests, regarded as the highest testing standard. There is no longer a need to compromise when selecting a product that demonstrates excellent infection control without damaging the surface.

Reference: www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com

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