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Is infection control in residential homes neglected?
R J Roberts1, C A Roberts, D Casey
1Department of Public Health Medicine, North Wales Health Authority, Flintshire.
Communicable Disease and Public Health
|April 1, 2000
Summary
Residential homes often lack proper commode cleaning facilities, increasing infectious disease risks. Improper cleaning in sinks and baths poses a significant cross-infection hazard in these settings.
Area of Science:
- Infection prevention and control
- Public health
- Environmental hygiene
Background:
- Residential institutions are common settings for infectious intestinal disease outbreaks.
- Commodes are frequently used in residential care settings.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for outbreak prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cross-infection risks during commode cleaning in residential homes.
- To identify factors contributing to infectious disease outbreaks in these institutions.
Main Methods:
- Study conducted in one health authority focusing on residential homes.
- Assessed commode usage and cleaning practices.
- Identified cleaning locations and availability of designated sluice areas.
Main Results:
- Most residential homes utilize commodes.
- Half of the homes lack a designated sluice area for commode cleaning.
- Soiled commodes were frequently cleaned in shared bathroom facilities like washbasins, baths, showers, or toilet pans.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate cleaning facilities for commodes present a significant risk of cross-infection.
- Improper cleaning practices in shared sanitary spaces can facilitate disease transmission.
- Addressing cleaning protocols is essential to reduce infectious disease outbreaks in residential settings.