9 Easy Ways to Take Better Care of Your Patients

Flu season is upon us. Maintaining a pristine and hygienic environment for healthcare and dialysis centers is life or death. Patients with compromised immune systems rely on these facilities for life-sustaining treatments, making infection prevention a top priority.

Learn about actionable steps and best practices you can take when managing cleaning services for dialysis centers during flu season to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and staff.

The Importance of Hygienic Healthcare and Dialysis Centers

Before diving into the specifics, let's understand why maintaining a clean environment in dialysis centers is crucial:

• Vulnerable Patient Population: Healthcare and dialysis center patients often have weakened immune systems, making them highly susceptible to infections. Any lapse in cleaning and disinfection protocols can put their health at risk.
• Cross-Contamination Risks: Healthcare and dialysis centers serve numerous patients in proximity. Cross-contamination between patients, staff, and surfaces can easily occur if proper cleaning practices are not in place.
• Regulatory Compliance: Healthcare and dialysis centers are subject to strict regulations from organizations like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Failure to adhere to cleaning standards can lead to fines and penalties.

Actionable Steps for Flu Season Cleaning

Now that we understand the importance of maintaining a clean healthcare and dialysis center, here are actionable steps you can take to ensure your facility remains safe this winter.

1. Develop a Cleaning Protocol

• Create a Comprehensive Cleaning Schedule: Establish a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedule that covers all areas of your facility.
• Assign Responsibilities: Clearly define cleaning responsibilities for staff members to ensure accountability.
• Use the Right Cleaning Products: Select EPA-approved disinfectants and cleaning products effective against viruses like influenza.

2. Focus on ?High-Touch Surfaces

• Identify High-Touch Areas: Pinpoint surfaces frequently touched by patients, staff, and visitors, including doorknobs, cabinet handles, handrails, and treatment station equipment.
• Increase Frequency: Increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfection for high-touch surfaces to at least several times a day.
• Use Disposable Materials: Use disposable wipes or cleaning materials to avoid cross-contamination.

3. Implement ?Hand Hygiene Measures

• Promote Handwashing: Display handwashing reminders and provide hand sanitizers at key locations throughout the facility.
• Staff Training: Train staff on proper hand hygiene techniques and reinforce the importance of frequent handwashing.
• Patient Education: Educate patients about the significance of hand hygiene and provide access to hand sanitizers.

4. Maintain ?Adequate Ventilation

• Optimize Airflow: Ensure that your facility has proper ventilation to reduce the concentration of airborne viruses.
• Regular Filter Replacement: Schedule regular replacement of air filters to maintain clean and efficient ventilation systems.

5. Personal ?Protective Equipment (PPE) Compliance

• Mandatory PPE: Enforce the use of appropriate PPE, including masks, gloves, and gowns, for both staff and patients.
• PPE Training: Provide training on the correct donning and doffing of PPE to prevent contamination.

6. Isolate Symptomatic Patients

• Separate Waiting Areas: If possible, designate separate waiting areas for patients with flu-like symptoms to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Screen Patients: Implement a screening process to identify symptomatic patients before they enter the facility.

7. Review and ?Update Policies

• Regularly Review Policies: Review your cleaning and infection control policies to ensure they align with the latest guidelines and recommendations.
• Stay Informed: Stay updated on your area's flu season trends and outbreaks to adjust cleaning protocols accordingly.

8. Engage in Continuous Training

• Ongoing Staff Education: Offer continuous training and education for your cleaning staff to stay up-to-date on the latest cleaning techniques and products.
• Incorporate Feedback: Encourage staff to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement in cleaning processes.

9. Monitoring, Assessment, Surveillance, and Reporting

• Scheduled Audits: Conduct routine audits to assess your cleaning procedures' effectiveness and identify improvement areas.
• Feedback Loop: Use audit findings to make necessary adjustments to your cleaning protocols.
• Track Infections: Implement a system for tracking and reporting infections within your facility to identify potential outbreaks early.
• Collaborate with Healthcare Professionals: Work closely with healthcare providers to monitor patient health and detect any flu-related symptoms promptly.

Prioritizing Patient Safety is Paramount

Flu season poses unique challenges to dialysis centers, but with a proactive approach to cleaning and infection control, you can mitigate these risks and protect your vulnerable patient population.

Hygiene is a regulatory requirement and an obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of those who depend on your facility for life-saving treatments.

OpenWorks ensures cost-effective, transparent, and regulatory-ready healthcare facilities management, meeting the highest standards set by organizations, including JCAHO and AAAHC. Click here to learn more about our elite network of providers and specialized services.