The following is written by Peter Sheldon, CBSE, vice president of operations and development for Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System.
As the risk of infections continues to grow in healthcare settings, the role of surface disinfection and aseptic cleaning in both critical and non-critical areas takes on more prominence. Ambulatory surgery centers need cleaning providers who use specialized training in proper aseptic protocol to contribute to the prevention of harmful infections. Finding the right outsourced cleaning service that can provide proper aseptic cleaning and is able to validate their methods with science-based measurement is a challenge for any ASC.
Challenges for ASCs
Many ASCs are cleaned by either in-house staff or an outsourced cleaning company. Both of these groups often use outdated cleaning methods that include string mops or repeat use of rags that are not properly disinfected from the previous use. Surfaces that have not been properly cleaned and disinfected can promote the transmission of infections for patients and staff, causing delays in recovery, added costs and decreased efficiency.
However, outsourcing the cleaning task in itself isn't always a cure-all. Working with in-house environmental services staff that you can train and monitor can often be more effective than working with the typical outsourced cleaning provider. The key is finding the right outsourced company that provides advanced cleaning tactics and scientific measurement in critical healthcare settings.
Hold to standards and best practices
In a typical ASC, trained medical staff members are often cleaning the critical areas in between cases; however, the center is then hiring janitorial staff to complete additional terminal cleaning tasks after hours. Both the medical staff and janitorial workers may be trying their best, but they are often performing cleaning that is simply not up to hygienic, aseptic standards. For example, they may be employing cleaning tactics, such as the use of upright vacuum cleaners or cotton rags, which are more effective at spreading around harmful germs than actively removing soils.
It's important to find an outsourced cleaning service that is familiar with the latest aseptic cleaning standards, such as those set forth by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. The association provides several standards and best practices for the proper cleaning of critical operative areas. Following these standards in pre- and post-operative areas, as well as procedure areas, can limit pathogens and reduce the rate of infection for recent patients. Outsourced cleaning providers should clearly follow policies, such as keeping designated cleaning equipment confined to specific areas of the ASC, because moving equipment from floor to floor can quickly spread infectious agents.
Cost savings
In a healthcare setting, specialized training and aseptic cleaning techniques are required to combat various pathogens. Greater efficiencies and cost savings can be provided by outsourced cleaning providers who can spread the costs of specialized training to multiple clients. Ambulatory center management can get a better clean at a more attractive price, as more efficiency is added into the equation. For example, a traditional restroom cleaning might take about three minutes per fixture. With an advanced spray-and-vac system, each fixture can be cleaned in about a minute, a three-fold gain in efficiency that allows the cleaning staff more time to focus on bacteria-laden areas in the center.
Benefits of science-based cleaning
Centers should embrace the close relationship between health and hygiene and choose an outsourced cleaning provider with an advanced approach to training backed by scientific proof. Some companies make claims regarding the efficacy of their cleaning procedures but will be unwilling or unable to provide measurable results. Technologies exist today that allow for immediate measurement of surface contamination, comparing bio-load levels before and after cleaning. Reductions in bio-load can, of course, be directly correlated to reduction of dangerous pathogens on surfaces.
Choose the right partner
Many outpatient centers are outsourcing the cleaning of their facilities to companies that are simply not executing cleaning methods based on critical care standards to reduce and prevent infection in surgery areas. Quality contractors should be able to provide the proper training certifications in all areas of effective hygienic cleaning that demonstrates the knowledge base of their staff. Ambulatory and outpatient facilities need an environmental services partner that knows cleaning in clinical settings is much more than aesthetic. Healthcare facilities require a deeper cleaning, one that can be proven to actually kill and remove infectious matter from the environment of care. Finding the right company which adheres to industry standards and can produce measurable reductions in infectious organisms is a smart long-term goal for surgery centers.
Peter J. Sheldon Sr., CBSE, an expert in the building services contracting industry brings over 20 years of experience to his position as vice president of operations and development of Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System. Mr. Sheldon works closely with the Coverall sales and operations teams to spearhead initiatives that further the company's strategic objectives and help the company develop the most efficient and innovative cleaning processes available.
