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Healthcare-Associated Infections and the Hospital Bed
Evan Call1, Kasey J Call, Craig Oberg
1Evan Call, MS, CSM (NRM), is Adjunct Faculty, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, USA. Kasey J. Call, BS, is Study Director, EC-Service Inc, Centerville, Utah. Craig Oberg, PhD, is Distinguished Professor, Weber State University. Cassidee Capunay, BA, is Technical Writer II, MasterControl, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Also at Weber State University, Daniel N. Clark, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Microbiology.
Objective:
Bedframes are a potential source of bacterial contamination, fomites, and healthcare-associated infections for patients with active skin wounds and other underlying conditions. Bedframes also differ in their design, materials, texture, and ease of disassembly for cleaning. In this study, the authors evaluated five hospital bedframes in terms of retained soil and ease of cleaning as rated by volunteers.
Methods:
Hospital mattresses were placed on five different bedframes and soiled with mock bodily fluids containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus endospores as an indicator organism for contamination. In a second set of experiments, volunteers evaluated the bedframes for ease of cleaning; fewer than 30% of the volunteers had experience cleaning in hospitals or had previously received infection-control training. Questionnaires evaluated subjective measures such as ease of cleaning and texture.
Results:
Researchers observed a strong correlation between the initial amount of soil retained, the most probable number calculations of endospore counts, and the number of washes to reach extinction (no detectable endospores). Although volunteers' rankings for ease of cleaning were independent of the amount of soil retained, their rankings correlated with the actual washes to reach undetectable limits and bedframe materials that were perceived as harder to clean.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the importance of both bedframe design and user cleaning experience in reducing bedframes as a source of healthcare-associated infections.
Insights
Hospital bedframe design and cleaning ease significantly impact bacterial contamination and healthcare-associated infections. Simpler designs and experienced cleaning staff are crucial for reducing infection risks.
Area of Science:
- Infection control
- Hospital hygiene
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Hospital bedframes can harbor bacteria, acting as fomites and contributing to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
- Bedframe design, material, and texture influence their susceptibility to contamination and ease of cleaning.
- Patients with compromised skin integrity are particularly vulnerable to infections originating from contaminated surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate five hospital bedframe designs for retained soil and ease of cleaning.
- To assess the correlation between bedframe characteristics, contamination levels, and cleaning efficiency.
- To understand the role of user experience in effective bedframe sanitation.
Main Methods:
- Hospital mattresses were placed on five bedframes and contaminated with Geobacillus stearothermophilus endospores.
- Volunteers, with limited prior cleaning or infection control experience, assessed bedframe cleanability.
- Questionnaires gathered subjective data on perceived ease of cleaning and material texture.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation was found between initial soil load, endospore counts, and the number of washes required for complete decontamination.
- Volunteer rankings of cleaning ease did not correlate with the amount of soil retained.
- Perceived difficulty in cleaning and bedframe material significantly influenced volunteer rankings.
Conclusions:
- Bedframe design is a critical factor in minimizing bacterial reservoirs and preventing HAIs.
- User cleaning experience and training are essential for effective sanitation of hospital bedframes.
- Optimizing bedframe design and enhancing cleaning protocols can reduce the risk of infections.
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