How Smarter Disinfection Programs Can Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance Risks

Antimicrobial resistance is on the rise, putting people’s lives on the line. According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic-resistant infections are spiking at an alarming rate, and experts predict this could lead to a 70% increase in related deaths by 2050.

Hospitals are under siege from this sharply rising threat. Findings from the CDC show that the US faces 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections on an annual basis, leading to the death of 35,000 people. Moreover, the financial toll of these infections, including hospital-onset infections, is catastrophic, hitting $4.6 billion.

Now is the time for hospitals and health care institutions to act, but that does not simply mean increasing the frequency of surface disinfection. These drug-resistant infection trends are a harrowing call to action that there needs to be a rewiring of hospital hygiene and cleaning policies. Here are practical strategies to consider to more effectively protect staff and patients.

Embrace Nontoxic Innovations

Harsh cleaning products are a double-edged sword. While effective for cleaning, they can also pose risks to human health. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in most cleaning products, such as detergents and bleach, are linked with upper respiratory issues, including asthma. This compounds the risk of weakened immune systems, something that hospitals filled with recovering patients cannot afford.

At the same time, however, health care centers need to use chemicals strong enough to disinfect surfaces. Moreover, they must be able to penetrate biofilm, which causes 65% of all bacterial infections in healthcare facilities.

Fortunately, there is a nontoxic alternative powerful enough to mitigate all of these threats: Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which is just as effective as bleach. The chemical composition of HOCI allows it to break through cell membranes and bacterial walls.

Not only is it safer for people’s respiratory systems, but it also does not produce toxic byproducts. From a sustainability and health standpoint, HOCI is a worthwhile alternative to pursue.

Build Modern Disinfection Programs

Beyond adopting safer, more sustainable chemicals in cleaning products, hospital managers also need to rethink their disinfection programs. These need to be built for greater efficacy, improved staff safety, and enhanced adherence.

A future-ready cleaning strategy accounts for all weak points, which is why audits are essential. These also enable hospital managers to build a blueprint that takes their cleaning practices from average or good to excellent. These audits should consider:

1. The infection rate among staff and patients, including antibiotic-resistant cases.
2. Indoor air quality measurements that track PM2.5 and VOC levels.
3. A complete inventory of cleaning and disinfecting products used, and whether they comply with local regulations. This also includes how they are stored, their respective hazards and warnings, and safety risks from exposure, mixing, or incorrect potency.
4. Current cleaning schedules and how frequently all areas are cleaned according to infection risk.

Another crucial factor is staff training. Hospital staff should be well-versed in cleaning protocols, including the associated health and safety hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Hazard Communication standard, for instance, is designed so that workers understand and can access key information on chemical classifications and their hazards. Managers are duty-bound to train cleaning staff in best practices and required protocols to minimize infection risks. Some key areas include:

• Ensuring disinfectants remain wet on surfaces for the correct dwell time.
• Using practices that reduce cross-contamination risk, like color-coding systems for microfiber cleaning cloths.
• Replacing bacteria-spreading tools, such as mop buckets, with more sanitary alternatives, like microfiber flat mops, steam mops, and floor scrubbers.

Hospitals stand on the front lines in the battle against new infection threats. Cleaning staff must also strike a balance between maintaining clean environments and protecting patients’ (and their own) health. Exploring alternative cleaning products and mapping out an action plan to improve protocols are just the first steps toward future-proofing sanitization practices.