Recent reports have underscored a pressing need for the enhancement and efficiency of infection control and prevention systems within U.S. healthcare facilities. A startling record in Oregon in 2024 revealed 1,000 instances of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), a number failing to align with the HAI target reductions established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These statistics serve as a decisive reminder to commercial cleaning executives of the vital role they can play in mitigating this pressing public health challenge.
One potential solution that is gaining traction is Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) disinfection technology. One illustrative case involves a New Jersey hospital, which significantly lowered its standardized infection ratio (SIR) by 82 percent below the national standard, after expanding the use of UV-C light across its isolation and care areas. UV-C devices work by infiltrating the cell walls of pathogens, eliminating the need for chemical residues and thus, delivering a sustainable strategy for Environmental Services (EVS).
The successful integration of UV-C disinfection technology does, however, hinge on comprehensive training programs. The objective is twofold: not only to familiarize frontline staff with its operation, but more importantly, to teach them how to seamlessly weave the technology into their existing workflows along with conventional, evidence-based practices such as handwashing. As alarming as it may be, one in 31 patients in the U.S. currently wrestles with the detrimental health and safety implications of HAIs.
Adherence to stringent hand hygiene protocols, coupled with the introduction of innovative disinfection strategies like UV-C, can aid hospitals across the country in successfully meeting federal targets. It’s clear that a multi-tiered approach, marrying traditional methods with progressive technologies, is key to operations management in preventing and controlling infections in healthcare facilities.