6 8 • 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 U G U S T 2 0 1 7
In my experience
as a consultant,
it's rare for surgi-
cal centers to be
100% satisfied
with their out-
sourced environ-
mental cleaning
services.
Regardless of
whether that's
true in your center, whole-room disinfection is an important tech-
nology to consider. We may soon see the day when surgical cen-
ters will be able to use a staff of dedicated personnel to do their
own terminal cleaning, bolstered by automated whole-room dis-
infection. In the meantime, if you're considering augmenting your
disinfection regimen with one of the whole-room systems on the
market, here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Regardless of which machine you choose, have the manufac-
turer come in and spend the time to show your staff exactly what
to do, and what not to do. Studies have shown that the technology
is extremely effective, but this isn't like wiping down a counter.
The technology is complex, and several steps may be required to
make sure you hit all targeted surfaces.
2. Spend time with staff members who are responsible for using
Whole-Room Disinfection:
Coming Soon to an OR Near You?
IMPORTANT TECHNOLOGY
• COMBINED EFFORT Robots are a useful adjunct, but staff need to clean blood
and bodily fluids off surfaces before the robots can do their job.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
