Abstract
Hospital beds are one of the most frequently used non-invasive equipment in the clinical area and have a high risk of transmitting hospital acquired infections. However, they are usually not cleaned effectively. Accordingly, we conducted this quality improvement project to improve the bed cleaning process in a rural district hospital in Rwanda. A pre-post intervention study was conducted from in April 2015 to February 2016. The beds in the maternity unit were observed after patient was discharged. We implemented an alert system included using a signage system to help inform cleaners to clean the beds. Guidelines for the new system were created and trainings were provided. The intervention significantly increased the percentage of clean beds from 44% pre-intervention to 90% post-intervention (P < 0.001). 93% of staff followed the new labelling system. By focusing on system and process change, this quality improvement project successfully increased the percentage of clean beds without additional financial investment.
Highlights
Hospital beds are one of the most frequently used non-invasive reusable communal equipment in the clinicalHow to cite this paper: Kayiranga, V., Musabyimana, A., Adomako, E., Budd, A., Nkunda, P.N. and Wong, R. (2016) Creating a Cleaner Informing System to Increase the Percentage of Clean Beds in the Post Cesarean Ward at Nyagatare Hospital, Rwanda
There is significant increase in the percentage of clean bed from 44% pre intervention to 90% post intervention, with P < 0.001
In our pre-intervention, we found 22% of beds (4 out of 18) had fecal matter in them whereas, it was significantly reduced to 2% (1 out of 41) after the intervention implementation (P = 0.021)
Summary
Hospital beds are one of the most frequently used non-invasive reusable communal equipment in the clinicalHow to cite this paper: Kayiranga, V., Musabyimana, A., Adomako, E., Budd, A., Nkunda, P.N. and Wong, R. (2016) Creating a Cleaner Informing System to Increase the Percentage of Clean Beds in the Post Cesarean Ward at Nyagatare Hospital, Rwanda. Due to their frequent use in clinical areas, in those that have constant high turnover of patients, hospital beds have a high risk of transmitting hospital acquired infections to patients and staff [1]-[6]. Hospital acquired infections could affect patients negatively including increased length of stay and higher risks of developing complications. It has negative financial impact as it incurs higher cost for patients as well as for hospitals. High incidence of hospital acquired infections can negatively affect patient satisfaction and eventually, patient and community confidence towards the hospital [3] [10]. Given the many negative impacts of hospital acquired infections on the patients and the hospital, proper infection prevention and control measures should be in place to ensure hospital beds which are clean to prevent cross infection
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