The effect of decontamination using quaternary ammonium chloride on the bacterial burden of hospital privacy curtains

Abstract

AbstractThis quasi‐experimental study aimed to identify the effect of decontamination using quaternary ammonium chloride (QAC) on bacterial burden on hospital privacy curtains. The objects were the high‐touch edges of 66 polyester curtains in inpatient wards. The decontamination was performed daily (n = 22), twice‐weekly (n = 22), or not performed (n = 22) for 28 days. The bacterial burden on the curtains was measured based on the number of bacteria, the proportion of curtains with >2.5 colony‐forming unit/cm2, and the proportion of curtains with multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDROs). As a result, the daily or twice‐weekly decontamination groups showed a significantly lower increase in bacterial burden than the no‐decontamination group overall and at all four posttest times. On day 28, daily decontamination showed a lower increase in the number of bacteria (p < 0.001) and proportions of curtains with >2.5 colony form units/cm2 (p < 0.001) than the no‐decontamination condition, and in the number of curtains with MDROs than twice‐weekly decontamination. In conclusion, decontamination of curtains using QAC helps reduce bacterial burden, and daily decontamination is recommended up to 28 days after installation.