J M Bartley | PubMed Health

PubMed2000

APIC state-of-the-Art report: the role of infection control during construction in health care facilities.

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc (APIC), is a multidisciplinary organization of more than 12,000 health care professionals who practice infection control and epidemiology within a variety of health care settings. This report reviews issues the infection control professional should consider related to construction and renovation projects in health care facilities. Preventing transmission of infectious agents to vulnerable patient populations, health care workers, and visitors remains an important component of infection control programs. Environmental dispersal of microorganisms during construction, resulting in nosocomial infections, has been described previously, and select examples are provided in Table I as a reminder that there is a solid, scientific basis for these concerns. Environmental airborne contaminants and infectious agents are closely related to water and moisture-related conditions and figure prominently in construction activity. Weems et al have established construction activity as an independent variable for infectious risks in such circumstances. Construction-related outbreak literature will not be revisited in detail; however, pertinent citations will identify resources as appropriate.

Cross Infection↗

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Environmental control: operating room air quality.

1. OR staff members should familiarize themselves with basic air handling system terminology to better manage their own environment (eg, HVAC, air changes, air balancing, HEPA filtration). A working relationship with building engineers is an important skill for the OR nurse. 2. Knowledge of the standards on which air quality in the OR is based should assist in the process of planning for improved design--as well as in monitoring existing air quality. 3. Current standards balance energy savings with air changes and high levels of filtration to achieve optimum outcomes. Recommendations from design and engineering authorities (even for implant surgery) are based on average air changes and HEPA filtration, not laminar air flow. 4. The daily, operational role of the OR staff in maintaining high air quality includes managing traffic, using low-lint barrier materials, monitoring air quality indicators, and investigating unusual variances with the engineering staff for appropriate follow-up (eg, filter changes).

Air Pollution, Indoor↗