Environmental Services

This Pulse reviews the microbial levels found on common surfaces in the healthcare environment, pathogen persistence, and transmission mechanics, and provides suggestions for effective cleaning and disinfection.

Infection Control Today surveyed infection preventionists regarding their opinions on key issues related to environmental hygiene and surface disinfection. This report presents the survey findings through charts and graphs as a quick snapshot of infection preventionists' perspectives and practices relating to surface cleaning and disinfection.

Water is essential for life, and we are fortunate to have safe, affordable drinking water from municipal sources. Though water meets drinking standards when it enters a building, the complexity of healthcare building water systems can create conditions that allow growth of microorganisms, including waterborne pathogens that have been linked to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Quality improvement (QI) in healthcare is a noble initiative but an increasing number of clinicians and administrators are wondering if such efforts are paying off in terms of better outcomes and whether or not they can be sustained long-term. Some studies indicate an ongoing disconnect between QI program goals and actual results. As Schouten, et al. (2008) remark, "The multi-institutional, quality improvement collaborative is widely accepted as a strategy in healthcare. Its widespread acceptance and use are not, however, based on a systematic assessment of effectiveness."