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Implementing a participant-driven water management initiative to support Maryland hospitals

N Exum1, S Ryan2, D L Mensah2

  • 1Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Infection Prevention in Practice
|May 27, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Maryland hospitals improved water management practices through a participant-driven initiative. This collaborative approach enhanced knowledge and confidence in preventing waterborne pathogens in healthcare settings.

Area of Science:

  • Healthcare-associated infections
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Public health initiatives

Background:

  • Hospital water systems pose risks due to waterborne pathogens.
  • Implementing effective water management in healthcare is challenging despite guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of a participant-driven learning collaborative on hospital water management practices.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the Water Management Initiative in enhancing knowledge and implementation of water safety protocols.

Main Methods:

  • A participant-driven learning collaborative, the Water Management Initiative, was implemented from April 2024 to May 2025.
  • Needs assessments informed the initiative's design, which included workshops, webinars, and coaching.
  • Surveys were used to evaluate participant knowledge and practice changes post-initiative.

Main Results:

  • 26 out of 42 eligible hospitals participated in the needs assessment.
  • 93% of post-initiative survey respondents implemented new or modified water management practices.
  • 77% of those respondents attributed practice changes to the initiative, with increased confidence noted.

Conclusions:

  • A participant-driven approach effectively increases knowledge of water management in healthcare.
  • The initiative offers a replicable model for enhancing healthcare water safety through partnerships and collaboration.
Keywords:
CollaborativeHospital water managementQuality improvementWater Infection control risk assessmentWaterborne pathogens

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