Page 52 - CIJ JAN 2024 - Digital Edition

HealtHcare Hygiene

Multiple questions persist eliminate susceptible microbes, for assessing HAI risk. This
about the precise methods for allowing only those resistant would be beneficial not only for
surface cleaning, prioritization to the microbicidal effect to infection control and domestic
of cleaning areas, frequency, persist. The extent and type of agencies but also as an early
and the approach needed for recontamination may surpass indication of potential outbreaks.
clinical spaces housing highly the initial microbial presence. In Sufficient ventilation, proper
vulnerable patients. Achieving a contrast, wiping alone, or with plumbing, and effective cleaning
completely sterile environment is water or detergent, is less likely are essential to minimize the risk
either unattainable or, if achieved to disrupt the surface ecosystem. of exogenous infections. The
through potent microbicides, Therefore, supporting an diverse susceptibility of patients
is short-lived. A concept environment friendly perspective to infections adds complexity to
known as the environmental suggests that the focus should be the evaluation of various control
microbiome is disrupted with on routinely removing pathogens measures, including cleaning
every surface cleaning, similar from surfaces rather than interventions.
to the disturbance observed in attempting total eradication. While healthcare cleaning has
the human gut when patients Surfaces are also influenced gained global recognition, the
experience Clostridium difficile by daily applications of individuals performing these
overgrowth following antibiotic cleaning fluids, antimicrobial crucial tasks often go unnoticed
therapy. coatings, wear and tear, and and undervalued. Many receive
Exposure to powerful the development of biofilm. minimal or no training, lack a
disinfectants removes resident Establishing microbiological structured career framework,
flora on environmental surfaces, standards encompassing common and face limited opportunities
creating ample space for other hand-touch sites within and for advancement compared to
microbes to contaminate. outside near-patient areas would other professions. Housekeeping
These disinfectants selectively serve as a valuable benchmark positions, with already limited
prospects for progression, are
further hindered by language and
literacy challenges. The current
status of cleaning personnel,
marked by lower pay scales
and basic conditions, does not
adequately reflect the physical
effort and personal risks involved
in protecting patients from
hospital pathogens.
Cleaners regularly face the
risk of injury, poisoning, or
scalding from equipment and
fluids, as well as the potential
for infection from exposure to
facilities and occupants with
transmissible pathogens. The
chasm between the growing
emphasis on a clean environment
and the social and professional
status of those responsible for it
has widened considerably. It is
crucial to address this imbalance,
especially in the face of
increasing risks of antimicrobial
resistance and untreatable

JANUARY 2024•Clean India Journal
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