Survey Shows Infection Preventionists Teaming Up With Environmental Services

Cintas Corporation announces the results of an attendee survey conducted at the recent annual meeting of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) held in New Orleans in July. The survey was designed to better understand the relationship between infection prevention department and environmental services (EVS) in controlling healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). The survey was completed by 100 infection prevention and control professionals.

Results showed that 79 percent of respondents indicated they work closely with the EVS department to establish cleaning protocols and ensure compliance. An additional 73 percent of respondents advised they were also involved in the selection of the cleaning products used within their facility.

Infection preventionists play a pivotal role in limiting the spread of bacteria and viruses in a healthcare environment, says Brent Shafer, vice president of healthcare at Cintas. By working closely with the EVS department, they can be a proponent for EVS to gain additional financial resources. This helps to improve overall levels of cleanliness, reducing cross contamination and infection.

Respondents also indicated a preference for microfiber as a cleaning tool. Of those surveyed, 52 percent indicated they implemented a microfiber program as the preferred method for cleaning patient rooms. Of those using microfiber, 98 percent felt that it demonstrated a positive contribution to their facilitys infection control efforts.

With growing concern over increasingly virulent microorganisms and cross-contamination in many healthcare environments, more facilities are stepping up their infection control efforts, says David Collette, director of new business development, marketing and strategy for Cintas. These survey findings show that infection preventionists and EVS personnel are working together and starting to use the right tools for the job. This is a great step forward to providing an infection-free environment for patients and visitors and hospital personnel.