Disinfection of noncritical equipment on units with high hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infections

Am J Infect Control. 2019 Feb;47(2):220-221. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2018.07.022. Epub 2018 Sep 25.

Abstract

We assessed barriers and knowledge of disinfection of noncritical items (NCIs) between intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU staff members. General understanding of cleaning NCIs was low across all staff. Non-ICU staff had a better understanding of who is responsible for disinfecting and where to access information on storing cleaned NCIs. Opportunities exist for heightened disinfection of NCIs through improved point-of-care instructional information, improved cleaning supply access, and increased instrument storage space.

Keywords: Hand hygiene; Infection prevention; Intensive care; Noncritical items; Nosocomial infection control.

MeSH terms

  • Clostridium Infections / epidemiology
  • Clostridium Infections / prevention & control*
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Disinfection / methods*
  • Equipment and Supplies / microbiology
  • Hand Hygiene / methods*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Professional Competence*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires