The importance of infection prevention bundles related to construction/renovations in hospital environment

Abstract

We would like to praise the study “Effectiveness of preventive measures for hemato-oncologic patients undergoing stem cell transplantation during a period of hospital construction,”1Berger J. Willinger B. Diab-Elschahawi M. Blacky A. Kalhs P. Koller W. et al.Effectiveness of preventive measures for hemato-oncologic patients undergoing stem cell transplantation during a period of hospital construction.Am J Infect Control. 2011; 39: 746-751Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar which describes the importance of establishing prevention measures and bundles during hospital renovation works to preserve the patient from environment-borne infections. We understand that a health care institution cannot stop its assistance activities during the construction/renovation period; therefore, it is important to adopt specific bundles together with the company providing the services, so as to control the waste resulting from the works, which can be harmful to the health of users. We know that fungal infections are airborne; are transmitted to immunocompromised patients more easily; and are difficult to diagnose in the initial state, which may delay treatment, prolong suffering, and increase mortality. In Hospital Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, such renovations are essential and necessary because the hospital is more than 100 years old and has approximately 200 beds, of which 10 are in the adult intensive care unit and 8 are in the neonatal intensive care unit. The use of bundles for disease prevention related to dust from the renovation work was established in 2007. A partnership was started among the Infection Control Committee, the Specialized Safety Engineering and Occupational Medicine Service, and the Hygiene Service, with full support from the Executive Board. The following actions are highlighted: lectures on awareness of environmental microbiology for masons, monitoring and routine inspections at the renovation sites, evaluation of the effectiveness of local protective barriers, and continuous environmental cleanup by the team responsible for it. We can also mention the importance of cleaning and maintenance of the HVAC system and changing filters and other components such as ceiling and ducts at shorter intervals than those used in situations when there is no renovation. We emphasize the constant need to avoid the presence of nesting birds on site and in air inlets or near them because of the possibility of spore dissipation. All efforts should be standardized, and all attention paid to the basic principle of ensuring the safety of clients who use our services. Effectiveness of preventive measures for hemato-oncologic patients undergoing stem cell transplantation during a period of hospital constructionAmerican Journal of Infection ControlVol. 39Issue 9PreviewAspergillus spp are ubiquitous spore-forming fungi. Construction work, renovation, demolition, or excavation activities within a hospital or in surrounding areas increase the risk for aspergillus infection in susceptible patients and are the main cause of nosocomial aspergillus outbreaks. Full-Text PDF