OSE_1303_part2_Layout 1 2/7/13 4:29 PM Page 136
I N F E C T I O N
P R E V E N T I O N
washable microfiber heads. When you look at a bucket of dirty water
that you're putting the mop in … well, it just seemed that maybe we
weren't getting the floors as clean as we could. Reusable microfiberhead mops are also easier to use. You just pop the head on, squirt the
quaternary disinfectant with the press of a button on the mop handle,
and get down to business.
A small change in communication has been a big help: The
overnight custodian's shift was moved to an evening shift starting at
2:30, to overlap with the OR staff, who leave at 3:30. During this time,
they're able to give him notes on areas requiring special attention.
This way, he knows to give the walls in OR 4 a thorough going-over,
rather than only following the standard practices there.
Finally — and this is the most fun — we check for bioburden using
a spot-tester. This is a great little kit that lets you swab a surface, any
surface, put the swab in the tester, and find out how much bioburden
is attached. There's no finger-pointing, it's just an entertaining exercise
for the staff. (I admit, when we got the kit, I was swabbing everywhere — desks, toilet seats — just out of curiosity.) It reinforces the
necessity of good surface disinfection, makes cleanliness visible to
staff, and motivates them to do better or keep up the good work. OSM
Mr. Riker (briker@olmmed.org) is the director of pre-op nursing at Olmsted
Medical Center in Rochester, Minn.
1 3 6
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | F E B R U A R Y 2013
