HCAHPS cleanliness scores reflect patient feedback on their perception of facility hygiene and cleanliness. Did you know you can enhance HCAHPS scores for the perception of facility hygiene and cleanliness by communicating the extra steps you’re taking to provide a cleaner environment?
The Hidden Threat in Hospitals
Hospitals are sanctuaries for healing, yet they can also be breeding grounds for harmful pathogens. Despite rigorous cleaning protocols, more than 50%1 of hospital surfaces remain pathogenic after cleaning (room turnover between patients). The chance of pathogen spread increases by 80%2 in rooms where the prior occupant was colonized (carrying the pathogen on their skin without signs of illness) or had a known infection. This silent threat has never been more apparent than during the recent pandemic, which heightened awareness of how quickly diseases can spread.
The Challenge of Infection Control
Infection control in healthcare is a complex, multifaceted challenge. Emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and resource constraints make it difficult to maintain clean environments. Traditional cleaning methods often fall short, leaving hospitals vulnerable to outbreaks.
Learning from Other Industries
Just as hospitals are grappling with these issues, other industries have shown how exceeding customer expectations can lead to increased satisfaction and loyalty:
Automotive: Tesla's over-the-air updates add new features to Tesla vehicles long after purchase, delighting owners with unexpected improvements.
Hospitality: Ritz-Carlton empowers employees to spend up to $2,000 per guest to resolve issues, often surprising customers with personalized solutions.
E-commerce: Amazon's anticipatory shipping predicts what customers might want before they order, reducing delivery times and enhancing satisfaction.
These examples highlight a crucial lesson: going above and beyond for customers, even in ways they didn't anticipate, can dramatically improve their experience and perception of the service.
The Importance of Advanced Cleaning Technologies
Given the stakes, hospitals must adopt advanced technologies to enhance their cleaning and disinfection programs. This is not just about meeting regulatory standards but about creating an environment that fosters patient trust and satisfaction.
The Secret Weapon: UV Light Technology
Here's where the game-changer comes in: ultraviolet (UV) light technology. Perhaps your facility has evaluated UV in the past or you’re currently using UV devices. Much has changed, so there’s never been a better time to take a fresh look at UV. Recently, the FDA authorized UV robots for healthcare use, validating their efficacy and safety. The FDA created a new medical device product classification “Whole Room Microbial Reduction Device” which establishes FDA regulation of UV robots intended to reduce the number of pathogens in unoccupied patient rooms, operating rooms, and other areas in healthcare facilities where non-critical medical devices are present.
The LightStrike+ UV robot (from Xenex Disinfection Services) stands out as the only FDA-authorized device in its class, using high-intensity pulsed xenon UV light to significantly reduce the number of pathogens on surfaces.
Why UV Robots are a Game-Changer
Utilizing the power of the LightStrike+ robot for microbial reduction in hospital rooms offers several compelling advantages:
Efficiency: LightStrike+ offers cycle times as fast as 2 minutes for vegetative bacteria (like MRSA)3. While LightStrike+ utilizes a xenon lamp, most UV robots use mercury bulbs with cycle times as long as 52 minutes4.
Cost-Effective: Designed with tight budgets in mind, LightStrike+ provides competitive pricing without compromising on features.
Cleanliness: By reducing the presence of pathogens, you’re creating a cleaner environment for patients and healthcare workers – reducing the risk of transmission of pathogens from surfaces to people.
Education: Communicate what you’re doing. Some hospitals put table tents in patient rooms to educate patients about the extra steps the hospital is taking to provide a clean environment. Others place LightStrike+ posters around the hospital and in elevators.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The FDA-authorized LightStrike+ UV robot is more than just a cleaning tool; it's a strategic investment. By adopting this advanced technology, hospitals can significantly enhance patient confidence and demonstrate a commitment to cutting-edge care.
Don't wait for patients to demand better cleanliness - surprise them with an environment that exceeds expectations and promotes healing. The time to act is now, and the solution is clear. LightStrike+ helps hospitals improve cleanliness, creating an environment that promotes healing - while saving time at an affordable price. It's a win-win for everyone.
Citations
1) Carling P, et al, Am J Infect Control 2008, vol. 29:11, pp 1035-1041
2) Gu, G. Y. et al., (2023). J Hosp Infect, 139, 44-55
3) As indicated in the product's Instructions for Use.
4) Anderson DJ, et al., ICHE, 2018;39