Contributed Column by
Dr. Rodney E. Rohde – Why Every Facility Should Care About Infection Prevention

We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Rodney E. Rohde as a guest columnist in EvaClean Insights. Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, SV, SM, MB (ASCP), FACSc is a University Distinguished and Regents’ Professor and Chair of the Medical Laboratory Science Program at Texas State University. Dr. Rohde is a certified specialist in virology, microbiology, and molecular biology. As a published author and highly regarded speaker, he is recognized as a global subject matter expert on COVID-19, infection prevention, and other important health topics.

In today’s world, the risk of infectious diseases is ever-present. From offices to schools, every facility must prioritize infection prevention to safeguard the health of individuals and communities. Lessons learned from the recent pandemic underscore the importance of proactive planning, comprehensive, and multimodal strategies. Here, we explore practical, sustainable actions organizations can take to prevent the spread of infections in a facility.

Risk Assessment: Building Preparedness

The most successful infection prevention starts with proactive preparation before a crisis. Facilities must conduct regular risk assessments to evaluate potential gaps in protection against contagious challenges, such as influenza, MRSA, or emerging pathogens such as Candida auris. Keep in mind viruses can be transmitted through the air and on surfaces. Assessments should not only identify hazards but include recommendations for enhanced hygiene as well as more effective and safe cleaning chemicals and equipment.

Surface Cleaners/Disinfectants: Keeping Surfaces Safe

Clean hands alone cannot prevent infections if they touch contaminated surfaces. Surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected regularly with a product that has broad spectrum efficacy against bacteria, viruses, fungi, emerging pathogens, and biofilm, but is also safe to use around people, children, and pets.

Standardized Processes: Ensuring Consistency

It is critical to standardize cleaning practices so they can be easily replicated day in and day out. Reproducibility of the correct cleaning processes is key to effective infection prevention. All facilities should standardize protocols so there is never any question over what to do.

• Define proper cleaning materials and correct application methods
• Identify the highest-risk areas and objects
• Establish regular cleaning routines and frequency
• Focus on cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
• Minimize recontamination with single use wipes and cleaning high to low, cleanest to dirtiest
• Reduce respiratory risks by circulating fresh or purified air
• Increase cleaning frequency in the event of an outbreak
• Address surface biofilms using biosensor technology and appropriate disinfectant

Embrace New Technologies: Continuous Improvement

Never settle for the status quo. Regularly test and analyze new cleaning products and technologies in collaboration with manufacturers to stay ahead of emerging threats. For example, a recent advancement that has been clinically validated is Electrostatic Sprayers, which apply disinfectant electrostatically for faster and more comprehensive coverage.

Compliance Monitoring: Accountability Matters

Much like hospitals, non-healthcare and community facilities should consider adopting programs to monitor hand hygiene, PPE, and cleaning compliance to help protect staff and occupants. Implementing compliance practices ensures policies are actively followed.

Checklist: Preventative Measures

Create a comprehensive checklist to review current infectious disease control procedures and adjust when necessary to enhance protection. Regular reviews of prevention practices ensure adaptability to new challenges and help maintain a healthy and resilient workforce and community.

Public Awareness: Peace of Mind

It is important for facilities to inform the public that the building is safe. Posting signs in common areas helps reassure visitors and staff that infection prevention has been made a priority.

Keeping facilities clean can effectively reduce potential risks in any environment. Preventing infections requires a multifaceted approach that combines proactive planning, standardized protocols, and the integration of emerging technologies. By prioritizing infection prevention at every level, from risk assessment to compliance monitoring and embracing continuous improvement, organizations can create safer environments for everyone.