7 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 1 9
Some tips for building a
case to acquire whole-
room disinfection technol-
ogy.
• What's your rationale?
Show how the system
you're advocating for
matches your needs, basad
on caseload, turnaround
time goals and staffing
resources. For example, if
choosing dry hydrogen per-
oxide, show how the automated and continuous disinfection
matches your staffing limitations and need for rapid turnover. If
you're choosing a mobile UV-C system, demonstrate the poten-
tial to address facility-wide disinfection needs by deploying the
device for nighttime disinfection in other areas of the facility.
• Develop an implementation plan. If you choose an episodic
disinfection technology, you might create an alert system that
notifies the device operator when an OR is ready for disinfection.
• Know the costs. The capital costs of these systems can vary
dramatically, reaching as high as hundreds of thousands of dol-
lars for mobile UV-C devices or hydrogen peroxide vapor sys-
tems. What's the cost for maintenance and replacement parts?
• Demonstrate ROI. Show how reduced SSI rates would trans-
late into direct savings. Studies have shown a single SSI on aver-
age costs $20,781 while a periprosthetic joint infection can cost
$400,000 to $475,000. — Helen Boehm Johnson, MD
• SEALED OFF Hydrogen peroxide vapor's antimicrobial effect
blankets a room, but requires a sealed space and a trained techni-
cian for safe use.
Nancy
L.
Havill,
MT(ASCP),
MHA,
CIC
Making the Case for Whole-Room Technology
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
