APIC Findings Illustrate Need for Environmental Services

ADDISON, Texas -- Jani-King, a leader in healthcare environmental services, is prepared to act in light of the findings of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology  (APIC) on the release of its National Prevalence Study of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in U.S. Healthcare Facilities. 

Funded by APIC, the study collected data from more than 1,200 healthcare facilities to determine the current magnitude of MRSA. Data shows that 49 out of every 1,000 patients in the study were either infected or colonized with MRSA. This rate is between 8 and 11 times greater than previous MRSA estimates.  MRSA has become the most common pathogen causing healthcare-associated infections(HAIs) in healthcare facilities in the United States and throughout the world.

The study findings significantly exceed previous estimates and provide a picture of the threat MRSA poses to patients in facilities caring for virtually every type of patient including acute care, cancer, cardiac, pediatric, rehabilitation and long-term care.

Jani-King stands ready to assist all healthcare facilities, environmental services directors and infection control professionals to reduce HAIs. One of the key factors in protecting patients from HAIs is reducing the bioload on environmental surfaces and equipment by providing proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures to minimize the potential for cross transmission, said Mark Regna, director of healthcare for Jani-King International and a member of the Advanced Practice Guidance Council for APIC.

Within the last year, Jani-King has incorporated the Rubbermaid color-coded microfiber system into its healthcare program. This system, along with the use of pre-selected 3M products, provides assistance to protect patients from coming in contact with contaminated equipment and surfaces. Jani-King's healthcare certificate program provides staff with the ability to recognize and respond to these special needs in a healthcare environment.  In addition, Jani-King's five-year relationship and Corporate Champion association with the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) has resulted in valuable industry knowledge. Jani-King is committed to a clean, safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.

Source: Jani-King