Authors (including presenting author) :
Mui ML, Ho YK, Young HKB
Affiliation :
Infection Control Team, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major patient safety issue in hospitals resulting in increased morbidity, mortality and health cost. There are studies of the multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in the patient care area serving as an important source for potential transmission. Environmental hygiene is the important strategy to prevent cross infection of patients and health care workers (HCWs). The practice of environmental surface sampling allows us to evaluate the hospital environment to take actions. Proper environmental cleansing should be educated and reinforced.
Objectives :
To collect quantitative data of environmental surface sampling for feedback and improvement
Methodology :
Performed immediate environmental surface sampling for bacterial culture when a new HAIs of MDRO (include MDRA, CPE & VRE) was identified from Jan 2019 to Jun 2021.
Result & Outcome :
Total 20 MDROs were detected and 234 environmental samples were collected in 18 months. The results were stated as follows: Category (No of Positive /Total samples) [Positive Rate] 1.Patient Surroundings (e.g Locker, bedside rail, curtain) (12/47) [25.50%] 2.Sink & Drain (Treatment Room, Nurses Station, Cubicle) (4/17) [23.50%] 3.Others (3/17) [17.60%] 4.Procedure Trolley (e.g Napkin Trolley, Urinal Trolley) (7/49) [14.20%] 5.Work Station (e.g. Nurses Station, Kardex Trolley, Computer Station) (6/45) [13.30%] 6.Trolley ( e.g Medication Trolley, Injection Trolley) (4/41) [9.80%] 7.Medical Equipment (e.g. BP monitor, infusion pump) (2/18) [1.10%] Limitation: It is a “find and fix” model, environmental samples only performed after MDORs are detect Conclusion The study showed that pathogens can survive in healthcare environment especially the patient’s surroundings. Improving hospital environmental hygiene can reduce environmental contamination and risk for HAIs. A more proactive approach is to have environmental sampling for surveillance of environmental hygiene.
