A study has found that cleaning shared medical equipment once a day with even a simple disinfectant wipe could significantly reduce hospital-acquired infections and potentially save lives.
The CLEEN study, a randomised control trial led by Professor Brett Mitchell from Avondale University, introduced an intervention of additional cleaning, education on techniques, and cleanliness audits in a New South Wales hospital. The results, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, showed a remarkable 35% reduction in all healthcare-associated infections.
“We identified relatively low levels of cleaning thoroughness during the control phase,” the researchers noted, highlighting a critical gap in routine hospital hygiene practices.
The study’s innovative approach involved dedicated cleaners spending three extra hours daily cleaning shared equipment like commodes and drip stands. Using a fluorescent marker gel to measure cleanliness, the team found that thorough cleaning increased from 25% to 65% post-intervention.
Professor Philip Russo, director of research at Monash Nursing and Midwifery and co-chief investigator, emphasised the significance of these findings: “Infection prevention relies on multiple interventions, not just one. We now have strong evidence that cleaning can save lives.”
With an estimated 165,000 infections occurring in Australian hospitals annually, the implications of this study are far-reaching. Professor Mitchell stressed, “A proportion of these would have had major complications resulting from their infection, including death.”
Dr Kate Browne, trial coordinator from Avondale University, underscored the importance of such research: “Robust, evidence-based trials are the foundation of modern medicine. The data generated helps inform clinical policies and guidelines that ultimately improve the quality of patient care.”
This study provides compelling evidence for hospitals to reassess and potentially increase their cleaning protocols, potentially leading to significant improvements in patient outcomes and reduction in healthcare costs.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
