Improving infection control on acute wards.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Design
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Hospital Management

Background:

• Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a complex challenge requiring multifaceted solutions.
• Effective control of infection (CoI) necessitates integrating both design and management strategies.
• Previous research has not comprehensively linked specific physical ward environment interventions to improved infection control outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify physical interventions implemented in acute NHS Trusts to enhance ward environments.
• To evaluate the impact of these physical changes on infection control effectiveness.
• To develop a practical decision-making tool for hospital managers and designers.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining literature review, questionnaire surveys, and focus group discussions.
• Data were collected from acute NHS Trusts across the UK.
• Analysis focused on identifying and detailing specific areas of intervention within the hospital ward environment.

Main Results:

• Ten distinct areas of physical intervention were identified and analyzed.
• Key interventions include improvements to curtains, flooring, sensor taps, single bedrooms, sluice rooms, and ward storage.
• A "Design and management decision-making tool" was developed, synthesizing research findings.

Conclusions:

• Physical design and management are critical components in controlling hospital-acquired infections.
• The developed decision-making tool provides evidence-based guidance for optimizing ward environments.
• Implementation of identified interventions can lead to improved patient safety and reduced infection rates.