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The silver lining of disposable sporicidal privacy curtains in an intensive care unit
Despina Kotsanas1, W R P L I Wijesooriya2, Tracy Sloane2
1Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Background:
The environment is a well-known source of health care-acquired infection. Because of the known risk of contamination, patient privacy curtains require frequent changes to decrease the risk of spread from patients to curtain and visa versa.
Methods:
Fourteen disposable sporicidal privacy curtains were tested from December 2012 to June 2013 while hanging in a busy intensive care unit. Significant bacterial pathogens were identified and total bacteria enumerated as colony-forming units. Antimicrobial activity of curtain swatches was also tested against a range of bacteria in the laboratory. Measurements were recorded as zone of inhibition and contact inhibition. A cost analysis to replace standard curtains with disposable sporicidal curtains was also undertaken.
Results:
Cultures grew low numbers of skin and environmental microorganisms with no methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, or Clostridium difficile detected. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci were recovered in very low numbers from 2 curtains where vancomycin-resistant enterococci-infected patients had been located. Privacy curtains demonstrated antimicrobial activity against C difficile and 13 additional bacterial pathogens.
Conclusion:
We conclude that disposable sporicidal privacy curtains are cost-effective and best replaced at 6 months in a high-risk area such as an intensive care unit.
Insights
Disposable sporicidal privacy curtains effectively reduce bacterial contamination in intensive care units. These antimicrobial curtains are a cost-effective solution for infection control, recommended for replacement every six months.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare-associated infection control
- Antimicrobial materials science
- Hospital environmental hygiene
Background:
- Healthcare environments are significant sources of infection.
- Patient privacy curtains pose a contamination risk, necessitating frequent changes.
- Reducing pathogen transmission via surfaces is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of disposable sporicidal privacy curtains in a clinical setting.
- To assess the antimicrobial activity and cost-effectiveness of these curtains.
- To determine optimal replacement intervals for disposable curtains in high-risk areas.
Main Methods:
- Tested 14 disposable sporicidal privacy curtains in an intensive care unit over 7 months.
- Identified bacterial pathogens and enumerated total bacteria (CFU).
- Assessed antimicrobial activity via zone and contact inhibition assays; conducted cost analysis.
Main Results:
- Low levels of common microorganisms detected; no detection of MRSA, CRE, or C. difficile.
- Very low VRE counts found on curtains used by VRE-infected patients.
- Curtains exhibited antimicrobial activity against C. difficile and 13 other pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Disposable sporicidal privacy curtains are cost-effective for infection control.
- Replacement every 6 months is recommended for high-risk areas like ICUs.
- These curtains contribute to reducing pathogen reservoirs in healthcare settings.
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