91°µÍøºÚÁÏ

Managing an enhanced disinfection program requires a strategic approach to communication. Cathy Campbell provides three important components of a successful UVC device implementation.

John Scherberger, FAHE, CHESP, provides information on UV disinfection and important factors to consider when evaluating UV technologies.

Major challenges to hand hygiene compliance reported by survey participants included staff not thinking about it (43 percent), being too busy (31 percent), having other patient needs take priority (25 percent) and not having role models (24 percent). This article includes tables that examine these issues in greater detail.

When health care organizations recognize that it takes a combination of approaches to keep their restrooms clean, they can then build upon an effective strategy to maintain restrooms at a service level that not only meets the expectations of users but also helps to protect their health.

Environmental services in hospitals and health care facilities fight to control the spread of pathogens and improve patient outcomes.

John Scherberger, BS, FAHE, CHESP, REH provides an overview of the Fellow of the 91°µÍøºÚÁÏ(FAHE) program.

Scott Thornton answers questions about the Certified Health Care Environmental Services Technician Train-the-trainer program.

An overview of five significant changes in health care.

While chemical or biological incidents might not be among the top three hazards identified by hospitals in their emergency preparedness plans, environmental services professionals should be aware of the special preparation needed for chemical or biological events.

Patrick Covington answers questions about the Certified Health Care Environmental Services Technician Train-the-trainer program.

The 2016 91°µÍøºÚÁÏBoard of Directors introduce themselves by answering a few questions.

Kent L. Miller answers questions about the Certified Health Care Environmental Services Train-the-trainer program.

Joe Tye explains a number of important steps to eradicate toxic emotional negativity and promote a more positive and productive culture of ownership.

In April 2016, new guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America and Society for Health Epidemiology of America were released. Recommendations for effective antibiotic stewardship programs include preauthorization and prospective review of antibiotics, physician and pharmacist leadership and program design that focuses on the specific problems and resources of the healthcare facility.

The Association for the Healthcare Environment’s diverse membership includes environmental services professionals from many different backgrounds, including international members. Here, we feature three perspectives on the global scope of environmental services and what 91°µÍøºÚÁÏhas to offer for members in any country.

In 2013, the FDA issued a Safety Communication warning that damaged mattress covers pose a risk of cross-contamination and patient infection, and recommended regular inspections of patient mattresses for any visible signs of damage such as tears, cuts, punctures, abrasions or staining. Despite this warning, there may be reasons why damaged mattresses continue to circulate in healthcare facilities.

An overview of three main areas of development where manufacturers and distributors of health care linens are concentrating their efforts. These were all identified as important factors in addressing the needs of the aging population, and work is being done throughout the industry to strive to address these developing needs.

We asked Terri Nelson, RN, MA, value analysis manager with Mayo Clinic, a few questions about selecting the best health care textile products.

Gail Fraine, RN, MMHC, BSN, CIC shares tips on minimizing risk and increasing safety when it comes to preventing disease transmission.

Visiting a potential health care laundry is a must and should include relevant representatives from environmental services and infection prevention. During the visit, focus the evaluation on the Three Ps: the plant, the personnel, and the process.