Nosocomial infections, also known as hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), are increasingly becoming a significant cause of mortality among hospital patients. To combat this, a study was conducted involving a multidisciplinary team (MDT) intervention to refine the process of cleaning and disinfecting hospital environmental surfaces in a general hospital in China.
The study employed members from various disciplines such as nursing, clinical medicine, public health, and laboratory science. The initiative employed various evaluative methods to assess the state of cleaning and disinfection processes in the hospital. These methods included fluorescent labeling, microbiological sampling of surfaces, questionnaire surveys to assess the know-how of the cleaning staff, on-site inspections, and detection of multi-drug resistant organisms.
The post-intervention results revealed a marked improvement in the cleaning levels of the hospital environment. Specifically, the total cleaning rate rose from 66.75% to 82.10%. There was also a significant increase in the awareness and knowledge of the cleaners about hygiene practices, with the qualified rate rising from 51.61% to 83.15%. Furthermore, with the imposed intervention, the rate of misconduct was lowered. The intervention also led to a reduced detection of multi-drug resistant organisms and a lowered HAI rate.
These results explain the efficiency of the MDT model in managing cleaning and disinfection within hospitals, which forms the foundation of effective infection control. Contaminated surfaces in healthcare facilities contribute substantially to the spread of deadly pathogens, being a leading pillar in the causation of HAIs. It has been established that intensive cleaning and disinfection processes can create a significant dent in the incidence of infections. Therefore, the commitment and proficiency of the cleaning staff are integral to this cause.
The MDT model was introduced in the United States in the 1950s mainly to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment plans to patients. Its incorporation in hospital management has shown great success, highlighting promising future applications in optimizing hospital environmental surface cleaning and disinfection practices. The study conducted should hence serve as a roadmap for healthcare facilities globally in their quest to improve patient safety and infection control practices.