Educational Intervention on Cleaning and Sanitation of Surfaces in a Pediatric Hospitalization Unit

Abstract

Introduction: Environmental surfaces may serve as a reservoir for various microorganisms and consequently, they represent a potential risk for the spread of healthcare-associated infections. Objective: This study aimed to assess the cleaning and sanitation of surfaces (CSS) before and after implementing a Standardization Program for Cleaning and Sanitation of Surfaces (SPCSS). Methods: An analytical, comparative, and intervention study was conducted from 2020 to 2021 in a pediatric hospitalization unit in Midwest Brazil. Four frequently touched surfaces were monitored before and after the cleaning and sanitation process using the following methods: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) quantification, Colony-Forming Unit (CFU) count, and visual inspection. The study consisted of three stages: stage I (situational diagnosis of the CSS process), stage II (implementation of the SPCSS), and stage III (assessment 60 days after implementing the program). A total of 576 assessments were performed in all three study stages. Results: The CSS process was effective in all three study stages by using the ATP and CFU methods. In stage I, statistically significant results were obtained for four surfaces using the ATP method, and two by the CFU count. In stages II and III, all surfaces presented lower ATP and CFU results (p<0.05). In the visual inspection, only the bathroom door handle (stage I: p=0.041; stage III: p=0.007) and toilet flush handle (stage I: p=0.026; stage III: p=0.007) passed the test. Implications for Nursing: This study presents subsidies to evaluate the cleaning and disinfection process carried out by the nursing and hygiene team. Conclusion: The SPCSS exerted a positive impact on the CSS process.