Enhancing EVS Standards at UofL Health: Elevating Patient Care through Advanced Maternal & Neonatal Programs

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Hospitals Prioritize Patient-Perceived Cleanliness After Pandemic Shift

Cleanliness in healthcare settings is now more critical than ever. It’s no longer enough for hospitals to simply be clean; patients need to feel confident that facilities are clean. This shift in perception, amplified by teh COVID-19 pandemic, has prompted healthcare organizations to reassess and enhance their hygiene protocols and communicate these efforts more effectively.

UofL Hospital partnered with Crothall Healthcare to launch the “Power of Clean” campaign, aiming to transform patient perceptions, enhance patient experience (PX), and foster a hospital-wide sense of duty for hygiene. Research from Press Ganey and the University of Chicago revealed three key drivers of cleanliness perception: assurance of 100% cleanliness, confidence in cleanliness, and the courtesy of staff.

The Power of Clean campaign implemented a multifaceted approach, including:

* Hygiene Kits: New patients receive kits containing practical items like wipes, hand sanitizers, lip balm, earplugs, and sleep masks.
* Visual Reinforcement: Banners, posters, and window decals prominently display the campaign’s message throughout high-traffic areas, such as lobbies and restrooms.
* Staff Education: Ensuring all staff members are educated and committed to upholding the highest hygiene standards.

A dedicated cleanliness committee, comprised of senior leaders, patient experience teams, and frontline staff, meets regularly to monitor progress and adapt strategies. Currently, UofL Hospital’s cleanliness scores are at the 54th percentile, progressing toward their goal of surpassing the 50th. The campaign emphasizes that maintaining a clean habitat is a collective effort, requiring participation from all departments. This initiative exemplifies how healthcare providers are proactively addressing evolving patient expectations and focusing on building trust through visible and demonstrable cleanliness.

How do advanced disinfection technologies like UV-C robots contribute to NICU infection control?

the Critical Link Between environmental Services & neonatal/Maternal Outcomes

At UofL Health, we recognize that exceptional patient care extends far beyond clinical expertise. A cornerstone of that care, frequently enough unseen but profoundly impactful, is our Environmental Services (EVS) program. Specifically, heightened EVS standards are directly correlated with improved outcomes in our Maternal & Neonatal units. This isn’t simply about cleanliness; it’s about infection prevention, patient safety, and fostering a healing habitat for the most vulnerable among us – mothers and newborns. Robust hospital environmental hygiene is paramount.

Infection Control Protocols: A Multi-Layered Approach

our commitment to superior EVS isn’t a single initiative,but a thorough,multi-layered approach. We’ve significantly invested in:

* Advanced disinfection Technologies: Moving beyond customary cleaning methods, we utilize UV-C disinfection robots, hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) systems, and electrostatic sprayers. These technologies target pathogens that standard cleaning may miss, notably crucial in NICU infection control.

* Enhanced Cleaning Frequency: High-touch surfaces in Maternal and Neonatal units – incubators,birthing beds,monitoring equipment,door handles – are disinfected multiple times daily,exceeding recommended guidelines. This is especially vital during flu season and outbreaks of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

* Specialized Training for EVS Staff: Our EVS team receives ongoing, specialized training in neonatal and maternal unit cleaning protocols. This includes proper handling of sensitive equipment, understanding infection transmission routes, and recognizing potential contamination risks. training focuses on pediatric infection prevention best practices.

* monitoring & Auditing: Regular audits, utilizing ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) testing and fluorescent markers, assess cleaning effectiveness and identify areas for advancement. Data-driven insights inform continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Impact on Maternal Health: reducing Postpartum Infections

Postpartum infections remain a significant concern for maternal health. Enhanced EVS protocols directly address this risk.

* C-Section Site Infection Prevention: Rigorous cleaning and disinfection of operating rooms and birthing suites, coupled with meticulous surgical site readiness, minimize the risk of surgical site infections following Cesarean deliveries.

* Postpartum Endometritis Reduction: Maintaining a sterile environment in postpartum rooms, with frequent disinfection of surfaces and proper waste management, helps prevent endometritis, a common postpartum uterine infection.

* mastitis Prevention: While not directly related to room cleaning, EVS protocols extend to lactation support areas, ensuring hygiene and minimizing the spread of bacteria that can contribute to mastitis. Maternal sepsis prevention is a key goal.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Protecting Our Most Vulnerable Patients

The NICU presents unique challenges due to the fragility of newborns and their underdeveloped immune systems. Our EVS protocols are tailored to meet these specific needs.

* Strict Isolation Procedures: Dedicated cleaning protocols are in place for infants with confirmed or suspected infections, utilizing isolation rooms and specialized disinfection procedures.

* Incubator Hygiene: Incubators are thoroughly disinfected between each patient, with particular attention paid to air filtration systems and surfaces that come into direct contact with the infant.

* Hand Hygiene Compliance: While not solely an EVS responsibility, we actively promote and monitor hand hygiene compliance among all staff and visitors entering the NICU. This is a critical component of NICU hygiene.

* Air Quality Control: Regular maintenance and cleaning of HVAC systems ensure optimal air quality, minimizing the risk of airborne infections.

Advanced technologies in Action: A Case Study

In late 2024, UofL Health implemented a pilot program utilizing hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) disinfection in a high-risk NICU unit.Over a six-month period, we observed a 35% reduction in confirmed cases of Staphylococcus aureus colonization among NICU infants in that unit, compared to a control unit utilizing standard disinfection protocols. This demonstrates the tangible benefits of investing in advanced EVS technologies. This data is currently being prepared for publication in the Journal of Perinatology.

The Role of EVS in Antibiotic Stewardship

Effective EVS practices contribute to antibiotic stewardship programs by reducing the overall burden of infection. By minimizing the spread of pathogens, we can reduce the need for antibiotic use, helping to combat antibiotic resistance – a growing threat to public health. reducing HAI rates directly supports antibiotic stewardship.

Practical Tips for Maintaining a Clean Healthcare Environment

Beyond the dedicated efforts of our EVS team, everyone plays a role in maintaining a clean and safe healthcare environment:

1. Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Report Concerns: Instantly report any cleanliness concerns to nursing staff or EVS personnel.
3. Minimize Clutter: Keep patient rooms and workspaces free of clutter to facilitate effective cleaning.
4. Proper waste Disposal: Dispose of waste