An agent-based modeling approach for infection prevention predesign: simulating the spread of pathogens between humans and the environment in an Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate infection prevention measures in healthcare environments, focusing on the role of surface materials and hand hygiene compliance. To address this goal, an Agent-Based Model was developed to examine the combined effects of human factors and environmental interventions on the transmission of three types of healthcare-associated bacteria in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The model evaluates five key prevention measures: surface material selection, daily and terminal cleaning, hand hygiene compliance, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Hand hygiene was chosen as the primary variable for model validation due to the extensive computational and field research available in this area. It also serves as a bridge between material design and human factors in infection transmission risk. Simulation data were compiled from each run by gathering the average value for the number of infected patients and contaminated environment over different scenarios. After validating the model, patients infectivity and environmental contamination associated with commonly used surface materials; namely quartz, copper-impregnated surfaces, plastic laminate, and stainless steel; were assessed under two scenarios of baseline and enhanced hand hygiene compliance. The findings underscore the importance of surface material choices in healthcare settings, suggesting that the most effective infection control strategies combine improved hand hygiene practices with the strategic use of materials in areas prone to bacterial contamination. These insights advise healthcare designers to adopt strategies that integrate both behavioral interventions and environmental components to minimize the risk of contamination and pathogen spread within healthcare environments.