Construction: a model program for infection control compliance

Area of Science:

• Hospital Infection Control
• Construction Project Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Contractor collaboration is a critical challenge for infection control practitioners (ICPs).
• Protecting immunocompromised patients during hospital renovations requires stringent infection control measures.
• Previous Aspergillus outbreaks necessitated enhanced contractor protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe how an urban teaching hospital's infection control program ensured contractor compliance during a major renovation.
• To detail a collaborative strategy for infection control during construction projects.
• To highlight the importance of proactive infection control interventions.

Main Methods:

• Implemented mandatory infection control (IC) training for all contractors and maintenance staff.
• Established pre-project meetings between IC, Design and Construction, and contractors.
• Utilized Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRA) and regular site monitoring by a multidisciplinary team.
• Educated hospital staff on construction impacts to aid in monitoring airflow and cleanliness.

Main Results:

• Contractor compliance with IC specifications increased due to understanding and trust.
• Achieved four years of extensive construction without hospital-acquired Aspergillus infections.
• Identified and addressed two potential nosocomial infections after a neighboring institution's construction, with no further occurrences.

Conclusions:

• Infection control compliance is built on trust, education, and continuous monitoring.
• Proactive education and collaboration foster long-term relationships, enhancing patient safety.
• A systematic approach to infection control during renovations is essential for protecting vulnerable patient populations.