Public Health Center Strategies to Develop Infection Control Practices for Hospital Sinks in Kawaguchi City

Area of Science:

• Infection Control
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) pose a significant threat in healthcare facilities (HCFs).
• Effective infection control (IC) practices are crucial for preventing MDRO transmission.
• Hospital sink hygiene is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of IC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of public health center (PHC) training sessions (TSs) on hospital sink IC practices.
• To identify effective PHC strategies for enhancing hospital sink IC practices.
• To support HCFs in developing robust IC practices to combat MDRO infections.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 30 HCFs after a PHC-led TS on IC practices for MDROs.
• The survey assessed current and planned IC practices for hospital sinks.
• Participants identified key information learned from the TSs, including the effects of TSs on IC.

Main Results:

• 80% of HCFs responded, with current sink practices including refraining from disposing substances (66.7%) and dedicating sinks (58.3%).
• Planned practices showed increased interest in splash guards (25.0%) and keeping supplies off surfaces (29.2%).
• The "effect of TSs" (evidence of MDRO reduction) was significantly associated with the intention to dedicate sinks (p = 0.008).

Conclusions:

• Planned IC practices, such as dedicating sinks, were linked to information provided on the effects of TSs.
• PHCs should incorporate evidence of TS effectiveness into training programs.
• Targeted TSs emphasizing the impact of IC practices are needed to strengthen hospital staff support and implementation.