Evaluating spill kits in infection control: perspectives of nurses and health professionals

The burden of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) equates to 3.5 million cases, resulting in more than 90 000 deaths and 2.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across Europe. Biological spills pose infection and safety risks for both patients and staff, so spill management is of strategic importance for containment. There is limited evidence as to the efficacy of spill kits currently in use with regard to infection control management.

To understand the perceptions of health professionals when using different spill kit systems. Data collection involved videos and interviews with simulated patients and health professionals (n=24). Simulated spills/scenarios were used to compare the use of both two standard (incumbent) and BIOPERL+ spill kit interventions. Data analysis was iterative and informed by the Framework Method of Analysis.

The BIOPERL+ kit facilitates rapid identification of the appropriate spill kit to use; locating and understanding instructions in both kit types highlight how individuals learn and absorb information; there were positive views on the efficacy of the granules to absorb blood, urine, faeces and vomit of both kit types; the larger scoop of the BIOPERL+ kit was seen as a benefit, facilitating ease of use; concerns were raised over potential cross-contamination and the environmental impact of plastic components used in the kits.

The 'one size fits all' of the BIOPERL+ kit identified it as the spill kit to use for all biological spills, whereas choice of the two incumbent kits depended on spill type. Locating and understanding instructions in both kit types highlighted how individuals learn and absorb information differently, which may have implications for clinical practice. Participants perceived that all kits had minimal to strong odour, yet the incumbent kits emitted a chlorine-type odour, potentially posing a health risk. The BIOPERL+ large scoop size was seen as more efficacious for spillage containment compared with the smaller plastic scoop of the incumbent kits. Participants also perceived that the incumbent kits could be a source of potential cross-contamination when reusing component parts. The cardboard materials used in the BIOPERL+ kit were perceived as a benefit, potentially having less of an impact on the environment. The study identified that the BIOPERL+ kit is an effective, safe novel intervention that is both appropriate for managing human spills and environmentally friendly.